SKILL 35: USE THE CORRECT TENSE WITH TIME EXPRESSIONS
Often in written expression questions on the TOEFL test there is a time expression that clearly
indicates what verb tense is needed in the sentence.
We moved to New York in 1980.
We had left there !JJ 1990.
We have lived in San Francisco since 1999.
In the first example, the time expression in 1980 indicates that the verb should be in the simple
past (moved). In the second example, the time expression lYy 1990 indicates that the verb should
be in the past perfect (had left). In the third example, the time expression since
1999 indicates that the verb should be in the present perfect ( have lived).
Some additional time expressions that clearly indicate the correct tense are ago, last,
and lately.
She got a job two years ago. She started working last week. She has worked very hard lately.
In the first example, the time expression two years ago indicates that the verb should be in the
simple past (got). In the second example, the time expression last week indicates that the verb
should be in the simple past (started). In the third example, the time expression lately indicates
that the verb should be in the present perfect (has worked).
The following chart lists time expressions that indicate the correct verb tense:
EXERCISE 35: Each of the following sentences contains a time expression. Circle the time
expressions and underline the verbs twice. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or
incorrect (I).
1. The phone rang incessantly Qast night.)
2. They have finished contacting everyone (by 4:00 yesterday)
3. The Pilgrims have arrived in the New World in 1620.
4. Since the new law was passed, it has been difficult to estimate taxes.
5. The cashier put the money into the account two hours ago.
6. All the votes have been counted last week.
7. The students are writing many compositions lately.
8. The Senate votes on the law to ban cigarette smoking in public in 1990.
9. By the time the main course was served, all the guests had arrived and been seated.
10. I had not done much more work since I talked to you on Wednesday
SKIJ..L 36: USETHE CORRECTTENSEWITH WILL AND WOULD
Certain combinations of verbs are very common in English. One is the combination of the simple
present and will.
I know that they will arrive soon. It is certain that he will graduate.
Another combination that is quite common is the combination of the simple past and
would.
I knew that he would arrive.
It was certain that he would graduate.
It is important to stress that in the combination discussed here, the present should be used with will
and the past should be used with would; they generally should not be mixed.
The common errors that must generally be avoided are the combination of the past
with will and the combination of the present with would.
I know that he would* arrive soon.
It was certain that he will* graduate.
In the first example, the present, know, is illogical with would. It can be corrected in two dif- ferent
ways.
I knew that he would arrive soon. I know that he will arrive soon.
In the second example, the past, was, is illogical with will. It can also be corrected in two
different ways.
It was certain that he would graduate.
It is certain that he will graduate.
EXERCISE 36: Each of the following sentences contains will or would. Underline the verbs
twice and decide if the meanings are logical. Then indicate if the sentences are correct (C) or
incorrect (I).
1. He knew that he will be able to pass the exam.
2. I think that I will leave tomorrow.
3. Paul did not say when he will finish the project.
4. Jake doubts that he would have time to finish the project.
5. I know that I will go if I can afford it.
6. The police officer indicated that he would write a ticket if he has the time.
7. Students will often study in the library before they go to classes or before they go home.
8. He told me that he thought he will get the job in spite of his lack of education.
9. The executive vice president emphasizes at the conferences that the board would not
change its position.
10. Students will register for classes according to who has the highest number of units.
