Verb Notes-6 [Level-5]
Verbs not used in the present continuous tense:
It is wrong to say:
-
I
am having two pens. → I have two pens. (is correct)
-
The tin
is containing some peas. → The tin contains some peas. (is correct)
Present perfect tense:
Used for an action that has just been completed.
Form of the verb in the present perfect tense:
has/have + past participle (V3 form)
Examples:
-
Sheila has completed her homework.
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The men have eaten a late lunch.
Words like "just, already, recently, just now" show that the action has just ended.
More uses of present perfect tense:
-
Action that started in the past is still going on:
Examples
-
The monument has stood here for more than a hundred years.
-
They have lived in Ahmedabad since 1950.
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Action that took place in the past but its effect is still there now.
Examples:
-
My mother has got a teaching experience of ten years.
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The girls have learnt their poems well.
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Show past events the time for which is not mentioned:
Examples:
-
They have known each other for years.
-
I have never visited Singapore.
Past tense:
-
To express a past habit or regular action:
Examples
-
Last year she distributed sweets every month.
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During the past decade he visited the Lotus Temple every year.
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To express an action that began and ended in the past:
Examples:
-
We had peas for lunch yesterday.
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The soldiers fought bravely during the war.
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We watched that movie last week.
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To narrate a story:
Examples:
-
Once upon a time there lived a king...
-
Once an old man had four sons...
Click here for Exercise-6