MASTER using the most popular ENGLISH TENSES

Summary

In this video, the speaker explains how to use specific tenses in English based on key marker words. The tutorial covers present simple, past simple, future simple, present progressive, and present perfect tenses. The speaker emphasizes the importance of context, providing examples of common marker words like 'every day' for present simple, and 'yesterday' for past simple. The video also discusses the role of these tenses in both everyday speech and testing scenarios. Additionally, viewers are offered resources like a memo and a test to further their understanding of English tenses and irregular verbs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Present Simple is used for regular actions or scheduled events (e.g., 'every day', 'always').
• 😀 Past Simple is for actions in the past with no focus on present results (e.g., 'yesterday', 'last year').
• 😀 Future Simple is used for uncertain future actions (e.g., 'tomorrow', 'next week').
• 😀 Present Progressive describes actions happening right now (e.g., 'now', 'currently').
• 😀 Present Perfect focuses on the result of a past action that is relevant to the present (e.g., 'ever', 'just').
• 😀 Marker words help identify which tense to use, but context is key to choosing the correct one.
• 😀 The speaker highlights that grammar rules are not always rigid, especially in casual conversation.
• 😀 Future Simple is used when you're not 100% sure about something but still fairly certain (e.g., 'I will come in an hour').
• 😀 The Present Perfect tense is often confused with Past Simple, but it emphasizes the result of an action rather than the action itself.
• 😀 For test preparation, if certain marker words are used, it's likely the speaker wants you to use the corresponding tense, especially in formal contexts.
• 😀 A memo with marker words and irregular verbs is available for download, offering additional resources to help with learning tenses.

Q & A

What is the role of marker words in determining which tense to use?

Marker words are specific words that signal which tense should be used in a sentence. They act as clues to help identify the appropriate tense, especially in a test setting. However, in casual conversation, these words may be used with different tenses depending on the context.

What is the primary focus of the present simple tense?

The present simple tense is used to describe habitual actions, things that occur regularly, or scheduled events. It is also used to express general truths or facts.

Which words are commonly used as markers for the present simple tense?

Common marker words for present simple include 'every' (e.g., every day, every week), 'often,' 'never,' 'sometimes,' 'always,' 'seldom,' 'rarely,' and phrases like 'from time to time' and 'today.'

How does past simple differ from present perfect?

Past simple is used to describe actions that occurred at a specific time in the past, without focusing on the current result, while present perfect focuses on the result or effect that the action has in the present, even though the action itself happened in the past.

What are the key markers for past simple tense?

Marker words for past simple include 'yesterday,' 'last' (week, month, year), 'ago,' 'in [year],' 'once,' 'the other day,' and specific time references like 'at 3 o'clock yesterday.'

When should future simple tense be used?

Future simple tense is used when talking about actions that will happen in the future but are not 100% certain. It expresses a prediction or a decision made for the future based on uncertainty.

What are the marker words for future simple tense?

Future simple marker words include 'tomorrow,' 'next' (week, year), 'in' (a minute, an hour), 'soon,' 'later,' 'someday,' and time references like 'in a week' or 'in five years.'

What is the difference between present progressive and present simple?

Present progressive (or continuous) is used to describe actions that are happening right now or around the present moment, while present simple is used for regular, habitual actions or facts that are generally true.

What are the marker words for present progressive tense?

Marker words for present progressive include 'now,' 'right now,' 'at the moment,' 'currently,' 'still,' 'look,' 'listen,' and time expressions like 'this week,' 'this year,' or 'these days.'

When is the present perfect tense used?

Present perfect is used to describe actions that have a result or consequence in the present moment. It focuses on the outcome rather than the exact time of the action, which is characteristic of past simple.

Which words are associated with present perfect tense?

Marker words for present perfect include 'ever,' 'never,' 'just,' 'already,' 'yet,' 'recently,' 'lately,' 'so far,' 'for the first time,' and 'all my life.'