VERBS – TENSES

The following are common verb-tense problems:

1. Present perfect. Remember to use the present perfect only when the action has started in the past and still relates to the present.

I have been in the United States for six months.

She has played the piano since she was a child.

2. Past Tense. Remember to use the past tense when the action occurred or existed in the past.

I went to California last summer.

He visited several museums in Spain.

3. Past Perfect. Remember to use the past perfect only to express an activity that happened before another past activity.

The movie had begun when we arrived.

I had already left when he called.

Note: It is possible to use the past perfect in sentences where before or after show sequences, but it is not necessary. 

ERROR EXAMPLES 

A.    WRONG : I have finished a game of tennis with John when Bob arrived.
      RIGHT   :  I had finished a game of tennis with John when Bob arrived. 

B.     WRONG : Since Bob graduated last year, he had been traveling around Europe. 
      RIGHT   :  Since Bob graduated last year, he has been traveling around Europe. 

C.     WRONG : It has taken me a long time to do the homework last night.
      RIGHT   :  It  took me a long time to do the homework last night. 

D.    WRONG : Since 1976 he is living in Brazil.
      RIGHT    : Since 1976 he has been living in Brazil.

                                          OR

          Since 1976 he has lived in Brazil.

EXERCISE : Put  “C” if the sentence is correct. Put “X” if there is an error in the verb tense

_____1.   I have been in Mexico during the summer of 1970. 
_____2.   Mary had prepared dinner when I arrived, so we were able to eat immediately.

_____3.   Three years ago he had been a student at a university in California.

_____4.   We have collected stamps for many years. 
_____5.   We took the bus downtown, did a few errands, and had gone to lunch. 

_____6.   Since he bought a new car, he has been driving to work everyday. 
_____7.   Last night they have recognized us from the party we went to earlier in the week.

_____8.   Since Ted graduated, he has been working with his father.

_____9.   The doctor had seen ten patients since eight o’clock this morning.

____10.   He is studying English for the last five years.