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TENSES REVIEW

This tutorial contains three sections on verb tenses:

 Present simple or present continuous


 Present perfect
 Past perfect

Each section includes a “Language in context” passage, exercises, grammar notes, and a
review passage.

1. Present simple or continuous


The highlighted text will be explained, as it contains examples of the tenses in use.

Language in context

Over the last twenty years, the average size of households has fallen dramatically.
The number of one person households has grown, due largely to the ageing of the
population, as has the number of one parent families. Couples having smaller families have
also contributed to the fall in household size.

In 1976, 60% of families were couples with children. By 1996, this had fallen to
51%. Part of this change can be attributed to the increase in one parent families with
dependent children, but most of the change [1]is due to the increase in the proportion of
couple-only families. People [2]are now having children later in life, and [3]are living longer.
Therefore, they [4]are spending more time living in couple-only families, both before they
[5]
have families and after their children have left home.

However, children [6]are leaving home later. In 1981, 34% of children aged 20-24
lived with their parents. By 1991, this had increased to 40%. This increase has, to some
extent, countered the fall in the couples with non-dependent children only.

(Source: ABS Yearbook Australia 1997, Number 79, Australian Government Publishing
Service,ACT,p.81)
[1]
This is a present simple verb.
Here it is used to talk about something that is claimed to be true right now. the change is
due to the increase...
[2]
Are having is a present continuous verb. It describes a trend which may be temporary
and is occurring right now.
[3]
This is a present continuous verb. It describes a trend which may be temporary and is
occurring right now.
[4]
This is a present continuous verb. It describes a trend which may be temporary and is
occurring right now.
[5]
This is a present simple verb.
Here it is used to talk about a timeless fact: people have families. It is true now, will be true
in the future, and was true in the past.
[6]
This is a present continuous verb. It describes a trend which may be temporary and is
occurring right now.

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Present simple and continuous compared

THE PRESENT SIMPLE TENSE THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE

The present simple may be used to describe The present continuous may be used to
habits and permanent situations. describe a temporary trend or situation.
 People now have children later in life  People are now having children later in
and live longer. life and are living longer.

 They spend more time living in  They are spending more time living in
couple-only families. couple-only families.
The present continuous may describe
The present simple may describe general
situations or activities which are occurring
rules and principles and established facts.
right now.
 Business cycles follow phases of rapid
 Australia is currently experiencing a
growth (expansion) and slow growth
period of rapid economic growth.
(recession).
 The housing sector is benefiting from
 As prices rise, the purchasing power
low interest rates and rising divorce.
of money declines.
 Companies are increasingly
 Target marketing helps sellers identify
embracing target marketing.
marketing opportunities better.

2. Present perfect
The highlighted text will be explained, as it contains examples of the tenses in use.

Language in context
Over the last twenty years, the average size of households [1]has fallen dramatically.
The number of one person households [2]has grown, due largely to the ageing of the
population, as [3]has the number of one parent families. Couples having smaller families
[4]
have also contributed to the fall in household size.
In 1976, 60% of families were couples with children. By 1996, this had fallen to
51%. Part of this change can be attributed to the increase in one parent families with
dependent children, but most of the change is due to the increase in the proportion of
couple-only families. People are now having children later in life, and are living longer.
Therefore, they are spending more time living in couple-only families, both before they
have families and after their children [5]have left home.
However, children are leaving home later. In 1981, 34% of children aged 20-24
lived with their parents. By 1991, this had increased to 40%. This increase [6]has to some
extent countered, the fall in the couples with non-dependent children only.
(Source: ABS Yearbook Australia 1997, Number 79, Australian Government Publishing
Service, ACT, p.81)
[1]
This is a present perfect verb. It is used here to describe a continuing trend. The average
size of households began to fall twenty years ago and has continued to fall.
[2]
This is a present perfect verb. It is used here to describe a continuing trend. The number
of one-person households began to grow twenty years ago and has continued to grow.

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[3]
This is part of a present perfect verb. In this sentence, 'as has' is a brief way of saying:
and the number of one-parent families has grown too.
[4]
Have contributed is a present perfect verb. It describes a contribution to the fall in
household size (couples having smaller families), which began in the past and is
continuing.
Note the position of 'also', which is not part of the verb.
[5]
This is a present perfect verb. It is used here to describe a completed activity (their
children left home) which has an impact on the present (the parents live in a couple-only
family).
[6]
Has countered is a present perfect verb. It is used here to describe the current effect of
the 1981-1991 increase in the percentage of children living with their parents: it has to
some extent countered the fall...
Note the position of to some extent, which is not part of the verb.

Notes on the present perfect


A present perfect verb always includes:

has (singular) or have (plural) + a past participle


Past participles usually end in -ed: contributed, resigned, completed
but may be irregular: fallen, grown, made, been, become
Examples
 couples have contributed
 average household size has fallen

A present perfect continuous verb includes:

has (singular) or have (plural) + been + an -ing


verb
Examples
 couples have been contributing
 average household size has been falling

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A present perfect passive verb includes:

has (singular) or have (plural) + been + a past


participle
Examples
 the report has been reviewed
 prices have been increased

Present perfect and simple past compared

The present perfect tense links the past and the present. It can be contrasted with the past
simple tense.

THE PAST SIMPLE TENSE THE PRESENT PERFECT TENSE

The past simple tense may describe The present perfect tense may describe activities
completed activities and past or situations which began in the past and are
situations. still continuing.
 In 1976, 60% of families  The number of one person households has
were couples with children. grown.
 In 1981, 34% of children  Over the past twenty years, the average
aged 20-24 lived with their size of households has fallen.
parents.
The past simple may describe
The present perfect may describe completed
activities without linking them to
activities whose impact is felt in the present.
the present.
 They have completed the research.
 They completed the research
(meaning: a short time ago; here it is).
in 1972.
 They have arrived. (meaning: a short time
 They arrived yesterday.
ago; here they are).
With past simple verbs, the time With present perfect verbs, indefinite time
may be specified. expressions may be used.
 They completed the research
 They have just completed the research.
in 1972.
 They have already arrived.
 They arrived yesterday.
 The number of one person households has
 The number of one person
grown recently.
households grew last year.

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Study other examples which show the difference between the Present Perfect and the
Past Simple:

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7
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3. Past perfect
The highlighted text will be explained, as it contains examples of the tenses in use.

Language in context
In 1976, 60% of families were couples with children. By 1996, this [1]had fallen to
51%. Part of this change can be attributed to the increase in one parent families with
dependent children, but most of the change is due to the increase in the proportion of
couple-only families. People are now having children later in life, and are living longer.
Therefore, they are spending more time living in couple-only families, both before they
have families and after their children have left home.
However, children are leaving home later. In 1981, 34% of children aged 20-24
lived with their parents. By 1991, this [2]had increased to 40%. This increase has to some
extent countered, the fall in the couples with non-dependent children only.
(Source: ABS Yearbook Australia 1997, Number 79, Australian Government Publishing
Service, ACT, p.81)
[1]
This is a past perfect verb. It describes an activity which was completed by 1996. The
past perfect may be used to describe the earlier of two points in the past. The year 1996 is
in the past. The time before and up to 1996 is in the earlier past.
[2]
This is a past perfect verb. It describes an activity which was completed by 1991. The
past perfect may be used to describe the earlier of two points in the past. The year 1991 is
in the past. The time before and up to 1991 is in the earlier past.

Notes on past perfect tenses

A past perfect verb always includes:

had (for singular or plural) + a past


participle
Examples
 They announced that he had resigned for personal reasons.
 He reported that productivity had declined.

A past perfect continuous verb includes:

had (for singular or plural) + been + an -ing


verb
Example
 When he took over, productivity had been declining for two years.

A past perfect passive verb includes:

had (for singular or plural) + been + a past


participle
Example
 The new software had been purchased before his arrival.

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Past perfect and simple past compared

THE PAST SIMPLE TENSE THE PAST PERFECT TENSE

 In 1976, 60% of families were


couples with children.  By 1996, this had fallen to 51%.
 In 1981, 34% of children aged 20-24  By 1991 this had increased to 40%.
lived with their parents.

It is easier to understand the past perfect tense if you think of it as an earlier past
tense.
1996 was a date in the past
 The fall to 51% occurred before 1996.
 It was completed by 1996.
1991 was a date in the past
 The increase to 40% occurred before 1991.
 It was completed by 1991.

Earlier past events or situations are indicated by the past perfect tense.
The past simple tense and the past perfect tense are often used in the same sentence.
 Several senior employees had left the company by the time the new manager
arrived.
This can be shown on a time line
earlier past more recent past present time

 senior employees had left.  new manager arrived.

Both events were in the past, but one occured earlier than the other.

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Further examples Comments

This is an example of reported speech. The


 They announced that he had resigned
actual announcement was: "He has resigned
for personal reasons.
for personal reasons".
 When he took over, productivity had had been declining is an example of the
already been declining for two years. past perfect continuous tense.
 Before the installation of the new line, There is no past simple verb here, but the
productivity had been very low. installation is the more recent action.
 Until the new software was Here, the passive voice is used to describe
purchased, the staff had struggled to the more recent action, software was
keep the accounts records up to date. purchased.

4. Future

Expressing Future in English


Future has two different common 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]

Examples:
 You will help him later.
 Will you help him later?
 You will not help him later.

FORM Be Going To [am/is/are + going to + verb]

Examples:
 You are going to meet Jane tonight.
 Are you going to meet Jane tonight?
 You are not going to meet Jane tonight.

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. We also use "will" when we request that someone help
us or volunteer to do something for us. Similarly, we use "will not" or "won't" when we
refuse to voluntarily do something.
Examples:
 I will send you the information when I get it.
 I will translate the email, so Mr. Smith can read it.
 Will you help me move this heavy table?
 Will you make dinner?

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 I will not do your homework for you.
 I won't do all the housework myself!
 A: I'm really hungry.
B: I'll make some sandwiches.
 A: I'm so tired. I'm about to fall asleep.
B: I'll get you some 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 the United States, I will make sure everyone has
access to inexpensive health insurance.
 I promise I will not tell him about the surprise party.
 Don't worry, I'll be careful.
 I won't tell anyone your secret.

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. It does not matter whether the plan is realistic or not.
Examples:
 He is going to spend his vacation in Hawaii.
 She is not going to spend her vacation in Hawaii.
 A: When are we going to meet each other tonight?
B: We are going to meet at 6 PM.
 I'm going to be an actor when I grow up.
 Michelle is going to begin medical school next year.
 They are going to drive all the way to Alaska.
 Who are you going to invite to the party?
 A: Who is going to make John's birthday cake?
B: Sue is going to make John'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.
Examples:
 The year 2222 will be a very interesting year.
 The year 2222 is going to be a very interesting year.
 John Smith will be the next President.
 John Smith is going to be the next President.
 The movie "Zenith" will win several Academy Awards.
 The movie "Zenith" is going to win several Academy Awards.

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NOTES

No Future in Time Clauses


Like all future forms, the Simple Future cannot be used in clauses beginning with time
expressions such as: when, while, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc.
Instead of Simple Future, Simple Present is used.
Examples:
 When you will arrive tonight, we will go out for dinner. Not Correct
 When you arrive tonight, we will go out for dinner. Correct

ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
 John will finish the work by 5:00 PM. ACTIVE
 The work will be finished by 5:00 PM. PASSIVE
 Sally is going to make a beautiful dinner tonight. ACTIVE
 A beautiful dinner is going to be made by Sally tonight. PASSIVE

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Simple Present / Present Continuous

Write each verb in the –ing form, then complete the spelling rules below.

write ……………… admit ………………


study ……………… decide ………………
swim ……………… annoy………………
like ……………… get ………………
begin ……………… try ………………
if a word ends in vowel + consonant + -e (write)
……………………………………………………………………………………………
if a word ends in a vowel + consonant (swim)
……………………………………………………………………………………………
words which end in –y (try, annoy)
………………………………………………………………………………………………

Using the words in brackets, complete the sentences below with the appropriate tenses:

1. Every Monday, Sally (drive) ………………… her kids to football practice.


2. Usually, I (work) ………………… as a secretary at ABT, but this summer I (study)
………………… French at a language school in Paris. That is why I am in Paris.
3. Shhhhh! Be quiet! John (sleep) ………………….
4. Don't forget to take your umbrella. It (rain) ………………….
5. I hate living in Seattle because it (rain, always) ………………….
6. I'm sorry I can't hear what you (say) ………………… because everybody (talk)
………………… so loudly.
7. Justin (write, currently) ………………… a book about his adventures in Tibet. I hope
he can find a good publisher when he is finished.
8. Jim: Do you want to come over for dinner tonight?

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Denise: Oh, I'm sorry, I can't. I (go) ………………… to a movie tonight with some
friends.
9. The business cards (be, normally ) ………………… printed by a company in New York.
Their prices (be) ………………… inexpensive, yet the quality of their work is quite good.
10. This delicious chocolate (be) ………………… made by a small chocolatier in Zurich,
Switzerland.

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Complete the text below with the appropriate forms of the verbs given:

A Trekking Journal
November 12, 1997
Today (be) ………………… the second day of my trek around Mount Annapurna. I am
exhausted and my legs (shake) …………………; I just hope I am able to complete the

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trek. My feet (kill, really) ………………… me and my toes (bleed) …………………, but
I (want, still) ………………… to continue.
Nepal is a fascinating country, but I have a great deal to learn. Everything (be)
………………… so different, and I (try) ………………… to adapt to the new way of life
here. I (learn) ………………… a little bit of the language to make communication easier;
unfortunately, I (learn, not) ………………… foreign languages quickly. Although I
(understand, not) ………………… much yet, I believe that I (improve, gradually)
………………….
I (travel, currently) ………………… with Liam, a student from Leeds University in
England. He (be) ………………… a nice guy, but impatient. He (walk, always)
………………… ahead of me and (complain) ………………… that I am too slow. I (do)
………………… my best to keep up with him, but he is younger and stronger than I am.
Maybe, I am just feeling sorry for myself because I am getting old.
Right now, Liam (sit) ………………… with the owner of the inn. They (discuss)
………………… the differences between life in England and life in Nepal. I (know, not)
………………… the real name of the owner, but everybody (call, just) …………………
him Tam. Tam (speak) ………………… English very well and he (try) …………………
to teach Liam some words in Nepali. Every time Tam (say) ………………… a new word,
Liam (try) ………………… to repeat it. Unfortunately, Liam (seem, also)
………………… to have difficulty learning foreign languages. I just hope we don't get lost
and have to ask for directions.

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Read the telephone conversation and put the correct auxiliary verb into each gap. Use
the contracted form where possible.

My computer’s gone wrong!

 Good afternoon, Apple Helpline here. I’m Damian. How can I help you?
 Oh, at last! Hello, Damian. I have a terrible problem with my computer. It
………… working at all!
 OK, OK. Tell me your name and your company name and describe what
…………… happened.
 My name’s Valerie, Val actually, Valerie Marks. I ………….. (not) work for a
company, I’m self-employed. I work at home and I …………… trying to meet an
important deadline at the moment. This morning I ………….. working away
happily, when suddenly everything stopped and a message came on the screen.
Then the screen went black.
 OK, Val, …………….. (not) worry! What …………… the message say?
 I can’t remember exactly, because I …………… (not) understand it, but I think it
said something about ‘not enough money’.
 It’s OK, Val, I understand. Tell me, Val ………….. you switched the computer off?
 No, I …………… (not). It’s still on.
 Fine, Val. Now do exactly what I say. Go to your computer, OK? Can you see a ‘W’
in the top right-hand corner? Click on that ‘W’ with the mouse. What ……………
it say? Can you read it to me?
 It says three things. There’s a list of three things. First it says…

Simple Past / Past Continuous

Using the words in brackets, complete the sentences below with the appropriate tenses:

1. A: What (you, do) ………………… when the accident occurred?


B: I (try) ………………… to change a light bulb that had burnt out.
2. After I (find) ………………… the wallet full of money, I (go, immediately)
………………… to the police and (turn) ………………… it in.
3. The doctor (say) ………………… that Tom (be) ………………… too sick to go to
work and that he (need) ………………… to stay at home for a couple of days.

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4. Sebastian (arrive) ………………… at Susan's house a little before 9:00 PM, but she (be,
not) ………………… there. She (study, at the library) ………………… for her final
examination in French.
5. Sandy is in the living room watching television. At this time yesterday, she (watch, also)
………………… television. That's all she ever does!
6. A: I (call) ………………… you last night after dinner, but you (be, not)
………………… there. Where were you?
B: I (work) ………………… out at the fitness center.
7. When I (walk) ………………… into the busy office, the secretary (talk)
………………… on the phone with a customer, several clerks (work, busily)
………………… at their desks, and two managers (discuss, quietly) …………………
methods to improve customer service.
8. I (watch) ………………… a mystery movie on TV when the electricity went out. Now I
am never going to find out how the movie ends.
9. Sharon (be) ………………… in the room when John told me what happened, but she
didn't hear anything because she (listen, not) ………………….
10. It's strange that you (call) ………………… because I (think, just) …………………
about you.
11. The Titanic (cross) ………………… the Atlantic when it (strike) ………………… an
iceberg.
12. When I entered the bazaar, a couple of merchants (bargain, busily) …………………
and (try) ………………… to sell their goods to naive tourists who (hunt)
………………… for souvenirs. Some young boys (lead) ………………… their donkeys
through the narrow streets on their way home. A couple of men (argue) …………………
over the price of a leather belt. I (walk) ………………… over to a man who (sell)
………………… fruit and (buy) ………………… a banana.
13. The firemen (rescue) ………………… the old woman who (be) …………………
trapped on the third floor of the burning building.
14. She was so annoying! She (leave, always) ………………… her dirty dishes in the
sink. I think she (expect, actually) ………………… me to do them for her.
15. Samantha (live) ………………… in Berlin for more than two years. In fact, she (live)
………………… there when the Berlin Wall came down.

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Underline the correct verb form.
1. She worked/was working quietly at her desk when suddenly the door opened/was
opening and her daughter rushed/was rushing in.
2. He stood/was standing up, walked/was walking across the room, and closed/was closing
the window.
3. A strange man walked/was walking into the room. He wore/was wearing red trousers
and a pink skirt.
4. Didn’t you meet/weren’t you meeting your wife while you worked/were working in
Chile?
5. I saw/was seeing you in the park yesterday. You sat/were sitting on a bench with your
arm around Mary.
6. As soon as I walked/was walking into the room, he handed/was handing me the letter.
7. His father was really angry with him because he listened/was listening to music while he
did/was doing his homework.
8. Why didn’t they visit/weren’t they visiting me while they stayed/were staying in
London?
9 As he passed/was passing the bank, a man with a mask knocked/was knocking him onto
the ground.
10. What did you write/were you writing when your computer crashed/was crashing?

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Complete the text below with the appropriate forms of the verbs given:

Last night, while I was doing my homework, Angela (call) …………………. She said she
(call) ………………… me on her cell phone from her biology classroom at UCLA. I
asked her if she (wait) ………………… for class, but she said that the professor was at the
front of the hall lecturing while she (talk) ………………… to me. I couldn't believe she
(make) ………………… a phone call during the lecture. I asked what was going on.
She said her biology professor was so boring that several of the students (sleep, actually)
………………… in class. Some of the students (talk) ………………… about their plans
for the weekend and the student next to her (draw) ………………… a picture of a horse.
When Angela (tell) ………………… me she was not satisfied with the class, I (mention)
………………… that my biology professor was quite good and (suggest)
………………… that she switch to my class.
While we were talking, I (hear) ………………… her professor yell, "Miss, are you
making a phone call?" Suddenly, the line went dead. I (hang) ………………… up the
phone and went to the kitchen to make dinner. As I (cut) ………………… vegetables for a
salad, the phone rang once again. It (be) ………………… Angela, but this time she wasn't
sitting in class.

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Put the verbs in brackets in the correct form, Past Simple or Past Continuous.

A special holiday in Madeira

Last February, I ………………… (decide) to go on holiday to the island of


Madeira. On the morning I ………………… (leave) England it ………………… (rain),
but when I ………………… (land) in Funchal, the capital of Madeira, the sun
…………………(shine) and a lovely warm breeze …………………(blow) from the sea. I
………………… (take) a taxi to my hotel. As I ………………… (sign) the register,
someone ………………… (tap) me on the shoulder. I ………………… (not/can) believe
my eyes! It was my old girlfriend. She ………………… (stay) at the same hotel. The next
day, we ………………… (go) for a walk together in the hills and we …………………
(see) hundreds of beautiful flowers. It ………………… (get) dark when we
………………… (return) to our hotel after a very interesting day. We …………………
(spend) the rest of the week together; it was very romantic. We ………………… (feel)
very sad when the holiday ………………… (end).

Present Perfect in press releases

Spot the verb in the present perfect and then translate the text.

1. Petrobras hires new manager of investor relations


RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- Petrobras has named Theodore M. Helms as interim
executive manager of investor relations, replacing Raul Campos. Helms will be
responsible for improving the transparency of the company and its communication
with investors. He will also initiate shareholder relations projects in Brazil and
abroad.

2. Firstdrill hires new operations manager


ABERDEEN, UK -- Firstdrill has named Peter Murray as operations manager. He
will be based at the company's head office in Bournemouth, UK. Murray will manage
Firstdrill's day-to-day global drilling operations, and support international operations
managers.

3. MMS names new deputy director


WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The US Department of the Interior's Minerals Management
Service (MMS) has appointed Jon Hrobsky as deputy director. Hrobsky will assist
MMS director Randall Luthi in program administration. He will focus on mineral
resources located on the nation's Outer Continental Shelf, and programs for
environmentally safe exploration, development, production of oil and natural gas, and
alternative energy uses. Hrobsky previously served as deputy director for the
Secretary of the Interior's Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs.

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Simple Past / Present Perfect / Past Perfect

Using the words in brackets, complete the sentences below with the appropriate tenses:

1. When I (arrive) ………………… home last night, I discovered that Jane (prepare)
………………… a beautiful candlelight dinner.
2. Since I began acting, I (perform) ………………… in two plays, a television commercial
and a TV drama. However, I (speak, never even) ………………… publicly before I came
to Hollywood in 1985.
3. By the time I got to the office, the meeting (begin, already) ………………… without
me. My boss (be) ………………… furious with me and I (be) ………………… fired.
4. When I (turn) ………………… the radio on yesterday, I (hear) ………………… a song
that was popular when I was in high school. I (hear, not) ………………… the song in
years, and it (bring) ………………… back some great memories.
5. Last week, I (run) ………………… into an ex-girlfriend of mine. We (see, not)
………………… each other in years, and both of us (change) ………………… a great
deal. I (enjoy) ………………… talking to her so much that I (ask) ………………… her
out on a date. We are getting together tonight for dinner.
6. When Jack (enter) ………………… the room, I (recognize, not) ………………… him
because he (lose) ………………… so much weight and (grow) ………………… a beard.
He looked totally different!
7. The Maya established a very advanced civilization in the jungles of the Yucatan;
however, their culture (disappear, virtually) ………………… by the time Europeans first
(arrive) ………………… in the New World.
8. I (visit) ………………… so many beautiful places since I (come) ………………… to
Utah. Before moving here, I (hear, never) ………………… of Bryce Canyon, Zion,
Arches, or Canyonlands.

23
Complete the text below with the appropriate forms of the verbs given:

I can't believe I (get) ………………… that apartment. I (submit) …………………


my application last week, but I didn't think I had a chance of actually getting it. When I
(show) ………………… up to take a look around, there were at least twenty other people
who (arrive) ………………… before me. Most of them (fill, already) …………………
out their applications and were already leaving. The landlord said I could still apply, so I
did.
I (try) ………………… to fill out the form, but I couldn't answer half of the
questions. They (want) ………………… me to include references, but I didn't want to list
my previous landlord because I (have) ………………… some problems with him in the
past and I knew he wouldn't recommend me. I (end) ………………… up listing my father
as a reference.
It was total luck that he (decide) ………………… to give me the apartment. It
turns out that the landlord and my father (go) ………………… to high school together. He
decided that I could have the apartment before he (look) ………………… at my credit
report. I really lucked out!

Past Simple or Present Perfect?

24
Will / Be Going To

Using the words in brackets, complete the sentences below with the appropriate tenses:

1. A: Why are you holding a piece of paper?


B: I (write) ………………… a letter to my friends back home in Texas.
2. A: I'm about to fall asleep. I need to wake up!
B: I (get) ………………… you a cup of coffee. That will wake you up.
3. A: I can't hear the television!
B: I (turn) ………………… it up so you can hear it.
4. We are so excited about our trip next month to France. We (visit) …………………
Paris, Nice and Grenoble.
5. Sarah (come) ………………… to the party. Oliver (be) ………………… there as well.
6. Ted: It is so hot in here!
Sarah: I (turn) ………………… the air-conditioning on.
7. I think he (be) ………………… the next President of the United States.
8. After I graduate, I (attend) ………………… medical school and become a doctor. I have
wanted to be a doctor all my life.
9. A: Excuse me, I need to talk to someone about our hotel room. I am afraid it is simply
too small for four people.
B: That man at the service counter (help) ………………… you.
10. As soon as the weather clears up, we (walk) ………………… down to the beach and
go swimming.

Complete the short exchanges below with the appropriate forms of the verbs given.

1. Mark: What are you doing with those scissors?


Beth: I (cut) ………………… that picture of the ocean out of the travel magazine.
Mark: What (you, do) ………………… with it?
Beth: I (paint) ………………… a watercolor of the ocean for my art class, and I thought I
could use this photograph as a model.
2. Mark: (you, do) ………………… me a favor, Sam?
Sam: Sure, what do you want me to do?
Mark: I (change) ………………… the broken light bulb in the lamp above the dining
room table. I need someone to hold the ladder for me while I am up there.

25
Sam: No problem, I (hold) ………………… it for you.
3. Gina: Where are you going?
Ted: I (go) ………………… to the store to pick up some groceries.
Gina: What (you, get) …………………?
Ted: I (buy) ………………… some milk, some bread, and some coffee.
4. John: Wow, it's freezing out there.
Jane: I (make) ………………… some coffee to warm us up. Do you want a piece of pie
as well?
John: Coffee sounds great! But I (have) ………………… dinner with some friends later,
so I'd better skip the pie.
Jane: I (go) ………………… to dinner tonight too, but I'm having a piece of pie anyway.
5. Frank: I heard you're taking a Spanish class at the community college.
Tom: Yeah, I (go) ………………… to Guatemala next spring and I thought knowing a
little Spanish would make the trip easier.
Frank: I (visit) ………………… my brother in Marseilles next year. Maybe I should take
a French class.
Tom: I have a course catalog in the other room. I (go) ………………… get it, and we can
see whether or not they're offering a French course next semester.
6. Michael: Do you think the Republicans or the Democrats (win) ………………… the
next election?
Jane: I think the Republicans (win) ………………… the next election.
John: No way! The Democrats (win) ………………….
7.Susan: We (go) ………………… camping this weekend. Would you like to come along?
Sam: That sounds great, but I don't have a sleeping bag.
Susan: No problem. I (lend) ………………… you one. My family has tons of camping
gear.
8. Barbara: I (buy) ………………… a new car this weekend, but I'm a little worried
because I don't really know much about cars. I'm afraid the salesman (try)
………………… to take advantage of me when he sees how little I know.
Dave: I used to work for a mechanic in high school and I know a lot about cars. I (go)
………………… with you to make sure you are not cheated.
9. Gina: Fred and I (visit) ………………… Santa Fe next summer. Have you ever been
there?

26
Margaret: My family lives in Santa Fe! I (give) ………………… you my parents' phone
number. When you get to Santa Fe, just call them and they (give) ………………… you a
little tour of the town. They can show you some of the sights that most tourists never see.
10. Pam: Can you see my future in the crystal ball? What (happen) ………………… next
year?
Fortune Teller: You (meet) ………………… a man from the East Coast, perhaps New
York or maybe Boston. You (marry) ………………… that mystery man.
Pam: Forget the man! I want to know if I (get) ………………… a new job.

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28
29
30
31
32
PASSIVE VOICE

Recognising passives
The following passage is from a report written by an accounting student.
The passive verbs are highlighted.

The highlighted text will be explained, as it contains examples of the passive voice in
use.
Language in context passage
Executive summary

The purpose of this report is to assess the impact of globalisation on management


accounting and to outline changes which [1]need to be implemented as a response to
globalisation. The report suggests that management accounting needs to focus on a range
of information apart from the financial, to make more informed decisions.
[2]
It is argued that, in the past, management accounting involved supplying figures to
organisations. However, in the global marketplace, management accountants [3]are expected
to actively facilitate decision-making and to assist in the management of transnational
corporations. [4]It is further argued that traditional management accounting techniques are
no longer relevant. Rather, concentration [5]needs to be given to providing additional

33
benefits to organisations such as timely, quality and focused information which can initiate
effective management action.

With rapid market changes, constant cost control and quality improvement, as well as
meeting customers' needs, are essential requirements of a management accountant's
portfolio. For this to occur, [6]it is recommended that all accountants familiarise themselves
with these changes and the subsequent effects on management accounting. Furthermore,
consideration [7]should also be given to how these changes [8]could be most efficiently
implemented in accounting workplaces.

(Adapted from: P.V.Cotesta, G.M.Crosling and H.M. Murphy, Writing for Accounting
Students, 1998, Butterworths, Australia. p. 26.)
[1]
The passive voice is used here because it is unimportant to mention or because it is not
known yet who might implement the changes.Note the passive form be implemented after
the modal verb 'need to', which has the meaning should.
[2]
The passive voice is used in the phrase 'It is argued' to avoid using the informal personal
pronoun 'I'. Reports typically adopt a formal impersonal tone.Note that the form of the verb
'to be' always agrees in number and person with its subject, unless preceded by a modal.
[3]
The passive voice is used here to emphasise which people are expected to perform
rather than who expects them to perform.Note that the form of the verb 'to be' always
agrees in number and person with its subject, unless preceded by a modal.
[4]
The passive voice is used in the phrase 'It is further argued' to avoid using the informal
personal pronoun 'I'. Reports typically adopt a formal impersonal tone.Note that the form
of the verb 'to be' always agrees in number and person with its subject, unless preceded by
a modal.
[5]
The passive voice is used here to emphasise what needs to happen rather than who
should do it.Note the passive form be given after the modal verb 'need to', which has the
meaning should.
[6]
The passive voice is used in the phrase 'It is recommended' to avoid using the informal
personal pronoun 'I'. Reports typically adopt a formal impersonal tone.Note that the form
of the verb 'to be' always agrees in number and person with its subject, unless preceded by
a modal.
[7]
The passive voice is used here to emphasise what should happen rather than who should
do it.Note the passive form be given after the modal should. Also note the insertion of the
qualifying word 'also' before the passive verb form.
[8]
The passive voice is used here to emphasise what could be done and how it could be
done rather than who might do it.Note the passive form ' be most efficiently implemented'
after the modal verb 'could'.Also note the insertion of the qualifying words 'most
efficiently' between the two parts of the passive verb form.

Notes on the passive


Why were passive verbs used in the 'Language in context' accounting report?

1. The Executive Summary is part of an academic report. The passive voice is used to
give the report a formal, impersonal tone, avoiding personal pronouns.
Instead of 'I argue that...', the student writes: It is argued that...
It is further argued that...
It is recommended that...
2. It may be difficult to determine precisely who is doing / should do something.

34
In this case, for example, there may be a general expectation that accountants
should actively facilitate decision-making, hence the student writes, 'accountants
are expected to...'
3. The student emphasises what should happen. Who should do it may be beyond his /
her purpose in this report, or may be considered less important.

'The report suggests...' is an active verb form in which the report becomes the subject
to avoid writing 'I suggest...'

Why use passive verbs


Language in context
There are 5 passive verbs in the following passage.
Read the passage, and use words from it to complete the exercise below.

Profit which is earned by a listed company on the stock exchange may be utilised in two
different ways. The company may pay dividends to stockholders or may reinvest the profit.
Both choices are related to each other and need to be based on what is called the dividend
policy.
Spot each passive verb from the passage above into its corresponding box below.
1. First passive verb: .....................................
2. Second passive verb: .....................................
3. Third passive verb:.....................................
4. Fourth passive verb:.....................................
5. Fifth passive verb:.....................................

Notes on using the passive


The passive voice may use any tense of the verb to be.

to be past participle

It / They is / are (present simple)


recommended
was / were (past simple)

Change(s) is being / are being (present continuous)


implemented
was being / were being (past continuous)

It / They has been / have been (present perfect)


incorporated
had been (past perfect)

It / They will be (future) incorporated

Examples
It is recommended...
Changes are being implemented...
They have been incorporated...

A passive verb may be preceded by a modal.

35
In this case, for example, there may be a general expectation that accountants should
actively facilitate decision-making, hence the student writes, 'accountants are expected to...'
Examples
Changes could be implemented...
Consideration should have been given...

The active voice places the emphasis on The passive voice places the emphasis on what is
the 'actor' (the subject of the verb) being done / should be done, rather than on who is
doing it / should do it.

Examples Examples
They should implement changes. Changes should be implemented.
We now expect accountants to actively Accountants are now expected to actively facilitate
facilitate decision-making. decision-making.

With some passive verbs the 'actor' is mentioned, usually using the preposition by.
Example
Changes need to be implemented by management accountants.
In this type of sentence, the emphasis is still on:
 what needs to happen (changes)
 rather than on
 who needs to do it (management accountants)

Notes on changing active to passive

If you need to change an active verb to the passive form, follow these three steps.

subject verb Object

The manager Will implement these changes next year.

Steps to change an active voice to passive form

Step 1 Move the object to the subject position

These changes

Step 2 Change the verb to the passive

These changes will be implemented

Step 3 Drop the original subject

These changes will be implemented next year.

or move it to a position after the verb

These changes will be implemented by the manager next year.

36
Active / Passive Overview

Active Passive

Simple Once a week, Tom cleans the Once a week, the house is cleaned
Present house. by Tom.

Present Right now, Sarah is writing the Right now, the letter is being
Continuous letter. written by Sarah.

Simple Past Sam repaired the car. The car was repaired by Sam.

Past The salesman was helping the The customer was being helped by
Continuous customer when the thief came the salesman when the thief came
into the store. into the store.

Present Many tourists have visited that That castle has been visited by
Perfect castle. many tourists.

Past Perfect George had repaired many cars Many cars had been repaired by
before he received his George before he received his
mechanic's license. mechanic's license.

Simple Future Someone will finish the work by The work will be finished by 5:00
WILL 5:00 PM. PM.

Used to Jerry used to pay the bills. The bills used to be paid by Jerry.

Would Always My mother would always make The pies would always be made by
the pies. my mother.

Future in the I knew John would finish the I knew the work would be finished
Past work by 5:00 PM. by 5:00 PM.
WOULD

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Add the past participle to the following sentences. Choose from the verbs in the box. Use
each verb once only.
grow produce make pull down take deliver include employ decorate
speak

English is …………….. here.


Volvos are …………….. in Sweden.
Is service …………… in the bill?
Our kitchen is being ………………… at the moment.
Whisky is ………………. in Scotland.
Our factory is being …………….. over by an American company.
About one thousand people are ………………. In that factory.
Lots of tulips are ……………… in Holland.
That block of flats is being …………….. because it is unsafe.
In Britain milk is ……………… to your doorstep.

Active or passive? Put the verbs in brackets in the correct form, Present Simple Active or
Present Simple Passive.
Catching a plane
When you ……………… (arrive) at an airport, you should go straight to the check-in-desk
where your ticket and luggage ……………… (check).
You …………….. (keep) your hand luggage with you but your suitcases ……………
(take) to the plane on a conveyor belt. You can now go to the departure lounge.
If you are on an international flight, your passport …………….. (check), and then you and
your bags ………………. (x-ray) by security cameras, sometimes you ……………. (give)
a body search and your luggage …………….. (search) by a security officer. You
…………… (wait) in the departure lounge until your flight …………… (call) and you
……………. (tell) which number gate to go to.

38
Finally you ……………. (board) your plane and you …………… (show) to your seat by a
flight attendant.

Change the following sentences into passive. Do not mention the agent unless necessary.
1. Someone broke into our house last night.

2. They cancelled all flights because of fog.

3. Millions of people have read that book.

4. The police are looking for the missing paintings.

5. They should tell him.

6. Workmen were cleaning the entry to the museum.

7. He invited me to the party.

8. They have not opened the doors yet.

9. Somebody will deliver the package before 9 o'clock.

10. Nobody noticed his mistake.

The following sentences have been rewritten. Choose the correct form.

39
1. IFL bought Nessafe.
a) Nessafe had been bought by IFL.
b) Nessafe was bought by IFL.
c) Nessafe is bought by IFL.
2. Fred asked Simon.
a) Simon was asked by Fred.
b) Simon had been asked by Fred
c) Simon is asked by Fred.
3. Caroline paid for the meal.
a) The meal is paid for by Caroline.
b) The meal has been paid for by Caroline.
c) The meal was paid for by Caroline

4. Harry will meet you at the airport.


a) You will have been met by Harry at the airport.
b) You will be met by Harry at the airport.
c) You would be met by Harry at the airport.
5. Tom respects Lindsay's opinion.
a) Lindsay's opinion would be respected by Tom.
b) Lindsay's opinion was respected by Tom.
c) Lindsay's opinion is respected by Tom.
6. Jane upset me by what she said.
a) I would be upset by what Jane said.
b) I was upset by what Jane said.
c) I would have been upset by what Jane said.
7. I'm going to inform John later today.
a) John would be informed by me later today.
b) John was informed by me later today.
c) John is going to be informed by me later today.
8. The police arrested 12 people.
a) 12 people were arrested by the police.
b) 12 people have been arrested by the police.
c) 12 people should be arrested by the police.
9. Shiela might come to see you tomorrow.
a) You might be visited by Shiela tomorrow.
b) You will might be visited by Shiela tomorrow.
c) You would be visited by Shiela tomorrow.
10. Frank Sinatra sang My Way..
a) My Way was sung by Frank Sinatra.
b) My Way had been sung by Frank Sinatra.
c) My Way would be sung by Frank Sinatra.
Rephrase the following sentences so that the meaning stays the same.

40
1. You must make a decision.
A decision ……………………………………………….…………………...
2. They will have to clean it up.
It ……………………………………………….…………………....
3. They are looking up the customer's name.
The customer's name ……………………………………………….…………………....
4. Someone should tell him that the meeting is at 10 PM.
He …………………………….…………………... that the meeting is at 10 PM.
5. We will clean your swimming-pool this weekend.
Your swimming-pool ………………………………….…………………... this weekend.

6. This work was painted by Picasso.


……………………………………………….…………………... this work.
7. The windscreen was broken by a rock.
……………………………………………….…………………... the windscreen.
8. They must face their rivals.
Their ……………………………………………….…………………....
9. We were forced to cancel the trip.
Something or somebody ……………………………………………….…………………....
10. The champion has been knocked out by a young boxer.
……………………………………………….…………………... the champion.

6. Transform these sentences into the passive voice. Add "by ..." to the transformation
when (by) is indicated in the active sentence. Some of the sentences may have two
possibilities.

41
1. He did the work.

2. She has broken the T.V.

3. I will write the letter.

4. The boys have lost the key.

5. Who sent the letter? (by)

6. She gave me a book.

7. Someone is washing my car.

8. Where did he buy his car?

9. He has eaten all the cakes !

10. They'll understand everything.

11. Do they know him?

12. They were watching her.

13. He followed me.

14. He frightened us.

15. Will you tell them?

16. Someone has stolen my wallet !

17. He showed me the photos.

18. I hid the money in the kitchen.

42
THE ARTICLE. THE NOUN

43
44
There are four kinds of noun in English:
a) common nouns: dog, man, table
b) proper nouns: France, Madrid, Tom, Mary
c) abstract nouns: beauty, charity, courage, fear, joy
d) collective nouns: crowd, flock, group, swarm, team

Proper nouns:

a) names of persons: Deborah, Kerry, Smith, Craig; Mr. Jackson, Dr. Jackson, Queen
Victoria
b) days, months, celebrations: Sunday; January; Christmas, Independence Day
c) names of towns, countries, continents, lakes, oceans etc.: London, Bucharest,
Britain, Africa, Europe, The Pacific Ocean, The Danube, The Black Sea, the Carpathians

45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
THE ADJECTIVE

53
54
55
56
57
58
THE PREPOSITION

59
60
61
62
MODAL VERBS

CAN
Modal Examples Negative forms You can
Use also
use:
1. General I can speak English. I can’t speak Be able
ability I could speak English Chinese. to
when I was a kid. I couldn’t speak
I will be able to speak Chinese.
English by the time I I won’t be able to
finish this course. speak Chinese.
He was able to escape
through a window.
2. I can drive Susan’s car I can’t drive Susan’s May
Permission when she is out of town. car when she is out
I was allowed to drive of town.
Susan’s car when she I wasn’t allowed to
was out of town last drive Susan’s car
week. when she was out of
town.
3. Request Can I have a glass of Can’t I have a glass Could /
water? of water? May
Can you give me a lift to Can’t you give me a
school? lift to school?
Can you hurry up,
please?
4. Anyone can become rich It can’t cost more Could
Possibility if they are lucky. than a dollar!
/ You can’t be 45! You
Impossibili look much younger!
ty You can’t be
serious!

COULD
Modal Use Examples Negative forms
You
can
also
use:
1. Possibility John could be the one Mary couldn’t be Might /
who stole the money. the one who stole May
You could be right. the money.
2. You could spend your -

63
Suggestion vacation in Hawaii.
3. Past I could run 10 miles in I couldn’t run more Be able
ability my twenties. than a mile in my to
twenties.
4. Polite Could I have something Couldn’t you help Can /
request to drink? me with this for just May /
Could I borrow your a second? Might
pen?

HAVE TO

Modal Use Examples Negative forms You can


also
use:
1. Certainty That has to be Jerry; That mustn’t have Must
they said he was tall with been Jerry we saw.
bright red hair.
2. She has to read four She doesn’t have to
Necessity books for this literature read Milton’s poems,
class. they’re optional.
He has to see a dentist
soon.
3. Don’t I don’t have to take any
have to = tests.
choice / no
obligation
“Do not have to” suggests that someone is not required to do
something.
“Must not” suggests that you are prohibited from doing
something.

MAY
Modal Examples Negative forms You
Use can
also
use:
1. Jack may be upset. Jack may be not upset; Might
Possibility perhaps he is tired.
Mary may be lucky
this time.
2. You may leave the You may not leave the Can
Permissio table now that you’ve table; You haven’t
n finished with your finished with your dinner
dinner. yet.

64
You may not make
personal phone calls
during working hours.
3. May I borrow your Can /
Requests eraser? Might
May I make a phone
call?
You may take the last
sweet, if you wish.

MUST

Modal Use Examples Negative forms You can


also
use:
1. Certainty That must be Jerry; they That must not be Have to
said he was tall with Jerry. He is
bright red hair. supposed to have
red hair.
2. You must not swim in
Prohibition that river; it’s full of
crocodiles.
You mustn’t eat in this
room.
3. Strong You must take some time You mustn’t drink Should
recommend off and get some rest. so much; it’s not
ation good for your
health.
4. Necessity You must have a permit We don’t have to
to enter the national get a permit to
park. enter the national
park.
5. She must pay her rent
Obligation, by Friday.
duty
SHOULD

Modal Use Examples Negative forms You can


also
use:
1. You should have Children should Ought to
Recommendation your hair cut not to spend long
and advice before noon, so periods in front of
that we have a computer screen.
enough time for
shopping.
2. Probability The plane should
be landing now.
3. Improbability There shouldn’t

65
be problems with
the traffic at that
time of the
evening.

66
67
68
69
70
71
72
IRREGULAR VERBS

Group I

to burst burst burst a izbucni


a exploda
a crãpa
to cast cast cast a arunca
a turna
to cost cost cost a costa
to cut cut cut a tãia
a fasona
a secţiona
a opri (un motor)
to forecast forecast forecast a prevedea
to hit hit hit a lovi
a ciocni
a izbi
to hurt hurt hurt a rãni
a lovi
a avaria
to knit knit knit a înnoda
a tricota
a îmbina
to let let let a lãsa
a permite
to put put put a pune
a aşeza
to spread spread spread a rãspândi
a acoperi
a extinde

Group II

to become became become a deveni


to bring brought brought a aduce
a produce
to build built built a clãdi
a construi
to burn burnt burnt a arde
a calcina
a ataca
to buy bought bought a cumpãra
to catch caught caught a prinde
a capta
a bloca
a colecta
to come came come a veni

73
a ajunge
to deal dealt dealt a se ocupa (cu)
a contracta
a distribui
a repartiza
to dig dug dug a sãpa
a excava
a explora
to dream dreamt dreamt a visa
to feed fed fed a alimenta
a hrãni
a aproviziona
to feel felt felt a (se) simţi
to find found found a gãsi
a descoperi
a constata
to get got got a obţine
a primi
a deveni (a ajunge)
to hang hung hung a suspenda
a agãţa
a pune receptorul în furcã
to have had had a avea
to hear heard heard a auzi
to keep kept kept a ţine
a reţine
a menţine
a întreţine
to lay laid laid a pune
a aşeza
a întinde
to lead led led a conduce
a avansa
a comanda
to learn learnt learnt a învãţa
to leave left left a pleca
a pãrãsi
to light lit lit a aprinde
to lose lost lost a pierde
to make made made a fabrica
a face
to meet met met a (se) întâlni
a intersecta
a încrucişa
to pay paid paid a plãti
a achita
to read read read a citi
to run ran run a alerga
a funcţiona
a administra
to say said said a spune

74
to sell sold sold a vinde
to send sent sent a trimite
to smell smelt smelt a mirosi
to spell spelt spelt a scrie literã cu literã
a silabisi
to spend spent spent a petrece
a cheltui
a întrebuinţa
to spill spilt spilt a vãrsa
a risipi
a turna
to stand stood stood a sta (vertical)
a rezista
a suporta
to teach taught taught a preda
to tell told told a spune
to think thought thought a reflecta
a gândi
a socoti cã
to understood understood a înţelege
understand
to win won won a câştiga

Group III

to be was/were been a fi
to beat beat beaten a bate
a lovi
a învinge
to begin began begun a începe
to break broke broken a sparge
a rupe
a sfãrâma
a concasa
a degrada
to choose chose chosen a selecta
a alege
to draw drew drawn a desena
a schiţa
a atrage
to drink drank drunk a bea
to drive drove driven a acţiona
a conduce
to eat ate eaten a mânca
to fall fell fallen a cãdea
a da la rebut
to fly flew flown a zbura
a lansa
to forget forgot forgotten a uita

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to freeze froze frozen a îngheţa
a refrigera
to give gave given a da
a acorda
a transmite
a preda
to go went gone a merge
a funcţiona
a circula
to grow grew grown a se mãri
a dezvolta
to hide hid hidden a ascunde
to know knew known a şti
a cunoaşte
to ring rang rung a suna
a chema (la telefon)
to see saw seen a vedea
to show showed shown a arãta
a manifesta
to sing sang sung a cânta
to speak spoke spoken a vorbi
to steal stole stolen a fura
to swear swore sworn a jura
to take took taken a lua
a capta
a necesita
to throw threw thrown a arunca
to wake woke woken a (se) trezi
to wear wore worn a purta
a uza
a toci

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