2 VERB TENSE PAGE 129

VERB TENSE


STRATEGIES FOB VERB
TENSE ITEMS
ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS:
 Is there a time expression in the sentence?
If so, does the verb tense agree with the
meaning of the time expression?
INCORRECT [I work in this department
since 1994.]
CORRECT I’ve worked in this department
since 1994.


 Does the sentence have two clauses (an independent
clause and a dependent clause)? If so, is the tense of
the verb in the dependent clause correct?
INCORRECT [Ms. Martin tested the copying machine
before she buys it.]
CORRECT Ms. Martin tested the copying machine
before she bought it.
 Is the verb being used as a stative verb? That is,
does it describe state rather than an action? If so,
check to make sure the verb is not a progressive form
(-ing). Note: Seem, know, and other verbs are always
stative. Become, be, and other verbs can describe a
state or an action.
INCORRECT [I am understanding what he’s saying.]
CORRECTI understand what he’s saying.

1. When the messenger ......
will you please give him this
package?
(A) will arrive
(B) arrives
(C) arriving
(D) would arrive


2. The assistant to Ms.
Brigham ...... more
responsible in the last year.
(A) is becoming
(B) has been becoming
(C) has become
(D) becomes


3. The Paris branch of our
bank ...... five years ago today.
(A) opens
(B) has opened
(C) opened
(D) was opening


4. The consultant ...... the
results of his recommendations
by the end of the month.

(A) knows
(B) does know
(C) has known
(D) will know


5. My supervisor promises
that I ...... a raise next year.
(A) would get
(B) should get
(C) will get
(D) get


6. After you ...... enough
practice, it will be easy for you
to do.
(A) have had
(B) will have
(C) had
(D) are having


AFTER + S + V (PRESENT PERFECT),
S + V (SIMPLE FUTURE)


7. The boss ...... for those
reports all morning.
(A) is waiting

(B) waits
(C) has been waiting
(D) will waiting


8. I ...... something very
strange, like burning wires.
(A) am smelling
(B) smell
(C) smelling
(D) had smelled


9. You can take those files to
the records room unless
Kim ...... it first.
(A) does
(B) will do
(C) is doing
(D) had done


10. We ...... at that restaurant
in a few months.
(A) don’t eat
(B) won’t eat
(C) haven’t eaten
(D) didn’t eat

THANK YOU!