Time Tense Made Easy to

Understand and Use.

Extra included at the ear of the book. Dictionary of confusing English words

and their meanings.

Introduction.

Teaching or student Self-Study Book.

Time tense and how to use it correctly? Every student studying English and all

native English speakers know the importance of using time tense correctly. This

book will ensure that you will be able to confidently use time

tenses in their correct language format. Through this

book you can as a teacher accurately, clearly and easily

teach time tense to students. As a teacher or student

studying English you can "self-study" this book to gain full knowledge and ability

for correct English language time tense usage.

Author.

Richard Haberkost.

1

Types of Verbs

Note for students =

When you see this sentence = Student! Write your own example sentence This means you can practice writing a sentence to check your understanding.

It is very important to understand that NOT all English verbs are the

same. English verbs are divided into a total of three groups as will

become more clearly understandable as you study this book:

Group I Continuous Verbs

The first group, called "Continuous Verbs", contains most English verbs. These

verbs are usually physical actions which you can see somebody doing. These verbs can be used in all tenses.

Continuous Verbs

to run, to walk, to eat, to fly, to go, to say, to touch, etc.

Examples:

I eat breakfast every day. Correct Student! Write your own example sentence.. I am eating breakfast now. Correct Student! Write your own example sentence..

Group II Non-continuous Verbs

The second group, called "Non-continuous Verbs", and is smaller. These verbs

are usually things you cannot see somebody doing. These verbs are rarely used

in "continuous" tenses. They include:

Abstract Verbs

to be, to want, to cost, to seem, to need, to care, to contain, to owe, to exist...

Possession Verbs

to possess, to own, to belong...

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Emotion Verbs

to like, to love, to hate, to dislike, to fear, to envy, to mind...

Examples: (Continued)

Syd is here now. Correct Student! Write your own example sentence..

Syd is being here now. Not Correct

She wants a drink now. Correct Student! Write your own example sentence..

She is wanting a drink now. Not Correct

Group III Mixed Verbs

The third group, called "Mixed Verbs", is the smallest group. These verbs have

more than one meaning. Some meanings behave like "Non-continuous Verbs",

while other meanings behave like "Continuous Verbs."

Mixed Verbs

to have, to appear, to see, to hear, to feel, to weigh, to look ...

List of Mixed Verbs with Examples and Definitions:

to appear: Richard appears confused. Non-continuous Verb

(Richard seems confused.) Student! Write your own example sentence.. My favorite musician is appearing at the music concert tonight. Continuous Verb Student! Write your own example sentence..

(My favorite singer is giving a performance at the jazz club tonight.) Student! Write your own example sentence..

to have: I have a car now. Non-continuous Verb

(I possess a car.) Student! Write your own example sentence..

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I am having fun now. Continuous Verb

(I am experiencing fun now.) Student! Write your own example sentence..

to hear:

Derek hears the noise. Non-continuous Verb

(He hears the noise with his ears.) Student! Write your own example sentence.. Derek is hearing unknown voices. Continuous Verb

(To hear something others cannot hear. He is hearing unknown voices in his mind.) Student! Write your own example sentence..

to miss:

Robert misses his mother. Non-continuous Verb

(He is sad because she is not there.) Student! Write your own example sentence.. Richard is missing his favorite TV program. Continuous Verb

(He is not there to see his favorite program.) Student! Write your own example sentence..

to see:

I see her. Non-continuous Verb

(I see her with my eyes. NOW = present) Student! Write your own example sentence.. I am seeing the doctor. Continuous Verb

(To visit or consult with a doctor) Student! Write your own example sentence.. I am seeing him. Continuous Verb (I am having a relationship with him.) Student! Write your own example sentence.. Derek is seeing ghosts at night. Continuous Verb

(To see something others cannot see. For example ghosts.) Student! Write your own example sentence..

to smell:

The soup smells good. Non-continuous Verb

(The soup has a good smell.)

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Student! Write your own example sentence..

I am cleaning the car. Continuous Verb

(The cleaning action is ongoing now.) Student! Write your own example sentence..

to taste:

The soup tastes good. Non-continuous Verb

(The soup has a good taste.) Student! Write your own example sentence..

I am tasting the ice cream. Continuous Verb

(The tasting action is happening now.) Student! Write your own example sentence

to think:

He thinks the exam is easy. Non-continuous Verb

(He considers the exam to be easy.) Student! Write your own example sentence..

She is thinking about the question. Continuous Verb

(She is considering the question, going over it in her mind.)Student! Write your own example sentence

Student note = From this page in this book, choose when you feel you need to write a practice sentence to confirm your understanding.

to weigh:

The car weighs a lot. Non-continuous Verb

(The car has a great weight.)

She is weighing herself. Continuous Verb

(She is confirming how much she weighs.)

Some Verbs Can Be Especially Confusing:

to be:

Richard is British. Non-continuous Verb

(Richard is a British citizen.)

Richard is being very British. Continuous Verb

(Joe is behaving like a typical British person.)

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Richard is being very friendly. Continuous Verb

(Richard is behaving very friendly. Usually he might not be so very friendly.)

Richard is being very formal. Continuous Verb

(Richard is behaving very formally. Usually he is not formal.)

NOTICE: Only rarely is "to be" used in a continuous form. This is most commonly

done when a person is temporarily behaving badly or typically. It can also be used when someone's behavior is noticeably different.

to feel:

The massage feels great. Non-continuous Verb

(The massage has a pleasing feeling.)

I don't feel well (healthy) today. Continuous or Non-continuous Verb I am not feeling well today.

(I am a sick (unhealthy) today.)

NOTICE: Feel is very flexible and there is no difference in meaning in the two

sentences shown above.)

Simple Past

FORM Simple Past

[VERB+ed]

EXAMPLES:

I visited my parents.

I often visited my parents.

NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with only one part such as Simple Past (visited), adverbs usually come before the verb (often visited). Please remember this is different from verbs with more than one part such as Present Continuous.

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USE 1 Completed Action in the Past

Use the Simple Past to express the idea that an action started and finished at a

specific time in the past. Sometimes the speaker may not actually mention the specific time, but they do have one specific time in mind.

EXAMPLES:

I saw an art exhibition yesterday.

I didn't see an art exhibition yesterday.

Last year, I traveled to Hamburg.

Last year, I didn't travel to Hamburg.

Jessica washed her car.

Jessica didn't wash her car.

USE 2 A Series of Completed Actions

We use the Simple Past to list a series of completed actions in the past. These actions happen 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th...

EXAMPLES:

I finished work, walked to the beach, and found a nice place to swim.

He arrived from the airport at 8:00, checked into the hotel at 9:00, and met the others at 10:00.

USE 3 Single Duration

The Simple Past can be used with a duration which starts and stops in the past.

A duration is a long action often used with expressions like "for two years," "for

five minutes," "all day" or "all year."

EXAMPLES:

I lived in Germany for two years.

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Syd studied German for five years.

They sat on the beach all day.

We talked on the phone for fifty minutes.

How long did you wait for them? We waited for three hours.

USE 4 Habit in the Past

The Simple Past can also be used to describe a habit which stopped in the past. It can have the same meaning as "used to". To make it clear that we are talking

about a habit we often use expressions such as "always," "often," "usually,"

"never," "...when I was a child" or "...when I was younger" in the sentence.

EXAMPLES:

I studied German when I was a child.

He played the piano.

She worked at the restaurant after school.

They never went to school, they always avoided going to school classes =.

(Skipped, play truant.)

IMPORTANT = ( When clauses ) happen first

Clauses are groups of words which have meaning but are not complete

sentences. Some clauses begin with the word when such as "When I dropped my pen..." or "When class began..." These clauses are called "when clauses"

and they are very important. The examples below contain "when clauses."

EXAMPLES:

When I paid her ten pounds, she answered my question.

She answered my question, when I paid her ten pounds.

"When clauses" are important because they always happen first when both clauses are in the Simple Past. Both of the examples above mean the same

thing. First, I paid her ten pounds, and then, she answered my question.

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However, the example below has a different meaning. First, she answered my

question, and then, I paid her ten pounds.

EXAMPLE:

I paid her ten pounds, when she answered my question.

ACTIVE / PASSIVE = Simple Past

EXAMPLES:

Father repaired the car. ACTIVE

The car was repaired by Father. PASSIVE

Past Perfect

FORM Past Perfect

[HAD] + [PAST PARTICIPLE]

Examples:

I had studied a little English when I came to England.

They had never met an English man until they met Richard.

NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as Past

Perfect (had met), adverbs often come between the first part and the second part (had never met). USE 1 Completed Action Before

Something in Past

The Past Perfect expresses the idea that something occurred before another action in the past. It can also show that something happened before a specific time in the past.

EXAMPLES:

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I had never seen such a beautiful beach before I went to Spain.

Had you ever visited England? before your trip in 2008?

Yes, I had been to England. once before in 2006.

USE 2 Duration Before Something in the

Past (Non-continuous Verbs)

With Non-progressive Verbs and some non-progressive uses of Mixed Verbs, we use the Past Perfect to show that something started in the past and continued up until another action in the past.

EXAMPLES:

We had had that truck for ten years before it broke down.

By the time Syd finished his studies, he had been in London for over five years.

IMPORTANT Specific Times with the Past Perfect

Unlike the Present Perfect, it is possible to use specific time words or phrases with the Past Perfect. Although this is possible, it is usually not necessary.

EXAMPLE: he had visited his German relatives once in 2007 before he moved in with them in 2008.

If the Past Perfect action did occur at a specific time, the Simple Past can be used instead of the Past Perfect when before or after is used in the sentence.

The words before and after actually tell you what happens first so the Past

Perfect is optional. Both sentences below are correct.

EXAMPLE:

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He had visited his German relatives once in 2007 before he moved in with them

in 2008. He visited his German relatives once in 2007 before he moved in with them in 2008.

HOWEVER

If the Past Perfect action did not happen at a specific time, Past Perfect MUST be used at all times. Compare the two sentences below.

EXAMPLE:

Dagmar (she) had never seen a Tiger before she moved to India. Correct

Dagmar (she) never saw a Tiger before she moved to India. Not Correct

ACTIVE / PASSIVE FORMS Past Perfect

EXAMPLES

Syd had repaired many cars before he received his car repair mechanics

qualification. ACTIVE

Many cars had been repaired Syd George before he received his car repairs

mechanics qualification. PASSIVE

Past Continuous

FORM Past Continuous

[WAS / WERE] + [VERB+ing]

EXAMPLES:

I was studying when he called.

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I was carefully picking up the snake when it bit me.

NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as Past

Continuous (was picking), adverbs often come between the first part and the second part (was carefully picking).

IMPORTANT

Clauses are groups of words which have meaning but are not complete

sentences. Some clauses begin with the word when such as "...when she called "

or "...when it bit me." Clauses with the Past Continuous usually start with while.

While expresses the idea "during the time." Study the examples below. They have the same meaning.

EXAMPLES:

I was studying when Derek (he) called.

While I was studying, Derek (he) called.

USE 1 Interrupted Action in the Past

Use the Past Continuous to indicate that a longer action in the past was

interrupted. The interruption is usually an action in the Simple Past. Remember this can be a real interruption or just an interruption in time.

EXAMPLES:

I was watching TV when he called.

When the phone rang, he was writing a letter.

While we were having a picnic, it started to rain.

Jane was working when Derek had the car accident.

While Richard was sleeping last night, someone stole his car.

USE 2 Specific Time as an Interruption

In USE 1, described above, the Past Continuous is interrupted by an action in the

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Simple Past. However, you can also use a specific time as an interruption.

EXAMPLES:

Last night at 8 p.m., I was eating dinner.

At midnight, we were still driving through the city.

IMPORTANT

In the Simple Past a specific time is used to show when an action began or

finished. In the Past Continuous a specific time only interrupts the action.

EXAMPLES:

Last night at 8 p.m., I ate dinner.

(I started eating at 8 p.m.)

Last night at 8 p.m., I was eating dinner.

(I started earlier and at 8 p.m. I was in the process of eating dinner.)

USE 3 Parallel Actions

When you use the Past Continuous with two actions in the same sentence, it

expresses the idea that both actions were happening at the same time. The actions are parallel.

EXAMPLES:

I was studying while Jane was making dinner.

While Syd was reading, Nicky was watching television.

They were eating dinner, discussing their plans and having a good time.

USE 4 Atmosphere

In English we often use a series of Parallel Actions to describe atmosphere in the past.

EXAMPLE:

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When I walked into the office, several people were busily typing, some were

talking on their phones, the boss was shouting instructions, and customers were waiting to be helped. One customer was shouting at a secretary and waving his hands. Others were complaining to each other about the bad service. USE 5 Repetition and Irritation with

"Always"

The Past Continuous with words such as always or constantly expresses the

idea that something irritating or shocking often happened in the past. The

concept is very similar to the expression used to but with negative emotion.

Remember to put the words always or constantly between "be" and "verb+ing."

EXAMPLES:

Derek was always coming to class late.

Derek was constantly talking. He annoyed everyone.

I didn't like them because they were always complaining.

IMPORTANT Non-Continuous Verbs/ Mixed Verbs

It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any "continuous" tenses. Also, certain "non-continuous" meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in "continuous" tenses. To express the idea of Past Continuous with these verbs, you must use Simple Past.

EXAMPLES:

Richard was being at my house when you arrived. Not Correct

Richard was at my house when you arrived. Correct

ACTIVE / PASSIVE Past Continuous

EXAMPLES:

The saleswomen was helping the customer when the robber came into the store.

ACTIVE

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The customer was being helped by the saleswomen when the robber came into

the store. PASSIVE

Past Perfect Continuous

FORM Past Perfect Continuous

[HAD BEEN] + [VERB+ing]

EXAMPLES:

I had been waiting there for two hours before they finally arrived.

He had only been studying English for two years before he got the job.

NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as Past Perfect Continuous (had been studying), adverbs often come between the first part and the second part (had only been studying). USE 1 Duration Before Something in the

Past

We use the Past Perfect Continuous to show that something started in the past and continued up until another time in the past. "For five minutes" and "for two weeks" are both durations which can be used with the Past Perfect Continuous.

Notice that this is related to the Present Perfect Continuous; however, the duration does not continue until now.

EXAMPLES:

They had been talking for over an hour before Richard arrived.

He had been working at that company for three years when it went out of business.

Mr. Bush had been teaching at the University for more than a year before he left for Germany.

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USE 2 Cause of Something in the Past

Using the Past Perfect Continuous before another action in the past is a good way to show cause and effect.

EXAMPLES:

Richard was tired because he had been running.

Derek gained weight because he had been overeating.

IMPORTANT

If you do not include a duration such as "for five minutes," "for two weeks" or

"since Friday", many English speakers choose to use the Past Continuous. There is also a difference in meaning. Compare the examples below.

EXAMPLES:

I was reading when my girlfriend returned.

Emphasizes the interruption of "reading."

I had been reading for an hour when my girlfriend returned.

Emphasizes the amount of time "for an hour."

ACTIVE / PASSIVE FORMS Past Perfect Continuous

EXAMPLES:

Chef Richard had been preparing the restaurant's tasty dinners for nine years,

before he moved to Germany. ACTIVE

The restaurant's fantastic dinners had been being prepared by Chef Richard for

nine years before he moved to Germany. PASSIVE

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NOTE: Passive forms of the Past Perfect Continuous are not

common.

Present Continuous

FORM Present Continuous

[AM / IS / ARE] + [VERB+ing]

EXAMPLES:

I am watching TV. I am reading a book.

She is quickly learning the English language.

NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as

Present Continuous (is learning), adverbs often come between the first part and the second part (is quickly learning).

USE 1 Now

Use the Present Continuous with Continuous Verbs to express the idea that

something is happening now, at this very moment. It can also be used to show that something is not happening now.

EXAMPLES:

You are learning English now.

You are not sleeping now.

I am standing.

I am not sitting.

They are reading their books.

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They are not watching television.

What are you doing?

Why aren't you doing your homework?

USE 2 Longer Actions in Progress Now

In English, now can mean "this second," "today," "this month," "this year," "this century" and so on. Sometimes we use the Present Continuous to say that we

are in the process of doing a longer action which is in progress; however, we might not be doing it at this exact second.

EXAMPLES: (All of these sentences can be said while eating dinner in a

restaurant.)

I am studying to become a nurse.

I am not studying to become a dentist.

I am reading the book Atlantis.

I am not reading any books right now.

Are you working on any special projects at work?

Aren't you teaching at the language school now?

USE 3 Near Future

Sometimes, speakers use the Present Continuous to indicate that something will or will not happen in the near future.

EXAMPLES:

I am meeting some friends after work.

I am not going to the club tonight.

Is he visiting his parents next week?

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Isn't Jane coming with us tonight?

USE 4 Repetition and Irritation with

"Always"

The Present Continuous with words such as "always" or "constantly" expresses

the idea that something irritating or shocking often happens. Notice that the

meaning is like Simple Present but with negative emotion. Remember to put the

words "always" or "constantly" between "be" and "verb+ing."

EXAMPLES:

She is always coming to class late.

He is constantly talking. I wish he would shut up.

I don't like them because they are always complaining.

IMPORTANT Non-Continuous Verbs/ Mixed Verbs

It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any "continuous" tenses. Also, certain "non-continuous" meanings for Mixed Verbs

cannot be used in "continuous" tenses. To express the idea of "happening now", you must use Simple Present USE 3.

EXAMPLES:

She is loving Chinese food. Not Correct

She loves Chinese food. Correct

ACTIVE / PASSIVE Present Continuous

EXAMPLES:

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Right now, Richard is writing a time tense book. ACTIVE

Right now, the time tense book is being written by Richard. PASSIVE

Simple Present

FORM Simple Present

EXAMPLE: [ to run]

I run you run he runs she runs it runs we run they run

USE 1 Repeated Actions

Use the Simple Present to express the idea that an action is repeated or usual.

The action can be a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or

something that often happens. It can also be something a person often forgets or usually does not do.

EXAMPLES:

I play table tennis.

She does not play table tennis.

The train leaves every morning at 8 am.

The train does not leave at 9am.

She always forgets her door key.

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He never forgets his wallet.

Every twelve months, the Earth circles the sun.

The sun does not circle the Earth.

USE 2 Facts or Generalizations

The Simple Present can also indicate the speaker believes that a fact was true

before, is true now, and will be true in the future. It is not important if the speaker is correct about the fact. It is also used to make generalizations about people or things.

EXAMPLES:

Cats like milk.

Birds do not like milk.

Shanghai is in China.

Shanghai is not in the United Kingdom.

Windows are made of glass.

Windows are not made of wood.

London is a small city. (It is not important that this fact is untrue.)

USE 3 Now (Non-Continuous Verbs)

Sometimes speakers use the Simple Present to express the idea that an action is

happening or is not happening now. This can only be done with Non-continuous Verbs and certain Mixed Verbs.

EXAMPLES: Now (Non-Continuous Verbs

I am here now.

She is not here now.

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He needs help right now.

He does not need help now.

He has a car.

ACTIVE / PASSIVE Simple Present

EXAMPLES:

Once a week, Syd cleans the car. ACTIVE

Once a week, the car is cleaned by Syd. PASSIVE

Present Perfect

FORM Present Perfect

[HAS / HAVE] + [past participle]

EXAMPLES:

I have seen that picture many times.

I have never seen that picture.

NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as

Present Perfect (have seen), adverbs usually come between the first part and the second part (have never seen).

USE 1 Unspecified Time Before Now

We use the Present Perfect to say that an action happened at an unspecified

time before now. The exact time is not important. You CANNOT use the Present

Perfect with time expressions such as "yesterday," "one year ago," "last week,"

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"when I was a chlid" "when I lived in Germany," "at that moment," "that day" or

"one day." We CAN use the Present Perfect with expressions like "ever," "never,"

"once," "many times," "several times," "before," "so far," "already" and "yet."

EXAMPLES:

I have seen that film (movie) twenty times.

I think I have met her once before.

There have been many earthquakes in Taiwan.

Has there ever been a war in Europe? Yes, there has been a war in Europe.

People have traveled to the moon.

IMPORTANT How do you actually use the Present Perfect?

The concept of "unspecified time" can be very confusing to English learners. It is

best to associate Present Perfect with the following topics:

TOPIC 1 Experience

You can use the Present Perfect to describe your experience. It is like saying,

"I have the experience of..." You can also use this tense to say that you

have never had a certain experience. The Present Perfect is NOT used to describe a specific event.

EXAMPLES: How do you actually use the Present Perfect?

I have been to France. (This sentence means that you have the experience of being to France. Maybe you have been once, or several times.) I have been to France three times.

(You can add the number of times at the end of the sentence.)

I have never been to France.

(This sentence means that you have not had the experience of going to France.)

I think I have seen that movie (film) before.

He has never traveled by train.

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Richard has studied two foreign languages.

Have you ever met him? No, I have not met him.

TOPIC 2 Change Over Time

We often use the Present Perfect to talk about change that has happened over a period of time.

EXAMPLES:

You have grown since the last time I saw you.

The government has become more interested in social care for the elderly.

Japanese has become one of the most popular courses at the university since the foreign language studies program was established.

My English has really improved since I moved to Australia.

TOPIC 3 Accomplishments

We often use the Present Perfect to list the accomplishments of individuals and humanity. You cannot mention a specific time.

EXAMPLES:

Man has walked on the moon.

Our son has learned how to read.

Doctors have cured many deadly diseases. Scientists have split the atom.

TOPIC 4 An uncompleted action you are expecting

we often use the Present Perfect to say that an action which we expected has

not happened. Using the Present Perfect suggests that we are still waiting for the action.

EXAMPLES:

Derek has not finished his homework yet.

Mother hasn't mastered English, but she can communicate.

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Syd has still not arrived.

The rain hasn't stopped.

TOPIC 5 Multiple Actions at Different Times

We also use the Present Perfect to talk about several different actions which

occurred in the past at different times. Present Perfect suggests the process is not complete and more actions are possible.

EXAMPLES:

The army has attacked that city two times.

I have had four quizzes and five tests so far this year.

We have had many major problems while working on this project.

Margaret has talked to several specialists about her problem, but nobody knows why she is sick.

IMPORTANT

when we use the Present Perfect it means that something happened at some

point in our lives before now. Remember, the exact time the action happened is not important.

Sometimes we want to limit the time we are looking in for an experience.

Expressions such as "in the last week," "in the last year," "this week," "this

month," "so far" and "up to now" can be used to narrow the time we are looking in for an experience.

EXAMPLES:

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Have you been to Shanghai in the last year.

I have seen that film (movie) six times in the last month.

They have had three tests in the last week.

She graduated from university less than three years ago. She has worked for two different companies so far.

This week my car has broken down ten times.

NOTICE

"Last year" and "in the last year" are very different in meaning. "Last year" means the year before now. "In the last year" means from 365 days ago until now.

EXAMPLES:

I went to China last year. (I went to China in 2007.)

I have been to China in the last year.

(I have been to China at least once at some point between 365 days ago and

now. We do not know exactly when.)

USE 2 Duration From Past Until Now

(Non-continuous Verbs) With Non-continuous Verbs and some non-continuous uses of Mixed Verbs, we

use the Present Perfect to show that something started in the past and has

continued up until now. "For five minutes," "for two weeks" and "since Tuesday" are all durations which can be used with the Present Perfect.

EXAMPLES:

I have had a cold for three days.

She has been in England for six months.

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Jessica has loved chocolate since she was a little girl.

ACTIVE / PASSIVE Present Perfect

EXAMPLES:

Many tourists have visited that castle. ACTIVE

that castle has been visited by many tourists. PASSIVE

Present Perfect Continuous

FORM Present Perfect Continuous

[HAS / HAVE] + [BEEN] + [VERB+ing]

EXAMPLES:

I have been waiting here for two hours.

He has only been studying English in Shanghai for two years.

NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as Present Perfect Continuous (has been studying), adverbs

often come between the first part and the second part (has only been studying).

USE 1 Duration from the Past Until Now We use the Present Perfect Continuous to show that something started in the past and has continued up until now. "For five minutes", "for two weeks", and "since Tuesday" are all durations which can be used with the Present Perfect

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Continuous.

EXAMPLES:

They have been talking for the last hour.

She has been working at that company for twenty years.

Syd has been teaching at the University since May.

USE 2 Recently, Lately

You can use the Present Perfect Continuous WITHOUT a duration such as "for five minutes", "for two weeks", and "since Tuesday". Without the durations, this tense gives a more general meaning of "lately". We often use the words "lately" or "recently" in the sentence to strengthen this meaning.

EXAMPLES:

Recently, I have been feeling really tired.

Derek has been watching too much television lately.

Syd has been feeling a little depressed. IMPORTANT

Remember that the Present Perfect Continuous has the meaning of "lately" or

"recently." If you use the Present Perfect Continuous in a question such as "Have

you been feeling alright?" it suggests that the person looks sick or unhealthy. A

question such as "Have you been smoking?" suggests that you can smell the

smoke on the person. Using this tense in a question suggests you can see,

smell, hear, or feel the results of the action. It is possible to insult someone by using this tense incorrectly.

IMPORTANT Non-Continuous Verbs/ Mixed Verbs

It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any

continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for Mixed Verbs

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cannot be used in continuous tenses. To express the idea of Present Perfect

Continuous with these exception verbs, you must use Present Perfect.

EXAMPLES:

Dagmar has been having his car for two years. Not Correct

Dagmar has had his car for two years. Correct

ACTIVE / PASSIVE Present Perfect Continuous

EXAMPLES:

Recently, Syd has been doing the work. ACTIVE

Recently, the work has been being done by Syd. PASSIVE

NOTE: Present Perfect Continuous is rarely used in its passive form.

Future Perfect Continuous

IMPORTANT No Future in Time Clauses

Like all future forms, the Future Perfect Continuous cannot be used in clauses

beginning with "when," "while," "before," "after," "by the time," "as soon as,"

"until," "if" and "unless". In this lesson, all verbs in Time Clauses are italicized.

EXAMPLES:

I won't tell the student the answer until he has been working on the language

problem for more than an hour. Correct

I won't tell the student the answer until he will have been working on the

language problem for more than an hour. Not Correct

FORM Future Perfect Continuous

[WILL HAVE BEEN] + [VERB+ing]

EXAMPLE:

I will have been waiting for two hours when her bus finally arrives.

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[AM / IS / ARE] + [GOING TO HAVE BEEN] + [VERB+ing]

EXAMPLE:

I am going to have been waiting for two hours when her bus finally arrives.

NOTE: It is possible to use either "will" or "going to" to create the Future Perfect Continuous with little or no difference in meaning.

USE 1 Duration Before Something in the

Future

We use the Future Perfect Continuous to show that something will continue up until a particular event or time in the future. "For five minutes," "for two weeks" and "since Friday" are all durations which can be used with the Future Perfect

Continuous. Notice that this is related to the Present Perfect Continuous and the Past Perfect Continuous; however the duration stops in the future.

EXAMPLES:

They will have been talking for over an hour by the time Richard arrives.

She is going to have been working at that company for three years when it finally closes. Syd will have been teaching at the University for more than a year by the time he leaves for Germany.

USE 2 Cause of Something in the Future

Using the Future Perfect Continuous before another action in the future is a good way to show cause and effect.

EXAMPLES:

Syd will be tired when he gets home because he will have been working for over ten hours.

Dagmar's English will be perfect when she returns to Germany because she is going to have been studying English in Australia for over two years.

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IMPORTANT

If you do not include a duration such as "for five minutes," "for two weeks" or "since Friday", many English speakers choose to use the Future Continuous. There is also a difference in meaning. Compare the examples below.

EXAMPLES:

I will be reading when my girlfriend returns. The reading will be interrupted.

I will have been reading for an hour when my girlfriend returns. The reading will stop just before my roommate returns.

ACTIVE / PASSIVE Future Perfect Continuous

EXAMPLES:

The famous artist will have been painting the mural for over six months by the

time it is finished. ACTIVE

The mural will have been being painted by the famous artist for over six months

by the time it is finished. PASSIVE

NOTE: Passive forms of the Past Perfect Continuous are not common.

Future Perfect

IMPORTANT No Future in Time Clauses

Like all future forms, the Future Perfect cannot be used in clauses beginning with

"when," "while," "before," "after," "by the time," "as soon as," "if" and "unless". In this lesson, all verbs in Time Clauses are italicized.

EXAMPLES:

I am going to see a friend when I have finished my homework. Correct

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I am going to see a friend when I will have finished my homework. Not Correct

FORM Future Perfect

[WILL HAVE] + [PAST PARTICIPLE]

EXAMPLE:

I will have perfected my English by the time I come back from Australia.

[AM / IS / ARE] + [GOING TO HAVE] + [PAST PARTICIPLE]

EXAMPLE:

I am going to have perfected my English by the time I come back from Australia.

NOTE: It is possible to use either "will" or "going to" to create the Future Perfect with little or no difference in meaning.

USE 1 Completed Action Before

Something in the Future

The Future Perfect expresses the idea that something will occur before another

action in the future. It can also show that something will happen before a specific time in the future.

EXAMPLES: Completed Action Before Something in the Future

By next May, I will have received my monthly pay increase.

By the time he gets home, she is going to have cleaned the entire house.

Use 2 Duration before something in the future (Non-continuous Verbs).

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USE 2 Duration Before Something in the

Future (Non-continuous Verbs)

With Non-continuous Verbs and some non-continuous uses of Mixed

Verbs, we use the Future Perfect to show that something will continue up until

another action in the future.

EXAMPLES:

I will have been in London for six months by the time I leave.

By Monday, Jessica is going to have had my book for a week.

ACTIVE / PASSIVE Past Perfect

EXAMPLES:

The Post Office will have returned my package before I can pick it up. ACTIVE

My package will have been returned by the Post Office before I can pick it up.

PASSIVE

Future Continuous

IMPORTANT No Future in Time Clauses

Like all future forms, the Future Continuous cannot be used in clauses beginning

with "when", "while", "before", "after", "by the time", "as soon as", "if" and "unless". In this lesson, all verbs in Time Clauses are italicized.

EXAMPLES:

While I am finishing my homework, mother is going to make dinner. Correct

While I will be finishing my homework, mother is going to make dinner. Not

Correct

FORM Future Continuous

[WILL BE] + [VERB+ing]

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EXAMPLE:

When your train arrives tonight, I will be waiting for you.

[AM / IS / ARE] + [GOING TO] + [VERBing]

EXAMPLE:

When your train arrives tonight, I am going to be waiting for you.

NOTE: It is possible to use either "will" or "going to" to create the Future Continuous with little or no difference in meaning.

USE 1 Interrupted Action in the Future

Use the Future Continuous to indicate that a longer action in the future will be

interrupted. The interruption is usually an action in the Simple Future. Remember this can be a real interruption or just an interruption in time.

EXAMPLES:

I will be watching TV when Syd arrives tonight.

I will be waiting for you when your bus arrives.

While I am working, Dagmar will make dinner. (NOTICE "am working" because of

"while.") I am going to be staying at the Shanghai international hotel, if anything happens and you need to contact me.

He will be studying at the library tonight, so he will not see Jessica when she arrives. NOTE: No future tenses can be used in Time Clauses therefore you must say "While I am working... ." See the warning at the top of the page.

USE 2 Specific Time as an Interruption

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In USE 1, described above, the Future Continuous is interrupted by an action in

the Simple Future. However, you can also use a specific time as an interruption.

EXAMPLES:

Tonight at 8 p.m., I am going to be eating dinner.

At midnight tonight, we will still be driving through the city.

IMPORTANT

In the Simple Future a specific time is used to show the time an action will begin. In the Future Continuous, a specific time only interrupts the action.

EXAMPLES:

Tonight at 8 p.m., I am going to eat dinner. I am going to start eating at 8 p.m.

Tonight at 8 p.m., I am going to be eating dinner.

I am going to start earlier and I will be in the process of eating dinner at 8 p.m. .

USE 3 Parallel Actions

When you use the Future Continuous with two actions in the same sentence, it expresses the idea that both actions will be happening at the same time. These are Parallel Actions.

EXAMPLES:

I am going to be studying while she is making dinner.

While Syd is reading, Nicky will be watching television.

Tonight, they will be eating dinner, discussing their plans, and having a good time.

USE 4 Atmosphere

In English we often use a series of Parallel Actions to describe atmosphere in the

35

future.

EXAMPLE:

When I arrive at the party everybody is going to be celebrating. Some will be

laughing and dancing. Others are going to be laughing and talking. A few people will be eating Chinese food and several people are going to be drinking beer. They always do the same thing at parties in Shanghai.

IMPORTANT Non-Continuous Verbs / Mixed Verbs

It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any "continuous" tenses. Also, certain "non-continuous" meanings for Mixed Verbs

cannot be used in "continuous" tenses. To express the idea of Future Continuous with these verbs, you must use Simple Future.

EXAMPLES:

Syd will be being at my house when you arrive. Not Correct

Syd will be at my house when you arrive. Correct

ACTIVE / PASSIVE FORMS Future Continuous

EXAMPLES:

At 8:00 PM tonight, Syd will be washing the car. ACTIVE

At 8:00 PM tonight, the car will be being washed by Syd. PASSIVE

NOTE: Passive forms of the Future Continuous are not common.

Simple Future

The Simple Future has two different forms in English, "will" and "be going to."

Although the two forms can sometimes be used interchangeably, they often

express two very different meanings. These different meanings might seem too

abstract at first, but with time and practice the differences will become clear. Both "will" and "be going to" refer to a specific time in the future.

FORM Will

[WILL] + [VERB]

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EXAMPLES:

I will help her later.

I will never help her.

NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as Simple

Future (will help), adverbs usually come between the first part and the second part (will never help).

FORM Be Going To

[AM / IS / ARE] + [GOING TO] + [VERB]

EXAMPLES:

He is going to meet Jessica tonight.

He is definitely going to meet Jessica tonight.

NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as Simple

Future (is going to meet), adverbs usually come between the first part and the second part (is definitely going to meet).

IMPORTANT No Future in Time Clauses

Like all future forms, the Simple Future cannot be used in clauses beginning with "when", "while", "before", "after", "by the time," "as soon as," "if" and "unless." In this lesson, all verbs in Time Clauses are italicized.

EXAMPLES:

When you arrive tonight, we will go out for a walk. Correct

When you will arrive tonight, we will go out for a walk. Not Correct

USE 1 "Will" to Express a Voluntary Action

"Will" often suggests that a speaker will do something voluntarily. A voluntary action is one the speaker offers to do for someone else. Often we use "will" to respond to someone else's complaint or request for help.

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EXAMPLES:

A: I'm really hungry.

B: I'll make some soup.

A: I'm so tired. I'm about to fall asleep. B: I'll get you some strong coffee.

A: The phone is ringing. B: I'll get it.

USE 2 "Will" to express a Promise

"Will" is usually used in promises.

EXAMPLES:

I will call you when I arrive.

If I am elected President of Germany, I will make sure everyone has access to free university study courses.

I promise I will not tell Syd about the surprise party.

USE 3 "Be going to" to Express a Plan

"Be going to" expresses that something is a plan. It expresses the idea that a person intends to do something in the future.

EXAMPLES:

He is going to spend his holiday ( vacation ) in Denmark.

We are going to meet each other tonight at 9:00 PM.

A: Who is going to make Syd's birthday cake. B: Sue is going to make Syd's birthday cake.

USE 4 "Will" or "Be Going to" to express a Prediction

Both "will" and "be going to" can express the idea of a general prediction about

the future. Predictions are guesses about what might happen in the future. In

"prediction" sentences, the subject usually has little control over the future and

therefore USES 1-3 do not apply. In the following examples there is no difference in meaning.

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EXAMPLES:

The year 2012 will be a very dangerous year.

The year 2222 is going to be a very interesting year. Syd Hadaway will be the next President of Germany.

Syd Hadaway is going to be the next President of Germany.

The book " The Quest " will win several literary Awards.

The book "The Quest" is going to win several literary Awards.

IMPORTANT

In the Simple Future, it is not always clear which USE the speaker has in mind. Often, there is more than one way to interpret a sentence's meaning.

ACTIVE / PASSIVE FORMS Simple Future

EXAMPLES:

Syd will certainly finish the work by 5:00 PM. ACTIVE

The work will certainly be finished by 5:00 PM. PASSIVE

Dagmar is going to make a beautiful dinner tonight. ACTIVE

A beautiful dinner is going to be made by Dagmar tonight. PASSIVE

Future in the Past

Like Simple Future, Future in the Past has two different forms in English, "Would"

and "Was Going to." Although the two forms can sometimes be used

interchangeably, they often express two very different meanings.

FORM Would

[WOULD] + [verb]

EXAMPLES:

39

I said I would help Margaret later.

I said I would never help Margaret.

NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as Future

in the Past (would help), adverbs usually come between the first part and the second part (would never help).

FORM Was Going to

[WAS / WERE] + [GOING TO] + [verb]

EXAMPLES:

I knew Richard was going to meet Jessica after the party.

I knew Richard was secretly going to meet Jessica after the party.

NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as Future

in the Past (was going to meet), adverbs often come between the first part and the second part (was secretly going to meet).

USE 1 Future in Past

Future in the Past, follows the same basic rules as the Simple Future. "Would"

follows the same basic rules as "Will," and "Was Going to" follows the same rules

as "Be Going to." Future in the Past is used to express the idea that in the past you thought something would happen in the future. It does not matter if you are correct or not.

EXAMPLES:

I told you he was going to come to the party.

I knew Dagmar would make dinner.

Dagmar said Syd would bring his sister with him, but he came alone.

I had a feeling that the holiday ( vacation ) was going to be a bore.

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He promised he would send a postcard from China.

IMPORTANT No Future in Time Clauses

Like all future forms, Future in the Past cannot be used in clauses beginning with "when," "while," "before," "after," "by the time," "as soon as," "if" and "unless." In this lesson, all verbs in Time Clauses are italicized.

EXAMPLES:

I already told Syd that when he arrived, we would go out for dinner. Correct

I already told Syd that when he would arrive, we would go out for dinner. Not

Correct

ACTIVE / PASSIVE Future in the Past

EXAMPLES:

I knew Syd would certainly finish the work by 5:00 PM. ACTIVE

I knew the work would certainly be finished by 5:00 PM. PASSIVE

I thought Dagmar was going to make a beautiful dinner tonight. ACTIVE

I thought a beautiful dinner was going to be made by Dagmar tonight. PASSIVE

Used to

FORM Used to

[USED TO] + [verb]

EXAMPLES:

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I used to go to the beach everyday.

USE 1 Habit in the Past

"Used to" expresses the idea that something was an old habit that stopped in the

past. It says that something was often repeated in the past, but it is not usually done now.

EXAMPLES: Habit in the past

Dagmar used to study English. Syd and Dagmar used to go to Denmark in the summer. I used to start drive my car to work at 7 o'clock. Robert used to eat meat, but now he is a vegetarian. He used to ride a bike. She used to smoke. We used to trust Derek.

USE 2 Past Fact

"Used to" can also be used to talk about past facts or generalizations which are no longer true.

EXAMPLES:

I used to live in Taiwan.

Richard used to be fat, but now he is thin.

Birgit used to be the best student in class, but now Dagmar is the best.

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apples used to cost very little in England, but now they are quite expensive.

ACTIVE / PASSIVE Used to

EXAMPLES:

Richard used to pay the bills. ACTIVE

The bills used to be paid by Richard. PASSIVE

Would Always

FORM Would Always

[WOULD ALWAYS] + [verb]

EXAMPLE:

I would always take my beach towel to the beach with me.

USE 1 Habit in the Past

Like "Used to" and Simple Past, "Would Always" expresses the idea that

something was an old habit which stopped in the past. It says that something

was often repeated in the past, but it is not usually done now. This form suggests

that someone willingly acted that way and often expresses annoyance or amusement at the habit. It can also suggest the habit was extreme.

EXAMPLES:

She would always send me strange Christmas gifts.

Syd and Dagmar would always choose the most exotic city holiday ( vacation ) destinations.

Dagmar would always arrive early.

Derek would always come late to the meetings

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IMPORTANT "Would Always" is Different

"Would Always" is not exactly the same as "Used to" or the Simple Past. "Would Always" cannot be used to talk about past facts or generalizations. It can only be used for repeated actions.

EXAMPLES:

Dagmar was shy, but now she is very outgoing. CORRECT

Dagmar used to be shy, but now she is very outgoing. CORRECT

Dagmar would always be shy, but now she is very outgoing. NOT CORRECT

IMPORTANT Other Forms Are Possible

This type of repetition in the past is usually expressed by "Would Always"; however, other forms are also possible. English speakers often use "would

constantly," "would forever" or simply "would." Although the last form "would" is

correct, it is not suggested because it can easily be confused with other verb

forms such as the Conditional or Future in the Past. "Would never" can also be

used to express the concept that someone always refused to do something in the past. EXAMPLES:

Cosimo would always bring his younger brother to the parties. CORRECT

Cosimo would constantly bring his younger brother to the parties. CORRECT

Cosimo would bring his younger brother to the parties. CORRECT

Cosimo would never bring his younger brother to the parties. CORRECT

(Opposite meaning = Cosimo refused to bring his younger brother with him to

parties.)

ACTIVE / PASSIVE Would Always

EXAMPLES:

Syd would always pay the bills. ACTIVE

The bills would always be paid by Syd. PASSIVE

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Now review through the following chart summary of

verb tenses.

In English, there are three basic tenses: present, past, and future. Each has a

perfect form, indicating completed action; each has a progressive form, indicating

ongoing action; and each has a perfect progressive form, indicating ongoing

action that will be completed at some definite time. Here is a boxed chart list of

examples of these tenses and their definitions:

Simple Forms

Present take/s

Progressive

Forms

am/is/are

taking

was/were

Perfect Forms

have/has

taken

Perfect

Progressive

Forms

have/has been

taking

Past took taking had taken had been taking

Future

will/shall

take

will be taking

will have

taken

will have been

taking

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Easily Confused or Misused Words

affect / effect

Effect is usually a noun that means a result or the power to produce a

result: "The sound of the falling rain had a calming effect, nearly putting

me to sleep." Affect is usually a verb that means to have an influence on:

"His loud humming was affecting my ability to concentrate." Note that

effect can also be a verb meaning to bring about or execute: "The

speaker's somber tone effected a dampening in the general mood of the

audience." all right / alright

Although alright is widely used, it is considered nonstandard English. As

the American Heritage Dictionary notes, it's not "all right to use alright."

all together / altogether

All together is applied to people or things that are being treated as a

group. "We put the pots and pans all together on the shelf." All together is the form that must be used if the sentence can be reworded so that all and

together are separated by other words: "We put all the pots and pans

together on the shelf." Altogether is used to mean entirely: "I am altogether

pleased to be receiving this award."

allusion / illusion

Allusion is a noun that means an indirect reference: "The speech made

allusions to the final report." Illusion is a noun that means a

misconception: "The policy is designed to give an illusion of reform."

alternately / alternatively

Alternately is an adverb that means in turn; one after the other: "We

alternately spun the wheel in the game." Alternatively is an adverb that

means on the other hand; one or the other: "You can choose a large

bookcase or, alternatively, you can buy two small ones."

beside / besides

Beside is a preposition that means next to: "Stand here beside me."

Besides is an adverb that means also: "Besides, I need to tell you about

the new products my company offers."

bimonthly / semimonthly

Bimonthly is an adjective that means every two months: "I brought the

cake for the bimonthly office party." Bimonthly is also a noun that means a

publication issued every two months: "The company publishes several

popular bimonthlies." Semimonthly is an adjective that means happening twice a month: "We have semimonthly meetings on the 1st and the 15th."

capital / capitol

The city or town that is the seat of government is called the capital; the building in which the legislative assembly meets is the capitol. The term capital can also refer to an accumulation of wealth or to a capital letter.

46

cite / site

Cite is a verb that means to quote as an authority or example: "I cited

several eminent scholars in my study of water resources." It also means to

recognize formally: "The public official was cited for service to the city." It can also mean to summon before a court of law: "Last year the company was cited for pollution violations." Site is a noun meaning location: "They

chose a new site for the factory just outside town."

complement / compliment

Complement is a noun or verb that means something that completes or

makes up a whole: "The red sweater is a perfect complement to the outfit."

Compliment is a noun or verb that means an expression of praise or

admiration: "I received compliments about my new outfit."

comprise / compose

According to the traditional rule, the whole comprises the parts, and the

parts compose the whole. Thus, the board comprises five members,

whereas five members compose (or make up) the board. It is also correct to say that the board is composed (not comprised) of five members.

concurrent / consecutive

Concurrent is an adjective that means simultaneous or happening at the same time as something else: "The concurrent strikes of several unions crippled the economy." Consecutive means successive or following one after the other: "The union called three consecutive strikes in one year."

connote / denote

Connote is a verb that means to imply or suggest: "The word 'espionage'

connotes mystery and intrigue." Denote is a verb that means to indicate or

refer to specifically: "The symbol for 'pi' denotes the number 3.14159."

convince / persuade

Strictly speaking, one convinces a person that something is true but

persuades a person to do something. "Pointing out that I was overworked, my friends persuaded [not convinced] me to take a vacation. Now that I'm relaxing on the beach with my book, I am convinced [not persuaded] that they were right." Following this rule, convince should not be used with an infinitive.

council / councilor / counsel / counselor

A councilor is a member of a council, which is an assembly called together

for discussion or deliberation. A counselor is one who gives counsel, which is advice or guidance. More specifically, a counselor can be an attorney or a supervisor at camp.

discreet / discrete

Discreet is an adjective that means prudent, circumspect, or modest: "Her

discreet handling of the touchy situation put him at ease." Discrete is an adjective that means separate or individually distinct: "Each company in

the conglomerate operates as a discrete entity."

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disinterested / uninterested

Disinterested is an adjective that means unbiased or impartial: "We appealed to the disinterested mediator to facilitate the negotiations."

Uninterested is an adjective that means not interested or indifferent: "They

seemed uninterested in our offer."

elicit / illicit

Elicit is a verb that means to draw out. Illicit is an adjective meaning

unlawful. "No matter how hard I tried to elicit a few scandalous stories

from her, she kept all knowledge of illicit goings-on discreetly to herself. "

emigrant / immigrant

Emigrant is a noun that means one who leaves one's native country to settle in another: "The emigrants spent four weeks aboard ship before

landing in Los Angeles." Immigrant is a noun that means one who enters and settles in a new country: "Most of the immigrants easily found jobs." One emigrates from a place; one immigrates to another.

farther / further

Farther is an adjective and adverb that means to or at a more distant

point: "We drove 50 miles today; tomorrow, we will travel 100 miles

farther." Further is an adjective and adverb that means to or at a greater

extent or degree: "We won't be able to suggest a solution until we are

further along in our evaluation of the problem." It can also mean in addition

or moreover: "They stated further that they would not change the policy."

few / less

Few is an adjective that means small in number. It is used with countable

objects: "This department has few employees." Less is an adjective that

means small in amount or degree. It is used with objects of indivisible

mass: "Which jar holds less water?"

figuratively / literally

Figuratively is an adverb that means metaphorically or symbolically:

"Happening upon the shadowy figure, they figuratively jumped out of their

shoes." Literally is an adverb that means actually: "I'm not exaggerating

when I say I literally fell off my chair." It also means according to the exact

meaning of the words: "I translated the Latin passage literally."

flammable / inflammable

These two words are actually synonyms, both meaning easily set on fire. The highly flammable (inflammable) fuel was stored safely in a specially built tank. Use nonflammable to mean not flammable.

flaunt / flout

To flaunt means to show off shamelessly: "Eager to flaunt her knowledge

of a wide range of topics, Helene dreamed of appearing on a TV trivia show." To flout means to show scorn or contempt for: "Lewis disliked boarding school and took every opportunity to flout the house rules."

48

foreword / forward

Foreword is a noun that means an introductory note or preface: "In my

foreword I explained my reasons for writing the book." Forward is an adjective or adverb that means toward the front: "I sat in the forward section of the bus." "Please step forward when your name is called."

Forward is also a verb that means to send on: "Forward the letter to the

customer's new address."

founder / flounder

In its primary sense founder means to sink below the surface of the water: "The ship foundered after colliding with an iceberg." By extension, founder

means to fail utterly. Flounder means to move about clumsily, or to act

with confusion. A good synonym for flounder is blunder: "After floundering

through the first half of the course, Amy finally passed with the help of a

tutor." hanged / hung

Hanged is the past tense and past participle of hang when the meaning is

to execute by suspending by the neck: "They hanged the prisoner for treason." "The convicted killer was hanged at dawn." Hung is the past tense and participle of hang when the meaning is to suspend from above

with no support from below: "I hung the painting on the wall." "The painting

was hung at a crooked angle."

historic / historical

In general usage, historic refers to what is important in history, while

historical applies more broadly to whatever existed in the past whether it

was important or not: "a historic summit meeting between the prime

ministers;" "historical buildings torn down in the redevelopment."

i.e. / e.g.

The abbreviation e.g. means for example (from Latin exempli gratia): "Her

talents were legion and varied (e.g., deep sea diving, speed reading,

bridge, and tango dancing)." The abbreviation i.e. means that is or in other

words (from Latin id est): "The joy of my existence (i.e., my stamp

collection) imbues my life with meaning."

it's / its

It's is a contraction for it is, whereas its is the possessive form of it: "It's a

shame that we cannot talk about its size."

laid / lain / lay

Laid is the past tense and the past participle of the verb lay and not the past tense of lie. Lay is the past tense of the verb lie and lain is the past participle: "He laid his books down and lay down on the couch, where he

has lain for an hour."

lend / loan

Although some people feel loan should only be used as a noun, lend and

loan are both acceptable as verbs in standard English: "Can you lend

(loan) me a dollar?" However, only lend should be used in figurative

senses: "Will you lend me a hand?"

49

lightening / lightning

Lightening is a verb that means to illuminate; lightning is a noun referring

to the electrical charges the cause flashes of light during storms: "The

lightning struck, lightening the sky."

nonplussed

Meaning perplexed or bewildered, nonplussed is very often thought to

mean just the opposite—calm, unruffled, cool-as-a-cucumber. A common mistake is to think the word means not "plussed," but no such word exists.

Nonplussed originates from the Latin non (no) and plus (more, further), and means a state in which no more can be done—one is so perplexed

that further action is impossible. "The lexicographer grew increasingly

agitated and nonplussed by the frequency with which she noted the

misuse of nonplussed."

passed / past

Passed is the past tense and past participle of pass. Past refers to time gone by; it is also a preposition meaning beyond. "In the past decade, I

passed over countless opportunities; I was determined not to let them get

past me again." penultimate

Meaning "next to last," penultimate is often mistakenly used to mean "the very last," or the ultimate: "The perfectionist was crestfallen when he was

awarded the penultimate prize; the grand prize went to another."

precede / proceed

The verb precede means to come before. Proceed means to move

forward. "He preceded me into the room; once I caught up with him I

proceeded to tell him off."

principal / principle

Principal is a noun that means a person who holds a high position or plays

an important role: "The school principal has 20 years of teaching

experience." Principal is also an adjective that means chief or leading:

"The necessity of moving to another city was the principal reason I turned

down the job offer." Principle is a noun that means a rule or standard:

"They refused to compromise their principles."

stationary / stationery

Stationary is an adjective that means fixed or unmoving: "They

maneuvered around the stationary barrier in the road." Stationery is a noun that means writing materials: "We printed the letters on company

stationery." their / there / they're

Their is the possessive form of they; there refers to place; and they're is

the contraction of they are. "They're going there because their mother

insisted they become proficient in Serbo-Croatian."

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venal / venial

Venal is an adjective that means corruptible; venial is an adjective that

means a slight flaw or offense: "In the Catholic church, a venial sin is one

that is minor and pardonable, whereas a mortal sin is a serious

transgression involving more venal or depraved behavior."

who's / whose

Who's is the contraction of who is. Whose is the possessive form of who.

"Who's going to figure out whose job it is to clean the stables?"

your / you're

Your is the possessive form of you; you're is the contraction you are. "If

you're planning on hiking in the mountains, then be sure to bring your

walking boots and a warm jacket."

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