Ten

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)Tense Use Useful words ExamplesPresent simple facts and permanent states Snow melts at 0ªC.

Water freezes at 32º Fahrenheit.

habits and routines (unit 1) stative verbs are not used in the

pres. continuous (see, hear, like, think, want, hope, feel, believe, know, understand…)

how often…?always / sometimes / often / never / usually every day / once a week / twice a month

Andy lives in Manchester. David watches television every day. We often have lunch together. How often does your mother drive to Madrid? She doesn’t play tennis on Monday.

1st type conditional (unit 5) if If I save money, I’ll buy a new mobile phone.

Present continuous

actions happening now (unit 1) now / at the moment He’s watching television at the moment.

for definite plans or arrangements in the defined future (unit 4)

a future time expression Liz is having lunch with her mum tomorrow. Mark and Tony are playing football on Sunday.

Past simple for actions completed at a specific time (unit 2)

whenyesterday / last week / in 1993

She didn’t go to the cinema last Saturday. I was having a shower when the bell rang. They bought a new detached house in 2001.

2nd type conditional (unit 5) if If I lived in France I’d learn French.

Past continuous for actions in progress at a particular time in the past (unit 2)

while / asat 9 o’clock (any time)

I was having a shower when the bell rang. It started to rain while I was walking in the park.

Present perfect for actions completed in the past that are still relevant in the present (unit 3)

already / justeveryet

It’s twelve o’clock and she’s already eaten her lunch. I’ve passed all my exams. I’m on holiday now. Have you seen Brokeback Mountain yet? We haven’t finished our reports yet.

actions started in the past that continue up to the present or completed at an unspecified time (unit 3)

for / sincehow long…?

How long have you had your car? I’ve worked in London for two years. They have spent 100€ since last Saturday.

Will future for instant decisions that we make at the time of speaking (unit 4)

I think… I need a holiday. I’ll phone the travel agent’s. I can’t finish in time. I think I’ll phone my sister.

1st type conditional (unit 5) if If I save money, I’ll buy a new mobile phone.

Going to future for future plans and intentions when we have already decided what to do (unit 4)

a future time expression We’re going to have a picnic in the park tomorrow. She’s going to invite all her friends to her birthday

party.

predictions based on real facts Look at the clouds! It’s going to rain.

Would conditional

2nd type conditional (unit 5) if If I lived in France I’d learn French. I’d buy a new computer if I had more money.