VERB/TENSE SYSTEM

THE PRESENT PROGRESSIVE/ CONTINUOUS TENSE

• The present continuous tense is made up of :am/is/are + verb + ‘-ing’.

Usage Examples

To refer to an action is going on at the time when the speaker is speaking.

-Mother is cooking now. (now)-Grandfather is watching TV. (now)

To refer to an action in progress over a long period of time, even though the action may not be taking place at the moment of speaking or writing.

-David is attending the University of California.-I’m studying in UPM.- She is writing her first novel.

Usage Examples

To refer to a planned future action, especially in the near future.

-Next week he is giving his first demonstration.-We are going to Melaka tomorrow.-My brother is getting married on Saturday.

To refer to the beginning, progression, or end of action in the present time

-It is beginning to get hot. (beginning)-It is raining. (progression)-My writing is getting worse. (end of action)

To refer to an action that is repeated over and over again.

-The boy is kicking the football. -The children are clapping their hands.

Usage Examples

The ‘going to’ form is made up of ‘going to’ + bare infinitive. It is used for the following:

• To refer to something that is sure to take place at some time in the future.

•To refer to a future action/ event that has already been planned.

-It is going to rain at any moment.-We are going to have a test tomorrow.

-They are going to visit their grandmother on Sunday. -Farid is going to get married soon.

THE PRESENT PERFECT TENSE

• The present perfect tense is made up of: 1. Has/Have + past participle (active form)

Many tourists have visited that castle.

2. Has/Have + been + past participle (passive form).

That castle has been visited by many tourists.

Usage Examples

To refer to an action that started in the past and still going on to the present moment/moment of speaking.

-Ivy has known Eric for many years.-We have lived in this house since 1998.- Since my arrival here six years ago, I can say I have been pleasantly surprised.

To refer to a recently/ newly completed action.

-I have just completed my homework. -The president has signed the bill into law. -My neighbors have sold their car.

To refer to an action that occurred in the past has the capability of happening again.

-I have had three headaches today. -There have been six hijackings this week.

To refer to an action that occurred at an unspecified or unknown time in the past.

-I have been to China many times.-The birds have flown away.

THE FUTURE CONTINUOUS TENSE• The future continuous tense is made up of: shall/will + be + verb + ‘ing’.

Usage Examples

To refer to an action that will be taking place at a particular time in the future.

-We will be going camping this weekend.-He will be training daily from next week.-Jason will be leaving for London next year.

To enquire about something politely. -Will you be attending Ms Lee’s wedding?-Will your grandparents be visiting you in the near future?

To refer to an indefinite future action or event.

-We will be moving house soon. -Will your neighbours be buying your house?

FUTURE PERFECT TENSE• Refers to a completed action, the effect of which is

seen even after it is completed. This tense is used to express an action that is not completed now, but will already be completed at some point of time in the future.

Examples: 1. By the time I see you next year, I will have graduated. 2. I will have finished my homework by the time I go out on a date tonight. 3. I shall have finished reading this book by Saturday. 4. By the time his friends come, Tom will have left the house. 5. At the end of the holiday, they will have become very exhausted.

The Form of the Tenses• Present Progressive/Continuous

Positive Sentences

subject + be verb + verb + -ingHe is reading a novel.

Negative Sentences

subject + be verb + not + verb + -ingHe is not watching the movie.

Questions

be verb + subject + verb + -ingIs she cleaning the house?

• Present Perfect Tense

Positive Sentences

subject + have/has + past participleI have taken my lunch.

Negative Sentences

subject + have/has + not + past participleHe has not lived here for many years.

Questions

Have/has + subject + past particpleHave you learned English for a long time?

• Future Continuous/ProgressivePositive Sentences

subject + will + be + verb + -ing

The children will be starting school next week.Negative Sentences

subject + will + not + be + verb + -ingMy sister will not be going to Paris this summer.

QuestionsWill + subject + be + verb + -ingWill you be singing at the wedding tonight?

• Future Perfect Tense Positive Sentences

subject + will + have + past participle She will have taken all her exams by Saturday.

Negative Sentences subject + will + not + have + past participleI will not have moved to my new house by next week.

Questions

Will + subject + have + past participleWill I have worked long enough to get a bonus check?