Ten

ses

(3rd

ye

ar E

SO

)Tense Use Useful words ExamplesPresent simple

facts and permanent states Snow melts at 0ªC. Water freezes at 32º Fahrenheit. The weather in Britain is cold and rainy.

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 / seldom… / on Sundaysevery 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. We don’t usually come by bus.

1st type conditional (unit 7) if If I save money, I’ll buy a new mobile phone. We’ll go dancing if Sue comes with us.

Present continuous

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

future arrangements-definite plans in the defined future (unit 6)

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

Past simple for completed actions in the past (unit 3)

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.

Past continuous

for actions in progress in the past (unit 4)

stative verbs are not used in continuous tenses

while / asat 9 o’clock (any time in the past)

I was having a shower when the bell rang. It started to rain while I was walking in the park. What were you doing at 9 o’clock? I was having breakfast.

Present perfect

for actions completed in the past that are still relevant in the present (unit 5)

already / yet /justeverthis week / today…

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

for actions started in the past that continue up to the present (unit 5)

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 7)

I think I’ll / I don’t think I’ll…

I need a holiday; I’ll phone the travel agent’s. I think I’ll tell my parents about it.

1st type conditional (unit 7) 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 6)

a future time expression We’re going to have a picnic in the park tomorrow. She’s going to play tennis next Monday. I’m not going to go shopping with her.