Use The Correct Tense With Time Expressions

Skill

Use The Correct Tense With Time Expressions

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Often in written expression questions on the TOEFL test there is a time expression that clearly indicates what verb tense is needed in the sentence.

We moved to New York in 1980. We had left there by 1990. We have lived in San Francisco since 1999.

In the first example, the time expression in 1980 indicates that the verb should be in the simple past (moved). In the second example, the time expression by 1990 indicates that the verb should be in the past perfect (had left). In the third example, the time expression since 1999 indicates that the verb should be in the present perfect (have lived). Some additional time expressions that clearly indicate the correct tense are ago, last, and lately.

She got a job two years ago. She started working last week. She has worked very hard lately.

In the first example, the time expression two years ago indicates that the verb should be in the simple past (got). In the second example, the time expression last week indicates that the verb should be in the simple past (started). In the third example, the time expression lately indicates that the verb should be in the present perfect (has worked). The following chart lists time expressions that indicate the correct verb tense:

USING CORRECT TENSES WITH TIME EXPRESSIONS

  • PAST PERFECT
    • by (1920)
  • SIMPLE PAST
    • (two years) ago
    • last (year)
    • in (1920)
  • PRESENT PERFECT
    • since (1920)
    • lately

Exercise

Complete the following exercises to reinforce what you’ve learned:

Each of the following sentences contains a time expression. Circle the time expressions and underline the verbs twice. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or incorrect (I).

  1. ___ The phone rang incessantly last night.
  2. ___ They have finished contacting everyone by 4:00 yesterday.
  3. ___ The Pilgrims have arrived in the New World in 1620.
  4. ___ Since the new law was passed, it has been difficult to estimate taxes.
  5. ___ The cashier put the money into the account two hours ago.
  6. ___ All the votes have been counted last week.
  7. ___ The students are writing many compositions lately.
  8. ___ The Senate votes on the law to ban cigarette smoking in public in 1990.
  9. ___ By the time the main course was served, all the guests had arrived and been seated.
  10. ___ I had not done much more work since I talked to you on Wednesday.

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