Present Progressive
Present Simple
TIME EXPRESSIONS
now, at present, at the moment, today, these days
this week / year, etc.
next week / year, etc.
tonight, tomorrow, etc.
Present Perfect Simple
The Present Perfect Simple is used:
• for actions which happened in the past, but the exact
time is not mentioned.
I’ve already done that.
• for actions which started in the past and continue up to
the present (emphasis on the action).
Majed has had this car since September.
• for actions that happened in the past and finished, but
the results are obvious in the present.
Tim has washed his car. (it’s clean)
• for recently completed actions.
We have just finished dinner.
• with adjectives in the superlative form and expressions
like the only/ first/ second…etc.
It’s the first time I’ve received an e-mail from Jake.
TIME EXPRESSIONS
- Adverbs of frequency: always / usually / often /
sometimes / occasionally / rarely / seldom / hardly ever
/ never/ constantly.
They are usually positioned:
• before the main verb.
Richard never comes to work late.
• after the verb be.
He is often away at the weekends.
- every day/week, etc.
- in the morning/spring, etc.
- at the weekend
- once/twice/three times, etc. a week/day, etc.
- on Mondays/Monday morning, etc.
TIME EXPRESSIONS
just, yet, already, ever, never, before, always, how long,
for, since, recently, lately, once, twice, so far, etc.
• We use the Past Simple for actions that were completed
in the past and the exact time is mentioned.
Present Perfect Simple: I have tasted Mexican food.
Past Simple: I tasted Mexican food last night.
• We use for and since for actions that started in the
past and continue up to the present.
for + a period of time
I’ve had this car for 5 years.
since + a point in time
I’ve had this car since 2004.
Present Perfect Simple + since + Past Simple
Eddie has changed jobs three times since he came to Luton.
• have been to = have visited and come back
have gone to = have not returned yet
I’ve been to the library twice this week.
John isn’t here; he’s gone to the library.
NOTE
Stative verbs
110
Conditional Sentences
Conditional Sentences are used:
• to talk about unreal or imaginary situations in the past.
If I had won the race, they would have given me a medal.
• to express regret.
If I hadn’t gone to bed so late last night, I would have
woken up on time this morning.
• to criticise somebody/something.
If you had completed your degree, you might have found
a better job.
if-clause Main clause
If + Past Perfect
would/could/might + have +
past participle
The Present Perfect Progressive is used:
• to emphasise the duration of a state or action which
started in the past and continues up to the present.
I’ve been learning English for 6 years.
• for actions which happened over a period of time in the
past and may have finished, but the results are obvious in
the present.
We’ve been walking around all day. That’s why we’re so tired.
• to show annoyance resulting from a recent action.
Who has been wearing my jacket?
• We use the Present Perfect Simple to emphasise
the result of an action. We use the Present Perfect
Progressive to emphasise the duration of an action.
I’ve called him three times this morning.
I’ve been calling him since 9 o’clock.
NOTE
TIME EXPRESSIONS
for, since, how long, all day/week, etc.
Present Perfect Progressive
Can - could - was/were able to
Ability
Modal verbs Use Examples
Can
Be able to
Ability in the present or
future.
Can is more commonly
used for the present.
Can you play
tennis?
Nawaf will be
able to play
tennis after he
has had some
lessons.
Could
Was/were
able to
Could expresses general
ability in the past.
Was/were able to
express ability in a
particular situation in
the past.
• Both can be used in
negative sentences
with no difference in
meaning.
• If the action was very
difficult, we can use
managed to instead
of was/were able to.
He could swim
at the age of
five.
George could
swim, so he
was able to save
the boy from
drowning.
He had a
terrible accident
but managed to
survive.
Zero Conditional
The Zero Conditional is used to talk about general truths,
facts and habitual results in the present.
If/When you press the button, the machine starts.
When he can, he helps.
if-clause Main clause
If/When + Present Simple Present Simple
Conditional Sentences
Conditional Sentences Type 1
We use Conditional Sentences Type 1 for something
which is likely to happen in the present or future.
if-clause Main clause
If + Present Simple
Future will
Modal Verbs (can, may, might,
must, should) + base form
Imperative
Conditional Sentences Type 2
We use Conditional Sentences Type 2 for unreal or
imaginary situations which are unlikely to happen in the
present or the future.
If I see James, I’ll give him his book back.
If you borrow my laptop, you must promise to take care of it.
If you go to the supermarket, buy some milk.
if-clause Main clause
If + Past Simple would/could + base form
If I won the competition, I would be the happiest person
in the world.
You could lose some weight if you went on a diet.
• In Conditional Sentences Type 2 were is often used
instead of was in the if-clause.
If I were rich, I would live in a luxurious house.
• We use If I were you to express an opinion or to give
advice.
If I were you, I wouldn’t buy it.
• Unless can be used instead of if… not... in all
conditional sentences.
I won’t buy this car unless you agree (= if you don’t
agree).
• Instead of if, we can use as long as, provided/
providing (that), suppose/supposing and on
condition (that).
You can borrow my camera as long as you promise to
handle it with care.
• If there is a slight possibility of something
happening, we can use should.
If you should have any problem, give me a call.
NOTE
• Perfect and future tenses are formed only with be able to.
Nick hasn’t been able to find a job yet.
I think Salim will be able to pick you up from the airport.
NOTE
111
Comparisons
The comparative form
• of one-syllable adjectives and adverbs and of
two-syllable adjectives ending in -y is formed by adding
-er. (In adjectives ending in -y, the -y changes to -i, while
those ending in -e take only -r.)
tall-taller, near-nearer happy-happier, late-later
• of most adjectives and adverbs with two or more syllables
is formed with more.
beautiful - more beautiful slowly - more slowly
• of adjectives or adverbs is followed by than when we
compare two people, animals, things, ideas or situations.
Peter is taller than James.
Living with your family can be easier than living on your own.
The superlative form
• of one-syllable adjectives and adverbs and of two-syllable
adjectives ending in -y is formed by adding -est.
(In adjectives ending in -y, the -y changes to -i, while
those ending in -e take only -st.)
tall-tallest near-nearest
happy-happiest late-latest
• of most adjectives and adverbs with two or more syllables
is formed with most.
beautiful - most beautiful
slowly - most slowly
• of adjectives or adverbs is used with the…(of/in) when we
compare one person, animal, thing, idea or situation with
several of the same kind.
That’s the most ridiculous idea I’ve ever heard.
Peter is the tallest boy in his class.
Irregular forms
Positive Comparative Superlative
good/well
bad/badly
much/many
little
far
better
worse
more
less
farther/further*
best
worst
most
least
farthest/furthest*
• Some two-syllable adjectives form comparative and
superlative forms in both ways.
clever - cleverer / more clever -
cleverest / most clever
common - commoner / more common
commonest / most common
narrow - narrower / more narrow -
narrowest / most narrow
simple - simpler / more simple -
simplest / most simple
• Comparatives can be graded by using the words far,
much, rather, a lot, a little, a bit, slightly.
This car is much more expensive than the one I bought.
The house we live in now is slightly bigger than the one we
lived in before.
NOTE
Other forms of comparison
• as + adjective/adverb + as (to show similarity)
She’s as tall as her sister.
• not so/as + adjective/adverb + as (to show difference)
It isn’t so/as far as we thought.
• less/least (to show inferiority)
The museum we visited yesterday was less interesting than
the one we visited last week.
• the + comparative, the + comparative (to describe two
actions or situations, the second of which comes as a result of
the first)
The more you study, the better you’ll do in the test.
• comparative + and + comparative (to indicate continual
increase or decrease)
The car was going faster and faster.
* Farther/Farthest are used only for distance. Further/
Furthest are used for distance but they also mean more/
most.
The Past Progressive is used:
• to describe an action in progress at a certain time in the
past.
‘What were you doing at 10 o’clock last night?’
‘I was having a shower.’
• to describe actions that were happening at the same
time in the past (usually with while or as).
While Lynn was cooking, her husband was sleeping.
• to describe background scenes to a story.
There were a lot of people at the station. Some were
talking on their mobiles, others were sleeping and a few
were walking up and down.
• to describe temporary past states or actions.
My grandfather was writing his autobiography in those
days.
• to describe repetitive or annoying actions (with the
adverbs of frequency always, continually, etc.).
My brother was always taking my toys when we were
young.
• to describe an action in progress in the past that was
interrupted by another action.
While I was driving, I saw a briefcase in the street.
• to describe unfulfilled hopes and expectations.
He was hoping to be accepted.
Present Simple
TIME EXPRESSIONS
now, at present, at the moment, today, these days
this week / year, etc.
next week / year, etc.
tonight, tomorrow, etc.
Present Perfect Simple
The Present Perfect Simple is used:
• for actions which happened in the past, but the exact
time is not mentioned.
I’ve already done that.
• for actions which started in the past and continue up to
the present (emphasis on the action).
Majed has had this car since September.
• for actions that happened in the past and finished, but
the results are obvious in the present.
Tim has washed his car. (it’s clean)
• for recently completed actions.
We have just finished dinner.
• with adjectives in the superlative form and expressions
like the only/ first/ second…etc.
It’s the first time I’ve received an e-mail from Jake.
TIME EXPRESSIONS
- Adverbs of frequency: always / usually / often /
sometimes / occasionally / rarely / seldom / hardly ever
/ never/ constantly.
They are usually positioned:
• before the main verb.
Richard never comes to work late.
• after the verb be.
He is often away at the weekends.
- every day/week, etc.
- in the morning/spring, etc.
- at the weekend
- once/twice/three times, etc. a week/day, etc.
- on Mondays/Monday morning, etc.
TIME EXPRESSIONS
just, yet, already, ever, never, before, always, how long,
for, since, recently, lately, once, twice, so far, etc.
• We use the Past Simple for actions that were completed
in the past and the exact time is mentioned.
Present Perfect Simple: I have tasted Mexican food.
Past Simple: I tasted Mexican food last night.
• We use for and since for actions that started in the
past and continue up to the present.
for + a period of time
I’ve had this car for 5 years.
since + a point in time
I’ve had this car since 2004.
Present Perfect Simple + since + Past Simple
Eddie has changed jobs three times since he came to Luton.
• have been to = have visited and come back
have gone to = have not returned yet
I’ve been to the library twice this week.
John isn’t here; he’s gone to the library.
NOTE
Stative verbs
110
Conditional Sentences
Conditional Sentences are used:
• to talk about unreal or imaginary situations in the past.
If I had won the race, they would have given me a medal.
• to express regret.
If I hadn’t gone to bed so late last night, I would have
woken up on time this morning.
• to criticise somebody/something.
If you had completed your degree, you might have found
a better job.
if-clause Main clause
If + Past Perfect
would/could/might + have +
past participle
The Present Perfect Progressive is used:
• to emphasise the duration of a state or action which
started in the past and continues up to the present.
I’ve been learning English for 6 years.
• for actions which happened over a period of time in the
past and may have finished, but the results are obvious in
the present.
We’ve been walking around all day. That’s why we’re so tired.
• to show annoyance resulting from a recent action.
Who has been wearing my jacket?
• We use the Present Perfect Simple to emphasise
the result of an action. We use the Present Perfect
Progressive to emphasise the duration of an action.
I’ve called him three times this morning.
I’ve been calling him since 9 o’clock.
NOTE
TIME EXPRESSIONS
for, since, how long, all day/week, etc.
Present Perfect Progressive
Can - could - was/were able to
Ability
Modal verbs Use Examples
Can
Be able to
Ability in the present or
future.
Can is more commonly
used for the present.
Can you play
tennis?
Nawaf will be
able to play
tennis after he
has had some
lessons.
Could
Was/were
able to
Could expresses general
ability in the past.
Was/were able to
express ability in a
particular situation in
the past.
• Both can be used in
negative sentences
with no difference in
meaning.
• If the action was very
difficult, we can use
managed to instead
of was/were able to.
He could swim
at the age of
five.
George could
swim, so he
was able to save
the boy from
drowning.
He had a
terrible accident
but managed to
survive.
Zero Conditional
The Zero Conditional is used to talk about general truths,
facts and habitual results in the present.
If/When you press the button, the machine starts.
When he can, he helps.
if-clause Main clause
If/When + Present Simple Present Simple
Conditional Sentences
Conditional Sentences Type 1
We use Conditional Sentences Type 1 for something
which is likely to happen in the present or future.
if-clause Main clause
If + Present Simple
Future will
Modal Verbs (can, may, might,
must, should) + base form
Imperative
Conditional Sentences Type 2
We use Conditional Sentences Type 2 for unreal or
imaginary situations which are unlikely to happen in the
present or the future.
If I see James, I’ll give him his book back.
If you borrow my laptop, you must promise to take care of it.
If you go to the supermarket, buy some milk.
if-clause Main clause
If + Past Simple would/could + base form
If I won the competition, I would be the happiest person
in the world.
You could lose some weight if you went on a diet.
• In Conditional Sentences Type 2 were is often used
instead of was in the if-clause.
If I were rich, I would live in a luxurious house.
• We use If I were you to express an opinion or to give
advice.
If I were you, I wouldn’t buy it.
• Unless can be used instead of if… not... in all
conditional sentences.
I won’t buy this car unless you agree (= if you don’t
agree).
• Instead of if, we can use as long as, provided/
providing (that), suppose/supposing and on
condition (that).
You can borrow my camera as long as you promise to
handle it with care.
• If there is a slight possibility of something
happening, we can use should.
If you should have any problem, give me a call.
NOTE
• Perfect and future tenses are formed only with be able to.
Nick hasn’t been able to find a job yet.
I think Salim will be able to pick you up from the airport.
NOTE
111
Comparisons
The comparative form
• of one-syllable adjectives and adverbs and of
two-syllable adjectives ending in -y is formed by adding
-er. (In adjectives ending in -y, the -y changes to -i, while
those ending in -e take only -r.)
tall-taller, near-nearer happy-happier, late-later
• of most adjectives and adverbs with two or more syllables
is formed with more.
beautiful - more beautiful slowly - more slowly
• of adjectives or adverbs is followed by than when we
compare two people, animals, things, ideas or situations.
Peter is taller than James.
Living with your family can be easier than living on your own.
The superlative form
• of one-syllable adjectives and adverbs and of two-syllable
adjectives ending in -y is formed by adding -est.
(In adjectives ending in -y, the -y changes to -i, while
those ending in -e take only -st.)
tall-tallest near-nearest
happy-happiest late-latest
• of most adjectives and adverbs with two or more syllables
is formed with most.
beautiful - most beautiful
slowly - most slowly
• of adjectives or adverbs is used with the…(of/in) when we
compare one person, animal, thing, idea or situation with
several of the same kind.
That’s the most ridiculous idea I’ve ever heard.
Peter is the tallest boy in his class.
Irregular forms
Positive Comparative Superlative
good/well
bad/badly
much/many
little
far
better
worse
more
less
farther/further*
best
worst
most
least
farthest/furthest*
• Some two-syllable adjectives form comparative and
superlative forms in both ways.
clever - cleverer / more clever -
cleverest / most clever
common - commoner / more common
commonest / most common
narrow - narrower / more narrow -
narrowest / most narrow
simple - simpler / more simple -
simplest / most simple
• Comparatives can be graded by using the words far,
much, rather, a lot, a little, a bit, slightly.
This car is much more expensive than the one I bought.
The house we live in now is slightly bigger than the one we
lived in before.
NOTE
Other forms of comparison
• as + adjective/adverb + as (to show similarity)
She’s as tall as her sister.
• not so/as + adjective/adverb + as (to show difference)
It isn’t so/as far as we thought.
• less/least (to show inferiority)
The museum we visited yesterday was less interesting than
the one we visited last week.
• the + comparative, the + comparative (to describe two
actions or situations, the second of which comes as a result of
the first)
The more you study, the better you’ll do in the test.
• comparative + and + comparative (to indicate continual
increase or decrease)
The car was going faster and faster.
* Farther/Farthest are used only for distance. Further/
Furthest are used for distance but they also mean more/
most.
The Past Progressive is used:
• to describe an action in progress at a certain time in the
past.
‘What were you doing at 10 o’clock last night?’
‘I was having a shower.’
• to describe actions that were happening at the same
time in the past (usually with while or as).
While Lynn was cooking, her husband was sleeping.
• to describe background scenes to a story.
There were a lot of people at the station. Some were
talking on their mobiles, others were sleeping and a few
were walking up and down.
• to describe temporary past states or actions.
My grandfather was writing his autobiography in those
days.
• to describe repetitive or annoying actions (with the
adverbs of frequency always, continually, etc.).
My brother was always taking my toys when we were
young.
• to describe an action in progress in the past that was
interrupted by another action.
While I was driving, I saw a briefcase in the street.
• to describe unfulfilled hopes and expectations.
He was hoping to be accepted.
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