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English Basics
Volume 2, Number 21, February 9, 1998
www.rhlschool.com
The Tense of a Verb, Part II
The tense of a verb is its time: past, present, or future.
Let's look at some examples of the progressive aspect (form) of these tenses.
Past tense: I was riding my bike to school.
Present tense: I am riding my bike to school.
Future tense: I will be riding my bike to school. (Sometimes "shall" is used instead of "will".
Indicate the tense of the highlighted verb in each sentence. The helping verb(s) will be highlighted with the main verb.
The first six verb tenses have been identified for you.
1._
I will always be thinking about
you.__ future
2._ I'll
be waiting at the bus stop.__ future (I'll is the contraction of I
will.)
3._ You were
trying too hard to be funny.__ past
4._ He was
asking all the right questions.__ past
5._ Sharla is
selling her computer.__ present
6._ Laura and
Danielle are fighting over Ben.__ present
7._ Michael is
teaching us how to play tennis.
8._ Mary
wasn't buying their story.
9._ The
investigators were getting closer to the truth.
10. They will be sending
you a refund.
11. Will Vickie be
running in the next race?
12. Your burping is annoying
the choir!
13. Paula is questioning
Megan's motives.
14. I was just wondering
the same thing.
15. Bernie is shopping
for a new trailer.
16. You'll be making a
big mistake if you go!
17. How is Charles planning
to explain this news?
18. Teresa was eating
her tuna and banana sandwich.
19. Kathy will be starring
in the play.
20. Crickets were chirping
throughout the warm night.
Copyright 1998 RHL