Present Simple (Indefinite) and Present Continuous

 

We use the Present Simple to describe things that are always true, or situations that exist now and, as far as we know, will go on indefinitely:

§ It takes me five minutes to get to school.

§ Trees grow more quickly in summer than in winter.

§ Liz plays the violin brilliantly.

 

To talk about particular actions or events that have begun but have not ended at the time of speaking, we use the Present Continuous:

§ The car isn't starting again.

§ 'Who are you phoning?' 'I' m trying to get through to Joan.'

 

We often use time expressions such as at the moment, at present, currently, just, and still toemphasise that the action or event is happening now:

§ 'Have you done the shopping?' 'I' m just going. '

 

Notice that the action or event may not be going on at the time of speaking:

§ The police are talking to a number of people about the robbery.

 

We use the Present Simple to talk about habits or things that happen on a regular basis:

§ I leave work at 5.30 most days.

§ Each July we go to Turkey for a holiday.

 

However, when we describe repeated actions or events that are happening at or around the time of speaking, we use the Present Continuous:

§ Why are you jumping up and down?

§ I' m hearing a lot of good reports about your work these days.

 

We can use the Present Continuous or the Present Simple to describe something that we regularly do at a particular time. Compare:

§ We usually watch the news on TV at 9. (= we start watching at 9.00)

§ We' re usually watching the news on TV at 9. (= we're already watching at 9.00)

 

We use the Present Continuous to imply that a situation is or may be temporary. Compare:

§ Banks lend money to make a profit. (this is what usually happens)

§ Banks are lending more money (these days) to encourage businesses to expand. (implies a temporary arrangement)

§ She teaches Maths in a school in Bonn. (a permanent arrangement)

§ She' s teaching Maths in a school in Bonn. (implies that this is not, or may not be, permanent)

 

We often use the Present Simple with verbs that perform the action they describe:

§ I admit I can't see as well as I used to. (= an admission)

§ I refuse to believe that he didn't know the car was stolen. (= a refusal)

 

Other verbs like this (sometimes called performative verbs) include accept, acknowledge, advise, apologise, assume, deny, guarantee, hope, inform, predict, promise, recommend, suggest, suppose, warn.

 

We can use modals with performative verbs to make what we say more tentative or polite:

§ I would advise you to arrive two hours before the flight leaves.

§ I'm afraid I have to inform you that your application for funding has been turned down.

 

We often prefer to use the Present Simple rather than the Present Continuous with verbs describing states:

§ I really enjoy travelling.

§ The group currently consists of five people, but we hope to get more members soon.

 

Other common stative verbs include agree, assume, believe, belong to, contain, cost, disagree, feel, hate, have, hope, know, like, look, love, own, prefer, realise, regret, resemble, smell, taste, etc

 

However, we can use the Present Continuous with some state verbs when we want to emphasise that a situation is temporary, for a period of time around the present. Compare:

§ I consider him to be extremely fortunate. (This is my view)

§ I' m considering taking early retirement. (This is something I'm thinking about now)

§ The children love having Jean stay with us. (They love it when Jean stays)

§ The children are loving having Jean stay with us. (Jean is staying with us now)

 

With some verbs used to describe a temporary state (e.g. ache, feel, look (= seem), hurt), there is little difference in meaning when we use the Present Simple and Present Continuous:

§ What's the matter with Bill? He looks / is looking awful.

 

When have has a non-state meaning - for example when it means 'eat', 'undergo', 'take'or'hold' - we can use the Present Continuous:

§ 'What's that terrible noise?' 'The neighbours are having a party.'

 

We use the Present Continuous when we talk about changes, developments, and trends:

§ The growing number of visitors is damaging the footpaths.

§ I' m beginning to realise how difficult it is to be a teacher.

 

When we tell a story or joke we often describe the main events using the Present (or Past) Simple and longer background events using the Present (or Past) Continuous:

§ She goes (or went) up to this man and looks (or looked) straight into his eyes.

§ She' s carrying (or was carrying) a bag full of shopping...

 

We can also use the Present Simple and Present Continuous like this in commentaries (for example, on sports events) and in giving instructions:

§ King serves to the left-hand court and Adams makes a wonderful return. She' s playing magnificent tennis in this match...

§ You hold the can in one hand. Right, you' re holding it in one hand; now you take off the lid with the other.

 

When we want to emphasise that something is done repeatedly, we can use the Present Continuous with words like always, constantly, continually, or forever. Often we do this when we want to show that we are unhappy about it, including our own behaviour:

§ They ’re constantly having parties until the early hours in the morning.

 

The Past Continuous is used in the same way:

§ He was forever including me in his crazy schemes.

 

The Present Simple is used to report what we have heard or what we have read:

§ This newspaper article explains why unemployment has been rising so quickly.

 

We also use the Present Simple in spoken English in phrases, such as I gather, I hear, I see, and I understand to introduce news that we have heard, read or seen (e.g. on television):

§ I gather you're worried about the new job?

§ The Prince is coming to visit, and I hear he's very rich.

 

EXERCISES:

Ex. 1. Use the Present Indefinite or the Present Continuous:

 

1. He has suffered a great deal of pain. You (not to think) he (to behave) very well, though? 2. "I (to live) up there," she said, indicating the gates. 3. I never (to change) my shoes even when I (to get) my feet wet. 4. "By the way," I asked Arthur, "what Bill (to do) now?" 5. The guard stared at him. "You (to have) a pass?" 6. "Mr Brown (to play) cards?" he asked. 7. "Luis (to keep) something secret." "He (not to tell) you every­thing?" 8. They will have to stay with us when they (to arrive) here. 9. "And what has become of Mr Jones?" the man asked. "He (to do) well." 10. "You must forgive me," Mr Smith said, "but I (not to touch) alcohol." 11. It's no use mumbling at me out of the side of your mouth, and imagining that you (to speak) French. 12. "Dan," she said, turning to her husband with her hand over the mouthpiece, "why your brother (to call) so early?" 13. I (to believe) she (to feel) foolish this morning. 14. If there is one thing I (not to like) on a voyage it is the unexpected. Naturally I (not to talk) of the sea. The sea (to present) no problem. 15. He will give me a welcome whenever I (to come) here. 16. A very old woman was staring at them intently. "We (to do) something to attract attention?" Grace asked. 17. At the further end of the village (to stand) the medieval church. 18. "I shall go mad if this (to go) on much longer," said Rex. 19. "Where's Mrs Hardy?" "Downstairs, Sir. She (to greet) the guests." 20. May I put my car away in your garage in case anyone (to соте)? 21. He gave me a smile as much as to say: "I only (to joke). " 22. Mr Smith and I never (to travel) anywhere without a bottle of aspirin. 23. The wheel of her bicycle was bent out of shape. "What I (to do) now?" she asked. 24. She always (to try) to show off to her husband that she can do without him. 25. The doctor (not to see) the patients today. He has been called away. 26. "If you (to feel) so strongly," she said, "why you (not to do) something about it?"

 

Ex. 2. Translate the following sentences into English concentrating on the use of the Present Indefinite and the Present Continuous:

 

1. Где Тед? — В саду. — Что он там делает? 2. Брат никогда не простит мне, если я позволю тебе уйти. 3. Я не имею ни малейшего представления, о чем вы говорите. 4. Во всех номерах отеля есть ванна. 5. Он слышал, как она говорила по телефону: «Нет, у меня все в порядке. Я проснулась и завтракаю». 6. Мне, возможно, следует предупредить вас. Мы обучаем пря­мым методом. Мы говорим только на эсперанто. 7. Значит ли это, что я старею? 8. «А что люди говорят обо мне здесь?» — спросила она. 9. Но они ничего еще не сделали. Как вы думаете, чего они ждут? 10. Эти люди говорят на языке, которого никто не знает. 11. Их фирма работает над новым автомобилем. Это большая новость. 12. Ты знаешь, как он любит автомобили. 13. Кстати, что здесь происходит? 14. Всякий раз, когда вам встретится слово, которое вы не зна­ете, посмотрите его в словаре. 15. «Я не сплю в доме», — сказал он. 16. Давай, я налью тебе воды. У тебя все еще дрожат руки. 17. Он сказал: «Мы никогда не доберемся до Лондона, если ты будешь вести машину так неосторожно». 18. «Удивительно, — сказал я, — как легко он заводит дру­зей». 19. «А что делает мать Сэнди в Японии?» — «Она уехала туда с женской делегацией». 20. Ты помнишь Джеймса? Он теперь работает на новых изда­телей, и дела у него идут неплохо. 21. Я очень занят новой школой, которую мы строим. 22. Сэм, беги и поиграй в парке. Твой отец не очень хорошо себя чувствует. 23. Я не знаю, почему я плачу. 24. «Ты уже ела?» — «Еще нет. Я мою голову».

Ex. 3. Explain why the Present Continuous is not used in the following sentences despite the fact that the actions in them take place at the moment of speaking:

1. The phone's ringing. Who's it for, I wonder? 2. You talk as if your son were a little boy. 3. Your scheme sounds full of holes to me. 4. There was a burst of laughter and music. Rose said wistfully: "They have a good time, don't they?" 5. The whole thing must be done right away. That leaves us only one alternative. 6. What's this? Sam, do you hear that? 7. What's the matter now? Why do you talk to me like that? 8. I'm sorry. I apologise. 9. "I feel a bit shaken." "You surprise me. I've never seen you like that." 10. " Do you think there may be some mistake here?" "Why do you ask me?" 11. In a minute or two he began to sigh. "He sighs like a turtle," Meg thought. 12. "She has gone away." "Oh, that tells me everything."

 

Ex. 4. Translate the following sentences into English concentrating on the choice between the Present Indefinite and the Present Continuous to express actions taking place at the moment of speaking:

 

1. «Это моя ошибка. Я приношу свои извинения», — сказал он. 2. «Где лейтенант?» — «Он там вон лежит и наблюдает за вражеским патрулем». 3. Я все еще не понимаю вас. 4. На перекрестке старик сказал торопливо: «Здесь я расста­юсь с тобой. Я иду к дочери». 5. Я говорю тебе это в качестве предупреждения, Милли. 6. Он знает, что мы уходим? 7. «Вы что, хотите мне сказать, что мой отец лжет?» — «О нет, нет, молодой человек, вы преувеличиваете». 8. Что ты имеешь в виду, Сэм? Ты говоришь загадками. 9. Не груби. Тебе это не идет. 10. «Неужели ты не видишь, что я устал? Все, что мне сейчас нужно, — это сигарета и ванна». 11. «Как ты себя чувствуешь? Почему ты не ешь суп?» — «Я не хочу». 12. «Поль где-то здесь?» — «Он принимает ванну». 13. Почему ты такой раздражительный?» — «Я не раздражи­тельный».— «Тогда не кричи». — «Я не кричу».

Ex. 5. Use the Present Indefinite or the Present Continuous to refer the actions in the following sentences to the future:

 

1. I'm Dr Salt. And I have an appointment with your chief. Now where I (to go) in? 2. Do you know what time we (to arrive) at the frontier? 3. I know that he (to leave) for the village tomorrow. 4. "What we (to do) now?" she asked as they reached the street. 5. I can't fetch you because I no longer have my car. I (to sell) it tomorrow. 6. The next plane (to leave) Salt Lake at six o'clock. You can catch it yet. 7. She looked at her husband. "I'm nervous. What I (to tell) them?" 8. Her voice was sharp and commanding: "I (not to go) home alone. Come on." 9. Loren (to return) from his honeymoon tomorrow and I'd like to see him before the meeting on Friday. 10. Where we (to go) from here? 11. The truck disappeared on the other side of the hill, leaving the soldiers behind. "We (to dig) in here," said the lieutenant looking at the map. 12. Ted (to come) here this morning. 13. Norah said: "I (to go) home tomorrow." "Why?" "My law term (to begin) soon." 14. "What you (to do) tonight?" "I don't know yet."

 

Ex. 6. Use the proper forms of the verbs in brackets to express future actions:

 

1. We'll talk when we (to get) there. 2. I'll see that everything (to be) in order. 3. I don't know when she (to be) home. 4. Joseph, see that there (to be) plenty of lamps for the guests. 5. We'll wait here till it (to get) dark. 6. You will stay here and make sure no one (to approach) the road. 7. He asks if you (to meet) him in the library at five o'clock. 8. I advise you to make sure the bottle (not to be) showing out of the box. 9. He will be very useful if you (to treat) him right. 10. He will take care that they (to be) fit to do the job. 11. He wants to know if I (to deliver) this parcel. 12. If all (to go) well, I shall finish it in a fortnight. 13. Stay by the door and wait to make sure that he (to switch) off the light at the gates. 14. I'll see that everything (to be) properly packed and put into store. 15. I wonder what the weather is going to be like and if I (to be) warm. 16. We'll have peace together when he (to be) gone.

 

Ex. 7. Use the Present Indefinite or the Present Continuous of the verbs in brackets:

 

1. I'm about to move to London and I (to try) to decide which books and records to take along. 2. "You're young," he said. "Young people (to do) a lot of foolish things." 3. Why you (to wear) an engagement ring? You are not engaged. 4. It was a shock to her, but she is the kind that (not to break) down. 5. One shouldn't drink when one (to drive). 6. She always (to try) a little too hard to make people like her. 7. "What he (to do) there?" "He (to write) a book, I believe." 8. He (to know) a lot of languages. 9. What you (to do) when you are by yourself? 10. "Ellen (to wait) for you." "Yes, I know." 11. Write him a note and see it (to be) delivered. 12. Why you (not to try) to rest now, Sam? Try and sleep. 13. I'm sorry you (not to feel) well, dear. 14. "I (to start) work next week." "And we all (to look) forward very much to having you in the office. You (to join) us at an interesting time." 15. "Ray, come here a minute, will you?" "Oh, what you (to want)?Can't you see I (to watch) the telly?" 16. She asked George who hadn't moved, "Well, what you (to stand) there for? What you (to think) about?" 17. What sort of parts you (to play) on the stage? 18. "What you (to do) tonight?" "I don't know yet. I (to get) rather used to being at home every night." 19. Jill (to be) rude to me. Why you (not to stop) her? 20. "You ever (to play) cards?" he asked. 21. "What we (to do) now?" "When it (to be) light we'll go back to the car." 22. For goodness' sake see that these new boys (to get) their hair cut properly. 23. She (to suffer) from a very unusual form of kidney disease. 24. I (not to go) home for lunch on Mondays. Mother (to get) up early on Mondays and (to do) her washing. 25. When she looked at him he was no longer smiling and lost in thought again. "How quickly your mood (to change). " she ex­claimed. 26. "Come to my room this minute," he said. "You (to hear) me? Please, hurry, I (to wait) for you." 27. "Of course I (to joke)," he said in confusion. 28. "How's Jon?" "He (to grow) peaches in North Carolina." 29. "Mr Desert in?" "No, Sir. Mr. Desert has just started for the East. His ship (to sail) tomorrow." "Oh," said Michael blankly: "Where from?" "Plymouth, Sir. His train (to leave) Paddington at midnight. You may catch him yet." 30. You (to look) hot. Haven't you something cooler to wear? 31. Sometimes I (to think) about what you and I (to do) here, and whether any of it is really worth it. 32. "Yes, how time (to fly)!" observed Lily. 33. "You must let me out here. Now I can easily walk to the railway station." "What train you (to take)?" "The next to Montreal." "Then you (to leave) Canada." "Yes." "Just a holi­day?" "No. I (to return) to England." 34. "The note (to say) that you are to blame." "She (to lie). " "Who (to lie)?" "The teacher." 35. Well, the easiest way to make sure that I (not to say) the wrong thing is not to bring your friends here. 36. Philip looked down at his son. "You are a little beggar," he said. "You always (to want) something." 37. "Sh... sh!" she warned. "You (to become) conspicuous." 38. He certainly wants to see you. It's the last chance because his regiment (to leave) the country early next week. 39. I (to see) him tomorrow. 40. I'll see to it that he (to take) his sister with him. 41. The boy appeared with a railway timetable in his hand. "The next train (to leave) in twenty minutes." 42. "When they (to leave)?" "In a fortnight. They (to see) about tickets tomorrow."

 

 

UNIT 3

Present Perfect

 

The Present Perfect refers to the present and is not used in narration where reference is made to past events. The Present Perfect is used in present-time contexts, i.e. conversations, newspaper and radio reports, lectures and letters. The Present Perfect has three uses: Present Perfect I, Present Perfect II and Present Perfect III.

1) Present Perfect I is used to express an accomplished action which is viewed from the moment of speaking as part of the present situation.

§ I've had a talk with him.

 

The action expressed in the Present Perfect is regarded as already accomplished, it belongs to the present. It becomes obvious from the periphrasis:

§ I've heard the doctor's opinion → I know the doctor's opinion.

§ She's gone off to the woods. → She is in the woods.

 

The Present Perfect is used to name a new action, whereas the Past Indefinite is used to refer back to a definite action. Present Perfect I may also be used to sum up a situation.

§ "I've done bad things," I said.

 

In accordance with its main function — just to name an accomplished action — the Present Perfect is generally used when the time of the action is not given. Sometimes, there may be no indication of past time, but the Present Perfect cannot be used because reference is made to happenings which are definite. In this case the use of the Past Indefinite is very common.

§ Did you sleep well?

§ I didn't understand you.

§ Did you enjoy the play?

 

It is possible to use the Present Perfect when there is an adverbial modifier of time in the sentence that denotes a period of time which is not over yet: today, this morning, this week, this month, this year, etc.

§ What Rosanna has done tonight is clear enough.

§ I have had only one new dress this summer. (This summer is not over yet.)

 

If the period is over the Past Indefinite is used.

§ Did you see the letter in the "Times" this morning? (It is no longer morning.)

§ I haven't had time to look at a paper today. (Today is not over yet.)

 

Sometimes an adverbial modifier of place points to a past period of time.

§ Did you see him at the theatre (= when you were at the theatre)

 

The Present Perfect may be found with certain adverbs of indefinite time and frequency such as just ('только что'), not... yet, already, before, always, ever, never, often, seldom, recently, lately, of late, etc.

Note: the use of the Past Indefinite with just now:

§ I told you just now I had never had time for much fun.

 

It is sufficient to use the Present Perfect alone to express an accomplished action. The addition of already is not necessary.

 

It is the Past Indefinite that is used in questions introduced by when.

§ When did you actually arrive?

§ When did you change your mind?

 

The Past Indefinite is also used in special questions beginning with where and how when they refer to the past events.

§ Where did your uncle receive his guests?

§ "How did he get in?" I asked.

§ Where did I leave my hat?

 

The question Where have you been? can be asked of the person who has just come.

§ "Hello, Mum. I'm sorry I'm late" "Where have you been?"

 

In all other cases it should be Where were you?

§ "Did the party go off nicely?"- "I don't know. I wasn't there."- "Where were you?"

 

The verb to be is used in the meaning 'to visit', 'to go' in the Present Perfect:

§ He has been to Ireland too.

§ Have you been to a symphony concert?

 

2) Present Perfect II serves to express an action which began before the moment of speaking and continues into it or up to it. This grammatical meaning is mainly expressed by the Present Perfect Continuous. But the Present Perfect Non-Continuous is found in the following cases:

a) Its use is compulsory with stative verbs

§ I've loved her since she was a child.

b) With some dynamic verbs of durative meaning the Present Perfect is sometimes used instead of the Present Perfect Continuous with little difference in meaning.

§ It's a pretty room. I've slept in it for fifteen years. (= I’ve lived)

 

c) The Present Perfect is preferred to the Present Perfect Continuous in negative sentences:

§ "Shall we sit down a little? We haven't sat here for ages."

 

Present Perfect II is associated with certain time indications: for an hour, for many years, for the last few days, for a long time, for so long, for ages, in years, in a long while, these three years, all this week, all along, so long, all one's life, etc.

§ The picture has been mine for years and years.

 

In the clause introduced by since the Past Indefinite is used to indicate the starting point of an action:

§ I haven't played much football since I left schools

 

We sometimes find the Present Perfect in both parts:

§ I've loved you since I've known you.

 

The indication of time is necessary to Present Perfect II because its meaning in most cases could be changed.

Cf. I've been taught to do it for three years.

I have been taught to do it.

 

Distinguish between the use of the Present Perfect and the Past Indefinite when the period of duration is expressed by for- phrase. If the period of duration belongs to the past time sphere, the Past Indefinite is used. It is only if the period of duration comes close to the mo­ment of speaking or includes it that the Present Perfect is used.

Cf. I have lived like this for two years, and I can't stand it any more.

I went to the University here for four years and got a degree.

 

3) Present Perfect III is found in adverbial clauses of time and condition introduced by the conjunctions when, before, after, as soon as, till and until where it is used to express a future action. It shows that the action of the subordinate clause will be accomplished before the action of the principal clause. This use of the Present Perfect is structurally dependent.

§ As soon as we have had some tea we shall go to inspect your house.

§ I’ll take you back in my car but not till I've made you some coffee.

Sometimes the Present Simple is found in this type of clauses in the same meaning as the Present Perfect. The choice of the form depends on the lexical meaning of the verb. With durative verbs the Present Perfect is necessary.

§ When you have had your tea, we'll see about it.

§ I can tell you whether the machine is good or bad when I have tried it.

 

With terminative verbs the use of both forms is possible:

Cf. He says when he retires he'll grow roses.

When I've finished this I must go and put the baby to bed.

 

 

EXERCISES:

 

Ex. 8. Explain the use of Present Perfect I * in the following sentences:

 

1. Oliver came shyly up to him. "Sir, I 've written a poem." "Good," said the headmaster. "May I see it?" 2. "Come on, ladies," he shouted, "there's nothing to be afraid of. The mice have left the room." 3. Hethinks it's pure nerves and he' s given me pills. 4. "Your hands are probably soiled. Go and wash them." "I have washed them." 5. Sam, what' s come over you? You make me sad talking like this. 6. "Do you know the man?" "I’ ve met him." 7. "Where is Gladys?" "I' ve just had a message. Her aunt' s had a stroke and she' s had to go down to Somerset." 8. "Well, it's very nice to see you anyway. I 've been lonely." 9. "I don't know if any of you are interested," he said, "but the town has fallen. " 10. " Have you brought sandwiches?" "No." "I don't know where I'll get lunch." 11. "You look a bit shaken. Are you all right?" "It' s been a pretty awful day, that's all." 12. I don't know how often I' ve told you that I don't believe in this. 13. I’ ve tried to be good. 14. As they saw off their last guest, he said to his wife: "I think everything has gone off fairly well, don't you?" "Everything has been perfect," she declared. 15. "What do you know about the life in Quebec?" "Quite a lot. We have had letters from my uncle describing it." 16. "Does your little daughter miss her nurse?" "No, she has forgotten her." 17. "Are you keen on sailing?" "I have never done any." 18. "You know, I'm thinking of writing my memoirs," she said, "I've had an adventurous life." 19. "Well, after all," she said, "he knows he has been horrid to you and he is trying to make up for it." 20. "Hallo, Mum and Dad," he called out. "Are you too busy to see what I' ve caught?" 21. " Have you heard Uncle Finch play?" "I'm sorry to say, no." 22. Doctor Diver, my daughter isn't right in the head. I' ve had lots of specialists and nurses for her and she' s taken a couple of rest cures but the thing has grown too big for me and I' ve been strongly recommended to come to you.

 

Ex. 9. Use the Present Perfect or the Present Indefinite in the following clauses of time referring to the future:

1. All right. I'll come down when I (to put) on a fresh collar. 2. When he (to be) off duty he'll go there. 3. "I must know where they are and I shall not rest till I (to see) them again," he thought. 4. "No more," she said to the dog, "but when I (to finish) you may have the bone." 5. Go on with your picture. We'll have a look at it when we (to return) from the party. 6. "I'll hand the book over when I (to read) it," he said. 7. "Has he gone?" she asked as soon as her sister entered. "No. He refuses to go till he (to see) you." 8. I will not leave you till we (to talk) this thing out. 9. Nobody knows we are here. We may stay here till we (to die). 10. You won't think so when you (to see) a bit more of it. 11. I'll lock the door when you (to go). 12. When I (to wake) I'll go for a swim. 13. I know that when she (to refuse) to help him he'll make some scene. 14. I'll come when my guests (to go). 15. Please don't start watching TV till we (to have) supper. 16. You'll find it lonely here after the sun (to set). 17. Look, call him up again when he (to finish) eating. 18. "You'll find," said Ted, "that you'll long for home when you (to leave) it." 19. I'll keep it with me till we (to decide) what is to be done with it. 20. "I'll give you some paper and brushes and let you make a picture when we (to ask) your mother," she said to the girl.

 

 

UNIT 4

Present Perfect Continuous

 

The Present Perfect Continuous is an analytical form. The Present Perfect Continuous is found in present-time contexts and can’t be used in narration. The Present Perfect Continuous has two uses - Present Perfect Continuous I and Present Perfect Continuous II:

 

1) Present Perfect Continuous I expresses an action which began before the moment of speaking and continues up to it. It is parallel to Present Perfect II and may be used with some time indications.

§ That was a couple of hours ago and I have been waiting ever since.

§ I have been thinking about it for a long time.

 

Present Perfect Continuous I may be used with both durative and terminative verbs. Present Perfect II is never used with terminative verbs. Present Perfect Continuous is not common with stative verbs.

 

2) Present Perfect Continuous II expresses an action which was in progress quite recently and still affects the present situation, explains or gives reasons at present moment. The precise time limits of the action (i.e. its beginning and its end) are not specified. This use of the Present Perfect Continuous is more wide:

§ "Your shoes are wet." "I've been walking in the rain."

§ Don't tell your mother what I've been saying.

§ What have you been doing?

 

The Present Perfect Continuous in this case is, as a rule, not associated with any indications of time. It is only occasionally found with time indications or just.

§ I've just been having such a delightful chat with Margaret.

In negative sentences the Present Perfect Continuous is not common. Present Perfect II is used in this case. However, the Present Perfect Continuous is also found in nega­tive sentences but in this case the negation does not mean the action but the circumstances about the action.

§ I haven't been sleeping well. (means that I have been sleeping but the sleep has not been sound enough)

§ I'm sorry I'm late. I hope you have not been waiting for me. (means that I know you have been waiting but I hope it is not for me)

Present Perfect Continuous I and II are sometimes found with stative verbs.

§ I've been wanting to talk to you.

§ A little break like this is what she's been needing all these years.

Note the following sentence patterns:

a) He has been reading since he came. (the action in subordinate clause in­dicates the starting point of the action in the principal clause.)

b) He has been reading since he has been working in the library. (the actions both began at the same time in the past and continue into the moment of speaking.)

 

EXERCISES:

 

Ex. 10. Explain why Present Perfect II and not the Present Perfect Con­tinuous is used in the following sentences:

 

1. Then about a year ago he disappeared and I' ve never heard from him since. 2. "Good evening, Mrs Elliot, you look blooming tonight." "Oh, not really, I haven't had a minute since I came in." 3. He' s made nothing but trouble for years. 4. He hasn't been seen for a week. He is said to be on holidays. 5. I don't think he' s changed in the thirty years I've known him. 6. I'm going to eat something. I haven't had anything since last night. 7. They heard a step behind them and turning saw Wilmott com­ing up to them. "Here I am!" he said. " Have you waited long?" 8. Meg said: "We haven't had lessons lately. It's too hot." 9. This is the happiest evening I' ve had in a long while. 10. "You are late for tea, Philip," she said. "No, I'm not late, Mumma," he returned. "I' ve been in for some time."

 

Ex. 11. Use the Present Perfect Continuous or Present Perfect II in the following sentences:

 

1. I (to be) busy since we last met. 2. I'm very fond of Alice but I (not to see) much of her lately. 3. "How quickly your mood changes! You look drained." "I (to walk) around all day. I (to have) a few drinks and nothing to eat." 4. But I (to cook, to clean) and (to dig) for three days and I'm tired. 5. "I don't think your mother expects you to become an electri­cian." "What she (to say) to you?" "Nothing." 6. Imagine how much they (to learn) since they (to be) here. 7. "Shall we sit down or do you prefer to stand?" "I (to sit) down in my office, so I am quite happy to stand." 8. I found him waiting downstairs at the house door to let me in. "I'm sorry," I said, "I hope you (not to stand) here long." 9. There (to be) no guests at all since I left? 10. The other chap is a man who threw up his job ten years ago and he (not to work) since. 11. "My son is not a bad boy. But he's going through a difficult phase." "He (to go) through this difficult phase for fifteen years." 12. He's an old friend. I (to know) him for ages. 13. You (to see) anything of Mary lately? 14. Do you know of any good books coming out soon? I (not to read) anything amusing for ages. 15. I know the names of everyone in the village. I (to live) here all my life. 16. "What do you suppose was wrong with the pony that he should go into the ditch?" asked Meg. "He (to go) into the ditch ever since I (to know) him," said the doctor, "and I (to know) him twenty-five years." 17. Winifred has got a young man she (to have) dates with for ages and she won't tell me anything about him.

 

Ex. 12. Translate the following into English concentrating on the use of the Present Perfect and the Present Perfect Continuous:

 

1. Мы с вашим братом говорили сегодня об этом деле. Поэто­му я и пришел повидаться с вами. 2. «Я все думал об этой книге, — сказал он, — и пришел к заключению, что мы не можем ее напечатать». 3. «Грузовик все еще там?» — «Да. Они уже два часа работа­ют, пытаются сдвинуть его. Но им это еще не удалось». 4. «Что ты делала, Пэт? Ты вся в земле». 5. «Ну, ты ведь слышала о Молли, да?» — «Я слышу о ней уже два года». 6. «Последнее время я замечаю в тебе какие-то изменения». 7. «Ну, как ты?» — «Немного устала. Я весь день скребла стены». 8. Мальчишке нужна порка. Он уже много месяцев напраши­вается на нее. 9. «Том и я, — сказала она весело, входя в комнату, — так хорошо провели время. Мы смотрели альбомы». 10. «Я очень доволен тем местом, которое выбрал. Я буду питать­ся ягодами и рыбой, и читать все те книги, которые я давно хотел прочитать». — «А где вы возьмете их?» — «Я привез их с собой». 11. «Эта больница оказалась очень хорошей для изучения язы­ков, — сказала девушка. — С тех пор как я здесь, я говорю по-французски с двумя докторами и по-немецки с нянями, и я набралась порядочно испанского от одного пациента. Для занятий музыкой тоже. Я практикуюсь каждый день. А последние несколько месяцев я занимаюсь на курсах по истории музыки».

Ex. 13. Translate the following into English concentrating on the use of Present Perfect Continuous II:

 

1. Когда они остались одни, она спросила: «Что здесь проис­ходило?» 2. «А что, если я попрошу Филиппа одолжить мне денег?» — «Попробуй. Он только что с рыбалки. Это подходящий момент». 3. «Какие у тебя холодные руки, Мэри!»— «Да, я сидела у окна и проверяла тетради». 4. «А вот ты где, Том! А я все искал тебя. Там какой-то моло­дой человек хочет видеть тебя». 5. При строгих родителях и двух старших братьях я всегда только и слышал, как кто-нибудь говорил мне: «Филипп, тебе должно быть стыдно». 6. «Извини, что я опоздал, мама. Мне нужно было поехать в город, и я попал под дождь, и промок насквозь. Я переоде­вался». 7. «Эй! А где же все?» — «Я сейчас спущусь, — откликнулась Долли. — Я закрывала окна». 8. Он поблагодарил сестру за подарок и сказал: «Это как раз то, что мне нужно. Все мое шерстяное белье съела моль».

 

Ex. 14. То practise the Present Perfect Continuous, say what has just been happening to cause the state of things expressed in the following sentences:

 

1. His clothes are wet. (to walk in the rain) 2. You look upset. (to say dreadful things about...) 3. I'm so glad to be able to talk to someone. (to have a very dull time) 4. Why do you think I ought to give up my work? (to talk to the doctor) 5. You look excited. (to try to talk someone out of doing some­thing) 6. He is very tired. (to overwork) 7. The streets are wet. (to rain) 8. I can't write a loving letter now. (to write too many official papers) 9. The air in the room is hazy. (to smoke a great deal)

 

Ex. 15. Use the Present Continuous or the Present Perfect Continuous in the following sentences:

 

1. "There's a man sitting at the first table near the door. He (to look) at us," she said. "He is, but what of it?" "I (to meet) him everywhere of late." 2. Ever since my University days I (to study) the history of Russia. Now I (to read) books on the Civil War. 3. I know you (to ask) for somebody with experience on your staff. There is a doctor in our laboratory who might interest you. But he now (to finish) an experiment. 4. "I (to visit) with friends." "How long you (to stay) with your friends?" 5. The door was opened by Mrs Pitt. "Well, well, you're just in time. I (to make) some cakes. And your father (to have) break­fast." 6. "Where's my daughter?" "She (to talk) to a policeman." "What's happened?" "She (to drive) without a license." 7. "I hope you (to do) well?" "Splendid. I was very sorry that you left us. We (to do) better ever since." 8. "Hello," she said. "I'm glad you (to have) lunch here. I (to want) to talk to you." 9. "We (to stay) here nearly a week." "I hope you (not to think) of leaving." 10. "The girl (to wait) to see you, doctor." "How long she (to wait)?"

 

 

UNIT 5

Past Simple (Indefinite)

The Past Indefinite is a synthetic form (He sang), but the interrogative and negative forms are analytical (Did you work? We did not work.). Didn't is the contracted form. The Past Indefinite may have a special form used for emphasis (He did in­sist on it).

 

The Past Indefinite is usually used to express a past action. It may be found in present-time and past-time contexts. The Past Indefinite expresses:

1) a single action in the past usually with time indication (this morning, today, tonight, etc.)

§ I only met her this morning.

§ I had a letter from Willy yesterday.

 

The time of the action may be implied through the place or context:

§ I ate pizza in Italy.(= when I was in Italy)

 

2) an action which occupied a period of time and now is over:

§ We quarrelled for three days.

Note: Questions beginning with how long may contain Past Indefinite or Present Perfect II depending on whether the period of time is over or not yet.

§ How long have you been here?

§ How long did you stay there?

3) in narration with a succession of actions:

§ So I went up the stairs, bathed and changed, then I went downstairs and cooked dinner for three.

 

4) recurrent (повторяющиеся) actions in the past.

§ Martin spent many of his evenings reading.

5) permanent actions indicating processes in the past, giving characteris­tic of the person.

§ I knew they loved each other, but they always quarrelled.

Note the following constructions:

 

used to + infinitive expresses recurrent ac­tions

§ I used to take out a deck chair, sit under one of the apple-trees and read.

 

The negative and interrogative forms of used to + infinitive are seldom and different in form:

§ Used you to climb the old tree in the garden?

§ Did you use to climb the tree in the garden?

 

would + infinitive expresses only recurrent ac­tions in past-time contexts

§ She would often wake up screaming in the night.

6) an action going on at a given past moment (= Past Continuous) in the following cases:

a) Past Indefinite becomes obligatory with stative verbs.

§ She sipped her coffee and thought it tasted horrible.

 

b) Past Indefinite, but not Past Continu­ous is used with some durative verbs: to sit, to stand, to lie, to hang, to shine, to gleam, to talk, to speak, to wear, to carry, to walk, etc. In such cases the action is only named, and it is often the circumstances are really important.

§ We went to the bus stop. The full moon shone down on the street.

 

7) a future action viewed from the past (in reported speech).

§ She knew that, whatever happened, he would not give her away.

Past Continuous

 

The Past Continuous is an analytical form and is used to express:

1) an action going on at a past given moment. Time limits of the action are not known.

§ Mary came in. She was eating an ice cream.

2) an action going on at a past period of time. Time limits of the action are not known. The past period of time is clear from the context.

§ Andrew had no idea whether he was doing well or badly in his exam.

§ Wake was in New York when the news reached him. He was acting in a play.

Note: Past Continuous may be used with time indications as: all day, all that year, yesterday, the whole morning, etc.

§ Roy was keeping to his room all day.

But even in this case the Past Indefinite is usually found:

§ I stayed in all day.

3) actions characterising the person, his typical traits with words always and constantly.

§ You remember he was always writing verses. He was always experimenting.

But when no emotional colouring is implied, Past Indefinite is used.

4) a future action viewed from the past (near future due to one's previous decision).

§ At the end of the week she wired that she was returning.

Some durative verbs of bodily sensation (to feel, to hurt, to ache, etc.) and to wear, to look (= to seem), to shine, etc. may be used either in Past Indefinite or in Past Continuous with little difference in meaning.

Cf. He was happy that his wife was feeling better.

I saw that he felt upset.

Past Indefinite and Past Continuous are used in different combinations with each other:

1) A complex sentence with a clause of time introduced by the conjunction as. There may be three different time relations between the action of the subordinate and principal clause:

 

a) If the actions of two clauses are fully simultaneous, Past Indefinite in both clauses is used:

§ I watched him as he drank his tea.

§ Roy talked little as they drove home.

 

b) The actions of the principal and the subordinate clauses are partially simultaneous. The action of the subordinate clause is a background for the principal clause which is usually a shorter accomplished action = Past Indefinite + as + Past Continuous:

§ As I was leaving the office, Martin rang me up.

 

c) The actions of the two clauses form a succession = Past Indefinite.

§ As the sun disappeared, a fresh breeze stirred the cur­tains at the window.

2) A complex sentence with a clause of time with conjunction while:

a) The actions are fully simultaneous = Past Continuous or Past Indefinite in subordinate clause and Past Indefinite in principal clause:

§ She sat still while he was playing the sonata.

 

b) The actions are partially simultaneous; the ac­tion of the subordinate clause is a background for the principal clause which is a shorter accomplished action. So Past Indefinite is used in the principal clause while in the subordinate clause Past Indefinite or Past Continuous is found.

§ While I was reading, I heard a splash from the bath, and I realized that Martin must be there.

EXERCISES:

 

Ex. 16. Use Present Perfect I or the Past Indefinite in the following sentences:

 

1. I never (to see) anyone more beautiful than your wife. 2. I (to meet) your husband this afternoon at Green Street. 3. He said, "You (to meet) this passenger. He calls himself Major Jones." "I (to speak) to him." 4. "I (to get) hold of some money — enough for Tony to go off for a couple of years." "You (to raise) all that money by doing your own housework?" "No, of course not." "Milly, what you (to be) up to? What you (to do)?" "I (to sell) the house." "But what's Tony going to say? You (to tell) him?" "Why should he care? He's young." "Why you (not to tell) him?" 5. I said, "Mr Jones (to be) arrested by the police." "My good­ness. You don't say. What he (to do)?" "He necessarily (not to do) anything." "He (to see) a lawyer?" "That's not possible here. The police wouldn't allow it." 6. "You (to hear) the news?" "What news?" "About Ted and Dave. They (to be) out on the roof last night and Ted (to slip) and Dave (to try) to hold him but he couldn't and (to be) pulled off too. They're both in hospital with concussion and their people (to be) sent for." 7. I understand you (to have) an unpleasant experience at the weekend? What (to happen) exactly? 8. You remember the coin you (to find) in the pool? 9. "Mr Dillon (to arrive), Kate." "Oh, good. You (to find) your way all right then, Mr Dillon? I (not to hear) you ring the bell." "I couldn't find the bell, so I (to knock) instead." 10. He (to light) a cigarette and (to walk) to the window. 11. "Can we get dinner here?" "Of course we can. Have you got enough money? I (to spend) my last dollar on the taxi." 12. You (to say) just now that time (to be) everything. What you (to mean) by that? 13. As we got into the taxi my brother asked, "Well, you (to speak) to Harry?" "I (to speak) to him for a moment." 14. "Hallo," the little girl said to her mother and looked at her companion. "Come and say 'How do you do' to Mr Ogden." "I (to see) him already." "You can't have done, dear. He only just (to arrive) here." "I (to see) him in the hall this afternoon." "I'm sure you didn't. You (to see) my little daughter yet, Mr Ogden?" "I don't think we (to meet) before," said Mr Ogden. 15. "I remember you (to have) three funny little freckles on your nose," he said, "but they (to disappear). " 16. I think I'd better go now. I (to act) wrongly and I in a way (to deceive) you. I'm sorry. 17. "You (to read) 'Winnie the Pooh' by A. A. Milne?" "Yes." "And how you (to like) it?" "Very much indeed." 18. She (to come) into the room and (to lean) over her father's chair and (to kiss) his cheek. "You (to have) a good trip?" 19. You (not to hear) what the pilot (to say)? 20. At school I (to be) never good at languages, but here I (to pick) up a bit of French. 21. "Good night. It (to be) nice to meet you," he (to say) and (to go) off to his car. 22. "Poor girl," said Renny looking after her. "Don't pity her! She (to have) her happiness. We all pay for that." "You (to have) yours?" "I (to have)