PAST TENSES



Past simple

- complete action

Ann watched TV a lot when she was ill last year.

Tom burnt his hand a week ago.


We also use the past simple to say that one thing happened AFTER another.

I was walking along the road when I saw Dave. So I stopped and we had a chat.


Past continuous


We use the past continuous to say that someone was in the middle of doing something at a certain
time. The action or situation had already started before this time but had not finished.

Be careful, stative verbs do not take the ing form.


This time last year I was living in Brazil.

What were you doing yesterday at ten?

I waved to her but she wasn't looking.


Compare:

I was walking home when I met Dave. (= in the middle of walking home)

I walked home after the party last night. (= all the way, completely)


Present perfect


When we use the present perfect there is always a connection with NOW. The action in the past has a
result now. Often used with giving new information or announce a recent event.


Where's your key? I don't know I've lost it.

Ow! I've cut my finger!

The road is closed. There's been an accident.


Often used with JUST, ALREADY and YET.


Have you just arrived? (a short time ago)

What time is Mark leaving? He's already gone. (something happened sooner than expected)

Has it stopped raining yet? (until now, for questions and negative sentences)


FOR, SINCE

I have lived in Brno since I was ten.

I have lived in Brno for five years. (= I still live in Brno)

I lived in Brno for five years. (= I no longer live there)


other expressions with the present perfect: recently, still, in the last few days, it's the first
time...


So called experience tense:

Have you ever done bungee jumping? (meaning in your life)

I've never seen such a good performance.

It's the first time he has driven a car.

BUT My grandpa never smoked. (meaning he passed away)



Present perfect continuous


What have you been doing?

You seem out of breath. Have you been running? (a present result)


Past perfect


Sarah arrived at the party (the starting point). When Sarah arrived at the party, Paul had already
gone home. (that happened before this time)


Jane didn't want to go to the cinema with us because she had already seen the film.


The man on the plane was very nervous. He hadn't flown before.


Compare:


Was Tom at the party when you arrived? No, he had already gone home.

Was Tom there when you arrived? Yes, he went home soon afterwards.

Ann wasn't at home when I phoned. She was in London.

Ann had just got home when I phoned. She had been in London.


Past perfect continuous


I was tired yesterday as I had been working all day.



Past habits


I used to smoke when I was younger. ( = I don't do it any more)

It can be replaced by WOULD if it is a dynamic verb.


My grandpa would sit in his favourite armchair every afternoon.


Be careful: I am getting used to getting up early. ( = it is a process for me)

I am used to hard work/working hard. ( = I don't find it strange)