GRAMMAR 1 P Explanations Describing events + Main events in the past The past simple is used to describe finished actions and events in the past. Susan went into the station and bought a ticket ~ Background description ‘The past continuous is used to describe actions in progress in the past. It gives information about the background situation. There were a lot of people waiting in the station. Some were sleeping on the benches, and others were walking up and down. Susan was looking for Graham, so she didn't sit down. + Past before past ‘The past perfect is used to make it clear that one past event happens before another past event. We use the past perfect for the earlier event, By the time the train arrived, Susan had managed to push her way to the front ofthe crowd. It is not always necessary to use the past perfeet if @ time expression makes the order of events clear. Before the train arrived, Susan managed to push her way to the front ofthe crowd, = Past continuous used with past simple We often use the past continuous first to set the scene, and then the past simple for the separate, completed actions that happen. Susan was looking for Graham, so she didn't sit down. Instead, she tried calling him on her mobite phone, We often contrast an action in progress with a sudden event which interrupts it, While Susan was trying 10 get onto the platform, a man grabbed her handbag. + Participle clauses Participle clauses are introduced by the time expressions before, after and while, They have the same subject as the following clause. After struggling with him, Susan pulled the bag from his hands. Habits in the past + Past simple ‘The past simple is used to describe past habits or states. A time expression is usually necessary. always got up at six in those days, (habit) lived in Austria for several years. (state)FIRST CERTIFICATE LANGUAGE PRACTICE + Usedio Used to is used to describe past habits or states. A time expression is not J used to get up at six, but now I get up at eight Tused to own a horse. (I owned a horse once.) With negatives and questions used to becomes use ‘0. I didn't use to like beer. Did you use to swim every day? When we use used fo we suggest that the action is no longer true and so make a strong contrast with the present, + Would Would is used to describe a person's typical activities in the past. It can only be used to describe repeated actions, not states. It is mainly used in writing, and in personal reminiscences. Every evening was the same. Jack would turn on the radio, light his pipe and fall asleep. + Past continuous The past continuous can be used to describe a repeated action in the past, often an annoying habit. A frequency adverb is necessary When Peter was younger, he was always getting into trouble. Politeness and We can use the past continuous with think, hope and wonder to give a polite or uncertainty uncertain meaning Twas thinking of having a party next week. Iwas hoping you would join us at the cafe tonight I was wondering ifyou could help me.GRAMMAR 1 PAST TIME Choose a suitable description for each picture. 4) When he left the house, Peter forgot that he had put his passport and wallet in his other jacket. ») Affer phoning the airport, Peter packed his suitcase. ©) When he returned from Portugal in March, Peter put his passport and wallet in his jacket pocket. 4) A few days before leaving for his summer holiday, Peter phoned the airport to check his flight ©) While Peter was packing his suitcase, he realised that he hadn't checked his Aight £) While Peter was packing his suitease, the phone rangFIRST CERTIFICATE LANGUAGE PRACTICE 2 Underline the most suitable verb form in each sentence. The first one is done for you. a) I suddenly remembered that I forgot/had forgotten my keys. b) While Diana watched/was watching her favourite television programme, there was @ power-cut, ©) Tom used to live’would live in the house at the end of the street 4) Who was driving/drove the car at the time of the accident? ©) By the time Sheila got back, Chris went/had gone. 1) David ate/had eaten Japanese food before, so he knew what to order. 2) I didiwas doing some shopping yesterday, when I saw that Dutch friend of yours. bh) I used to like/was liking sweets much more than I do now. i) What exactly were you doing/did you do when I came into your office yesterday? i) Laura missed the party because no-one was telling/had fold her about it k) Tanya wouldiused t0 be a doctor. 3 Put each verb in brackets into a suitable past verb form. Only use the past perfect where this is absolutely necessary. a) While I (uy) was trying. to get my car started, a passing car (stop) and the driver (offer), to help me b) The police (pay) no attention to Clare's complaint because she (phone) them so many times before, ©) Mary (not wear) hier glasses at the time, so she (not notice) what kind of ear the man (drive) 4) Nick (lie) down on the grass for a while, next to some tourists who (feed). the ducks. ©) Tony (admit) that he (hit). the other car, but said that he (not damage) it £) Sony, I (not listen) to you. I (think) about something else. 2) Helen (feel) very tired, and when she (finish) hher work, she (fall) asleep. bh) The police (get). to Clare's house as fast as they could, but the burglars (disappear) i) I (phone) you last night but you (not answer) What (you do) 2 i) We (not go) ‘out yesterday because it (rain)GRAMMAR 1 PAST TIME Decide whether the verb form in italics is suitable or unsuitable, a) While I had a bath, someone knocked on the door... unsuitable. b) Sally didn't go to a boxing match before ©) Harry tried to repair the car, but he didn't really know what he was doing. ) What did you wear to the Ponsonby's party?, ©) Were you eating spaghetti every day when you lived in Italy? 1) I didn’t know you had bought a new car 2) They all wanted to believe her, but suspected she was Iying h) As Peggy walked home, she tried to remember what happened. i) ‘What a terrible day!’ thought Lucy. Everything had gone wrong! i) Although it rained a lot, I was enjoying my holiday last year Put each verb in brackets into a suitable past verb form When Professor Mallory, the famous archaeologist, (1) ...invited. (invite) me to take part in his expedition to find the Lost City of the Himalayas, TQ). (not hesitate) to accept his invitation, Mallory ©. {discover) an ancient map showing the position of the city, although no European (4) (ever go) to the area before In fact, most of Mallory's colleagues either (5) (believe) that the city (6) (never exist) or (7). (feel) that it 8). (vanish) long ago and (9) (become) simply a legend. According to the Professor, the builders of the city (10) (hide) it among the mountains in order to protect its immense riches. He (11) (believe) that the descendants of these ancient people (12). {still keep) themselves apart from: the rest of mankind for the very same reasons. So when we 3) Get off) on a cool May morning towards the distant mountains, each of us (14) (look forward) to exciting discoveries. For a week or more we (15), (climb) higher and higher, following the map, which Mallory (16) (study) from time to time, Then one afternoon, while we (17) (rest) at the top of a valley, we (18) (notice) that a rider on a horse (19). {waye) at us from the other side of the valley. A rider whose clothes (20) (shine) like gold!FIRST CERTIFICATE LANGUAGE PRACTICE Key points l Rewrite each sentence beginning as shown. Use a participle clause. a) Norman collected the parcel, but then he realised it was the wrong one. After collecting the parcel, Norman realized it was the wrong one. b) Sue Ieft the house but first she checked that she had her keys. Before ©) Mark was parking his car when he noticed the wing-mirror was broken, While 4) Julia cleaned the house, but then she fell asleep on the sofa, After. ©) Brian bought a new television, but first he checked all the prices. Before ) Alan was skiing in Switzerland and met his old friend, Ken, While 2) Kate took two aspirins, and then she felt a lot better, After hh) Sheila went out for the evening, but first she washed her hair Before ‘The past simple describes completed events in the past, such as the main events in a narrative. It can also describe habits and routines in the past. The past continuous is used for: a) background description. b) actions in progress, often contrasted with a sudden event The past continuous cannot be used to describe past routines and habits, Participle clauses can introduce a clause giving the main event. The subjects of both clauses must be the same. The past perfect describes a past event which took place before another past event, If before or afler is used, the past perfect is optional The past perfect is not used for an event that happened a long time ago in the past, Used to only refers to past time, and has no present form. Would can be used to describe habitual actions in the past, usually in writing. It does not make such a strong contrast with the present as used to. Compare: Jim would always make his mother a cup oftea after lunch. Jim used to drink tea, but now he prefers coffee. Would cannot be used to deseribe states. SEE ALSO Sally used to be a dancer. ie aon Grammar 5: Consolidation Grammar 7 and 8: Condit Wishes and related forms Grammar 14: Time expressRecent events Indefinite events Extended or repeated events Present perfect Present perfect simple ‘The present perfect simple is used to describe recent events. Tive left my shopping bag behind. ‘The event happened in the past, but there is a result in the present, I've broken my arm, as you can see. No definite time is given for the event, but to emphasise the idea of recentness we can use just. I've just broken my watch. We can also describe events that have not happened, {haven't found her phone number yet, + Present perfect simple No definite time is given for the events. They are a series of actions in our life up to now. Tve been to France three times. After It'/This is the firstlsecond time we use the present perfect. It also refers to our life up to now, This is the first time I have eaten Japanese food. + Compared with past simple Events described using the past simple have definite times. J went 10 France last year. Late at a Japanese restaurant on Saturday. If we think of a definite place for an event, this may suggest a definite time left my shopping bag on the train, + Present perfect simple ‘The present perfect simple describes a state which lasts up to the present, I've lived in this house for five years. ‘The present perfect simple can describe a habitual action in a period of time up to the present, I've never worn a tie to work, and I refuse to start now! + Present perfect continuous ‘The present perfect continuous can also describe a state which lasts up to the present moment, Ive been living in this house for five years. There is little difference in meaning between simple and continuous in this case, or with How long questions, How long have you lived/been living in this house? ‘The verbs wait, sit, lie, stay prefer the present perfect continuous. Tive been waiting for ages.FIRST CERTIFICATE For, since, ago Present perfect simple or continuous? LANGUAGE PRACTICE Sce Grammar 14 for contrast between these time expressions. + Completed action The present perfect simple can show that an action is complete. I've finished my homework! If we say how many or how much we use the simple form. A certain amount has been completed. I've writen ten pages of my homework! + Not completed ‘The present perfect continuous ean show that an action is not completed, of that it has finished recently. We've been walking for hours! Let's have a rest. I've been digging the garden, That's why I'm so dirty! + Present result or action in progress We use the present perfect simple if our attention is on the present result. T've written my homework. Now I can watch the television We use the present perfect continuous if our attention is on the action in progress. I've been writing my homework all evening! I didn't know it would take so ong.Practice GRAMMAR 2. PRESENT PERFECT Choose a suitable description for each picture. a) » ° a 9 }) Did you enjoy the match? 2) Have you enjoyed the match? 1) What have you been doing? 2) What have you done? 1) He was married six times. 2) He has been married six times 1) How long have you been here? 2) How long are you here for? 1) I've been waiting for two hours. 2) I waited for two hours. 1) Where did Wendy go? 2) Where has Wendy been?FIRST CERTIFICATE LANGUAGE PRACTICE 10 2. Underline the most suitable verb form in each sentence. 8) Did you seefflave you seen my bag anywhere? I can't find it. b) Lany is writing/has been writing/has written his novel for the last two years. ©) From the minute he got up this morning Gary asked/has asked/has been asking silly questions! 4) Have you given/Did you give Helen my message when you have seen/saw her? e) Sorry, could you say that again? I didn't listen/haven't listened/haven't been listening to you. 1) The police think that they found/have found your wallet, so call this number. 2) Did you two meet/Have you two met before? Eric, this is Amanda, h) Did you meet/Have you met anyone interesting at the reception? Put each verb in brackets into a sultable verb form. a) I'm sorry about not coming last week. I (have). had. a cold and so I (stay). at home. b) Wait a minute! I (have) an idea, Let's go and see Roger. We last (see) him a long time ago. ©) Ws nice to be back here in London. This is the second time I (come) here 4) I'm phoning about your bicycle for sale, which I (see) in the local paper. (you sell) it? Or is it still available? e) This place is in a terrible mess! What on earth (you do) 2 1) And now for an item of local news. Hampshire police (find) the dangerous snake which (go) missing earlier in the week. #) This tooth (kill, sme lately! So I (make) an appointment with the dentist for next Tuesday. h) I can't give you the report I (promise) for today because I (not finish). at Underline the most suitable time expression. 8) Thaven't seen Gerry forsince a long time. How is he? b) Its ages agovsince I last went to a football match, ©) Ive written to Deborah last weekzrecently 4) What have you been doing todayivesterday? ©) Have you eaten Italian food before/already? f) I've been living here in/since the end of last year 2) Actually I had dinner with Sue last night“ately hy T've been trying to get in touch with David for agesifor the last time {) Temy hasn't been to Edinburgh since/when we went there together. j) 1 can't remember how longhshen I've had this watch.GRAMMAR 2 PRESENT PERFECT Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between two and five words, including the word given. a) Steve started learning the violin a month ago, learning Steve, has been learning the violin for @ month. b) I haven't been to an Indian restaurant for ages. t's ages, an Indian restaurant, ©) When she heard the results, Mary began to feel more confident. become Since hearing the results. more confident. 4) The last time Nancy came here was in 1986. Naney hasn't 1986. ©) This is my first visit to Japan. time This is the first. to Japan, ) How long have Helen and Robert been married? get When married? g) Jack bought those trousers last month, and has been wearing them ever for Jack has month. h) It's a long time since our last conversation spoken We long time i) Thanks, but { had something to eat earlier. already Thanks, but I've eat. 3) This is my first game of water-polo, played 1 before. "FIRST CERTIFICATE LANGUAGE PRACTICE 2 6 Put each verb in brackets into either the present perfect simple or the present perfect continuous. a) Someone (eal)....has eaten. all the cakes. I'll have to buy some more. b) What (you buy) your sister for her birthday? ©) My throat is really sore. 1 (sing). all evening, 4) Brenda (learn) Russian, but she finds it difficult ©) How many people (you invite) to your party? 8) Those two cats (sit) on that branch for the last hour. ) It (rain), all day! Why can’t it stop? h) Diana (wear) twelve different dresses in the past week! i) 10) ‘everything you asked. What should I do now? J) Graham and Pauline (try) to find a house for ages, but they can't find one they can afford Put each verb in brackets into either the past simple, the present perfect simple, or the present perfect continuous. It was announced in London this morning that the British Oil Corporation Q) has discovered... (discover) oil under the sea near the Welsh coast The company, which (2) (Grill) for oil in the area since 2001, (3). {find) small amounts of oil near Swansea last month, and since then (4), (discover) larger amounts under the seabed nearby. Last year the government (3) (lend) over £50,000,000 to BOC, and (6) (eive) permission for the company to build an oil refinery and other facilities in South Wales The reaction of local people to today's news (7) (be) mixed so fir, Local MPs (8) (already weleome) the news, pointing out that the oil industry will bring badly needed jobs to the area, But local residents are worried about the danger of pollution. ‘Nobody 0) (ask) us yet what we want,’ said Ann Griffiths, leader of the Keep Out The Oil Campaign. ‘Look what «ay (happen) when they (11). (ind) oil in Scotland in the 1960s. The oil companies a2 (get) rich, not the local people, BOC 3) (not tell) us the truth about what this is going to mean for our people.’ A BOC spokesman later (14) (refuse) to comment, Meanwhile local campaigners as). {ask) the government to hold an inquiry