UNIDAD VI – Parte “b”

Pasado Simple. Presente Perfecto. Futuro.

Simple Past and Present Perfect (contrast)

The present perfect is made with

have (for plural subjects, you, and I) + a past participle

has (for singular subjects) + a past participle

I have sent you a video attachment. The program has opened

They have used Windows 2000. The process has started.

The present perfect is used for several reasons:

1. to talk about an unfinished action:

I have used Windows 95 for 6 years. (...I still use it)

She has known it for a long time. (...she still knows it)

He has had his unit since 1987. (...he still has it)

2. to talk about an indefinite past:

He has used that printer many times. (I can't tell you when.)

I've talked to your teacher. (I don't remember the date we spoke.)

Have you used Yahoo Messenger before? (You don't know when or even if.)

3. we use the present perfect with certain words (for idiomatic reasons):

never We've never used multimedia.

ever Has he ever taught a lesson online?

already I've already sent you a video attachment.

yet Have you answered my e-mail yet?

lately How many tests have you had lately?

recently What good books have you read recently?

so far She hasn't learned very much so far.

up to now Up to now, I haven't received a reply from him.

just My secretary has just finished the report.

Past vs. Present Perfect

Use the simple past with ago: (how long ago?)

He bought his first PC seven years ago.

Use the simple past (or a time) in the since-clause, but use the present perfect in the main clause:

She's used her unit a lot since the day she bought it.

She has made a lot of new friends since she opened her e-mail box.

I've worked for this company since 1998.

I've been waiting since 3 o'clock.

Put a length of time after for: (for how long?)

I used a typewriter for many years. I quit when I bought a word processor.

I've lived here for 25 years, and I don't plan to move.

Future with "will" and Future with "be going to" (contrast)

Simple Future

---

The Simple Future has two different 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]
SEMANTIC CHARACTERIZATION:

The form with "will" is used to express that you are deciding now a future course of action.

EXAMPLES:

I will start the unit later.

I will never use it.

NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as Simple Future (will help), adverbs usually come between the first part and the second part (will never help).

---

FORM Be Going To

[AM / IS / ARE] + [GOING TO] + [VERB]

SEMANTIC CHARACTERIZATION:

The form with "be going to" is used to express that you have a plan for a future course of action.

EXAMPLES:

He is going to upload a personal web page tomorrow.

He is definitely going to do it tomorrow.

NOTE: When you are using a verb tense with more than one part such as Simple Future (is going to meet), adverbs usually come between the first part and the second part (is definitely going to meet).

Verb Tense Tutorial

Will / Be Going to

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

B: I ..........................(print) the business report.

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 sound very well!

B: I ..........................(turn) the speakers up so you can hear it better.

4. We are so excited about our new computer course. We ...........................(learn) how to use Word, Excel, Internet, etc.

5. Sarah .........................(start) to the party. Oliver .........................(do) it as well.

6. A: It is so hot in here!

B: I................................. (turn) the air conditioning on.

7. I think she ............................(be) a future President of the United States.

8. After I graduate, I ...........................(try) to get a job a systems analyst. I have wanted to work in IT all my life.

9. A: Excuse me, I need to talk to someone about the unit we bought last week. I am afraid it is not operating very well.

B: Bob, our computer technician, ................................ (help) you.

10. As soon as the class is over, we ............................(meet) other classmates to study for our next exam.