Name: Date:

GRAMMAR JOURNAL -- Verb Tenses:

(before you spend time collecting examples for this assignment, be sure to read the WARNINGS here! -- scroll down)
Collect examples of three different tenses from the following list: (cut and paste them to this form, or attach clippings or photocopies to a hardcopy of this form to be handed in). Include enough of the context (at least the sentence before and after) to make the meaning clear. (Document the source. It CANNOT be an English grammar text, handbook, or dictionary!):
    1. a verb in the present perfect tense
    2. a verb in the past progressive tense
    3. a verb in the past perfect tense
    4. a verb in any perfect progressive tense
    5. a verb in the future progresive or future perfect tense

    For this assignment, AVOID verb phrases that include modal auxiliaries + have (like would have, might have, etc.)

    For each, explain:

        I. What time frame is it in? (past, present, or future?) why?
       II. Is there an adverb of duration? (showing how long an action or situation continues)
      III. Why is the verb in the progressive or perfect aspect? (why isn't it in a simple tense?)
      IV. Which picture best shows the time relationship?

    YOU CAN KEEP RESUBMITTING THIS ASSIGNMENT
    UNTIL YOU'VE SUCCESSFULLY IDENTIFIED THREE DIFFERENT TENSES
Example:
CHAMPAIGN -- Generous utility customers -- plus a sizable contribution from Ilinois Power Co. -- helped raise more than a half-million dollars for a program that helps low-income residents stay warm in winter.
The Warm Neighbors fund, offered by the Energy Assistance Foundation, had collected $557,546 as of Dec. 31, said Illinois Power Col spokesman Craig Nesbit.
(from: CU News Gazette, January 16, 1995 )
had collected = past perfect
1. time frame (for THIS VERB): past
Implied. The article begins "..customers helped .." It's about a collection that occurred in the past. There is nothing to change the moment of focus. (We discover later in the article that the collection took place from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31).

II. adverb of duration: no

III. aspect: perfect
because as of signals a situation in place (complete) BEFORE another time. In this case, that other time is Dec. 31, a time in the past. (told out of order)

1.

)
= :
I. time frame (for THIS VERB): :
II. adverb of duration? NO YES
III. aspect: :

2.

)
= :
I. time frame (for THIS VERB): :
II. adverb of duration? NO YES
III. aspect: :

3.

)
= :
I. time frame (for THIS VERB): :
II. adverb of duration? NO YES
III. aspect: :

 

Ann Salzmann
Intensive English Institute
University of Illinois