Up to this point, we have studied the three simple verb tenses—simple present, simple past, and simple future. Now we will add three more tenses, which are called perfect tenses. They are present perfect, past perfect, and future perfect. These are the three basic tenses of English. A past participle is often called the -ed form of a verb because it is formed by adding -d or -ed to the base form of regular verbs. Past participles can also end in -t or -en. Keep in mind, however, the past participle is also formed in various other ways for irregular verbs. The past participle can be used to form the present perfect tense.
Review the following basic formula for the present perfect tense:
|
Subject |
+ |
had or have |
+ |
past participle |
|
I |
have |
helped |
The present perfect tense has a connection with the past and the present.
Use the present perfect tense to describe a continuing situation and to describe an action that has just happened.
- I have worked as a caretaker since June.
- Dmitri has just received an award from the Dean of Students.
This sentence tells us that Dmitri has very recently received the award. The word just emphasizes that the action happened very recently.
Study the following basic formula for the past perfect tense:
|
Subject |
+ |
had or have |
+ |
past participle |
|
I |
had |
listened |
- The bus had left by the time Theo arrived at the station.
Notice that both actions occurred entirely in the past, but one action occurred before the other. At some time in the past, Theo arrived (simple past tense) at the station, but at some time before that, the bus hadleft (past perfect).
Look at the following basic formula for the future perfect tense:
|
Subject |
+ |
will have |
+ |
past participle |
|
I |
Will have |
graduated |
The future perfect tense describes an action from the past in the future, as if the past event has already occurred. Use the future perfect tense when you anticipate completing an event in the future, but you have not completed it yet.
- You will have forgotten me after you move to London.
Notice that both actions occur in the future, but one action will occur before the other. At some time in the future, the subject (you) will move (future tense) to London, and at some time after that, the subject will have forgotten (future perfect tense) the speaker, me.
Exercise 4
On a separate sheet of paper, complete the following sentences by using the correct perfect verb tense for the verb in parentheses.
- I plan to start a compost bin because I ________ (to want) one for a long time now.
- My brother told me he ________ (to argue) with his friend about politics.
- By the time we reach the mountain top the sun ________ (to set).
- Denise ________ (to walk) several miles in the past three hours.
- His mother ________ (to offer) to pay him to work in her office.
- 瀏覽次數：1913
