How to choose the correct tense in English - BBC English Masterclass

Summary

In this masterclass on English tenses, the instructor explains the crucial concepts of time and aspect. Tenses are structured around three main times: past, present, and future, and are enhanced by three aspects: simple, continuous, and perfect. The simple aspect conveys straightforward meanings, while the continuous aspect emphasizes action duration, and the perfect aspect links past events to the present or future. Perfect continuous forms further combine these aspects. By understanding these elements, learners can effectively express their intended meanings in English, making the complexities of tenses more approachable.

Takeaways

• 😀 English tenses consist of two main components: time and aspect.
• ⏳ There are three recognized times: past, present, and future.
• 📚 The simple aspect primarily modifies verb form, not meaning.
• 🔍 The simple aspect can express long-term truths, instantaneous actions, and habitual actions.
• 🔄 The continuous aspect emphasizes the duration of an event, formed with 'be' + verb-ing.
• ⚡ Continuous actions can occur at the moment of speaking or over a period.
• 🔗 The perfect aspect connects events across different times, formed with 'have' + past participle.
• ❤️ Perfect aspects can describe states, actions, or habits with relevance to other times.
• 🔄 Perfect continuous verb phrases combine aspects, focusing on duration and relevance to multiple time periods.
• 😌 Understanding tenses is about character; don’t get tense about learning them!

Q & A

What are the two main components that make up English tenses?

English tenses are made up of two components: time and aspect.

How many times are recognized in most languages and cultures?

Most languages and cultures recognize three times: past, present, and future.

What is an aspect in the context of English tenses?

An aspect is the character of a verb that adds extra information to its meaning and reflects the speaker's perception.

How many aspects does the speaker prefer to define in English?

The speaker prefers to define three aspects: simple, continuous, and perfect.

What are the three categories that the simple aspect falls into?

The simple aspect broadly falls into three categories: long-term general truths, instantaneous actions, and habitual actions.

How is the continuous aspect formed?

The continuous aspect is formed with some form of 'be' plus the verb in the '-ing' form (verbING).

What does the perfect aspect focus on?

The perfect aspect focuses on bridging two times together and connecting events between one time and another, often highlighting their relevancy.

Can you give an example of a perfect verb phrase describing a state?

An example of a perfect verb phrase describing a state is: 'I've loved you since I first met you.'

What combination forms the perfect continuous verb phrases?

Perfect continuous verb phrases combine the forms of their two base aspects: 'have' plus 'been' plus verbING.

What is the main takeaway from the masterclass about tenses?

The main takeaway is that understanding tenses in English is about character, and that knowing the aspects helps clarify the meaning of verbs in different contexts.