Verb Tense Exercise 1

Simple Present / Present Continuous

1. Every Monday, Sally (drive) her kids to football practice.

2. Usually, I (work)

as a secretary at ABT, but this summer I (study)

French

at a language school in Paris. That is why I am in Paris.

3. Shhhhh! Be quiet! John (sleep)

4. Don't forget to take your umbrella. It (rain)

5. I hate living in Seattle because it (rain, always)

6. I'm sorry I can't hear what you (say)

because everybody (talk)

so loudly.

7. Justin (write, currently) a good publisher when he is finished. 8. Jim: Do you want to come over for dinner tonight? Denise: Oh, I'm sorry, I can't. I (go)

a book about his adventures in Tibet. I hope he can find

to a movie tonight with some friends.

9. The business cards (be, normally )

printed by a company in New York. Their prices (be)

inexpensive, yet the quality of their work is quite good.

10. This delicious chocolate (be)

made by a small chocolatier in Zurich, Switzerland.

Verb Tense Exercise 2

Simple Present / Present Continuous
A Trekking Journal November 12, 1997

Today (be) legs (shake)

the second day of my trek around Mount Annapurna. I am exhausted and my ; I just hope I am able to complete the trek. My feet (kill, really) me and my toes (bleed) , but I (want, still) to

continue.

Nepal is a fascinating country, but I have a great deal to learn. Everything (be) and I (try) to adapt to the new way of life here. I (learn)

so different, a little bit of the foreign languages

language to make communication easier; unfortunately, I (learn, not) quickly. Although I (understand, not) .

much yet, I believe that I (improve, gradually)

I (travel, currently) (be) (complain)

with Liam, a student from Leeds University in England. He a nice guy, but impatient. He (walk, always) that I am too slow. I (do) ahead of me and my best to keep up with him, but he is

younger and stronger than I am. Maybe, I am just feeling sorry for myself because I am getting old.

Right now, Liam (sit)

with the owner of the inn. They (discuss)

the the real name of the English very well a to have

differences between life in England and life in Nepal. I (know, not) owner, but everybody (call, just) and he (try) new word, Liam (try) him Tam. Tam (speak)

to teach Liam some words in Nepali. Every time Tam (say) to repeat it. Unfortunately, Liam (seem, also)

difficulty learning foreign languages. I just hope we don't get lost and have to ask for directions.

Verb Tense Exercise 3

Simple Past / Past Continuous
1. A: What (you, do) B: I (try) when the accident occurred? to change a light bulb that had burnt out.

2. After I (find) police and (turn)

the wallet full of money, I (go, immediately) it in.

to the

3. The doctor (say) (need)

that Tom (be) to stay at home for a couple of days.

too sick to go to work and that he

4. Sebastian (arrive)

at Susan's house a little before 9:00 PM, but she (be, not) for her final

there. She (study, at the library) examination in French.

5. Sandy is in the living room watching television. At this time yesterday, she (watch, also) television. That's all she ever does!

6. A: I (call) were you? B: I (work)

you last night after dinner, but you (be, not)

there. Where

out at the fitness center.

7. When I (walk)

into the busy office, the secretary (talk)

on the phone

with a customer, several clerks (work, busily) (discuss, quietly)

at their desks, and two managers methods to improve customer service.

8. I (watch) to find out how the movie ends.

a mystery movie on TV when the electricity went out. Now I am never going

9. Sharon (be) anything because she (listen, not)

in the room when John told me what happened, but she didn't hear .

10. It's strange that you (call)

because I (think, just)

about you.

11. The Titanic (cross)

the Atlantic when it (strike)

an iceberg.

12. When I entered the bazaar, a couple of merchants (bargain, busily) to sell their goods to naive tourists who (hunt) young boys (lead) of men (argue) who (sell)

and (try) for souvenirs. Some

their donkeys through the narrow streets on their way home. A couple over the price of a leather belt. I (walk) fruit and (buy) a banana. over to a man

13. The firemen (rescue) third floor of the burning building.

the old woman who (be)

trapped on the

14. She was so annoying! She (leave, always) (expect, actually) me to do them for her.

her dirty dishes in the sink. I think she

15. Samantha (live)

in Berlin for more than two years. In fact, she (live)

there when the Berlin Wall came down.

Verb Tense Exercise 4

Simple Past / Past Continuous
Last night, while I was doing my homework, Angela (call) . She said she (call)

me on her cell phone from her biology classroom at UCLA. I asked her if she (wait) for class, but she said that the professor was at the front of the hall lecturing while she (talk) to me. I couldn't believe she (make) a phone call during the

lecture. I asked what was going on. She said her biology professor was so boring that several of the students (sleep, actually) in class. Some of the students (talk) weekend and the student next to her (draw) about their plans for the a picture of a horse. When Angela (tell) that my biology

me she was not satisfied with the class, I (mention) professor was quite good and (suggest) that she switch to my class.

While we were talking, I (hear) Suddenly, the line went dead. I (hang) dinner. As I (cut)

her professor yell, "Miss, are you making a phone call?" up the phone and went to the kitchen to make vegetables for a salad, the phone rang once again. It (be)

Angela, but this time she wasn't sitting in class.

Verb Tense Exercise 5

Simple Past / Present Perfect
1. A: Did you like the movie "Star Wars?" B: I don't know. I (see, never) that movie.

2. Sam (arrive)

in San Diego a week ago.

3. My best friend and I (know) a week.

each other for over fifteen years. We still get together once

4. Stinson is a fantastic writer. He (write) One day, he'll be as famous as Hemingway.

ten very creative short stories in the last year.

5. I (have, not)

this much fun since I (be)

a kid.

6. Things (change)

a great deal at Coltech, Inc. When we first (start) six employees. Since then, we

working here three years ago, the company (have, only) (expand) to include more than 2000 full-time workers.

7. I (tell) off into the forest and (be)

him to stay on the path while he was hiking, but he (wander) bitten by a snake.

Verb Tense Exercise 6

Simple Past / Present Perfect
Since computers were first introduced to the public in the early 1980's, technology (change) a great deal. The first computers (be) basic tasks. They (have, not) simple machines designed for very

much memory and they (be, not)

powerful. Early computers were often quite expensive and customers often (pay) thousands of dollars for machines which actually (do) very little. Most computers (be)

separate, individual machines used mostly as expensive typewriters or for playing games.

Times (change)

. Computers (become)

powerful machines with very a large selection of useful programs which

practical applications. Programmers (create)

do everything from teaching foreign languages to bookkeeping. We are still playing video games, but today's games (become) also) faster, more exciting interactive adventures. Many computer users (get, on the Internet and (begin) communicating with other to create international communities online. into an international World

computer users around the world. We (start) In short, the simple, individual machines of the past (evolve) Wide Web of knowledge.

Verb Tense Exercise 7

Present Perfect / Present Perfect Continuous
Robin: I think the waiter (forget) an hour and nobody (take) us. We (wait) our order yet. here for over half

Michele: I think you're right. He (walk) (order, already) .

by us at least twenty times. He probably thinks we

Robin: Look at that couple over there, they (be, only) they already have their food.

here for five or ten minutes and

Michele: He must realize we (order, not) over half an hour staring at him.

yet! We (sit)

here for

Robin: I don't know if he (notice, even) table taking orders and serving food.

us. He (run)

from table to

Michele: That's true, and he (look, not)

in our direction once.

Verb Tense Exercise 8

Present Perfect / Present Perfect Continuous
1. Judy: How long (be) Claude: I (study) in Canada? here for more than three years.

2. I (have)

the same car for more than ten years. I'm thinking about buying a new one.

3. I (love)

chocolate since I was a child. You might even call me a "chocoholic."

4. Matt and Sarah (have)

some difficulties in their relationship lately, so they (go)

to a marriage counselor. I hope they work everything out.

5. John (work) recently, he (enjoy)

for the government since he graduated from Harvard University. Until his work, but now he is talking about retiring.

6. Lately, I (think)

about changing my career because I (become)

dissatisfied with the conditions at my company.

7. I (see)

Judy for more than five years and during that time I (see)

many changes in her personality.

Verb Tense Exercise 9

Present Continuous / Present Perfect Continuous
1. It (rain) all week. I hope it stops by Saturday because I want to go to the beach.

2. Sid: Where is Gary? Sarah: He (study, at the library) he (review) for his German test on Wednesday. In fact, for the test every day for the last week.

3. You look really great! (You, exercise)

at the fitness center ?

4. Frank, where have you been? We (wait)

for you since 1 PM.

5. Tim: What is that sound? Nancy: A car alarm (ring) me crazy - I wish it would stop! It (ring) somewhere down the street. It (drive) for more than twenty minutes.

6. Joseph's English (improve, really) American television programs and (study) in San Diego. Soon he will be totally fluent.

, isn't it? He (watch) his grammar every day since he first arrived

7. Dan: You look a little tired. (You, get) Michelle: Yes, I (sleep)

enough sleep lately? relatively well. I just look tired because I (feel)

10

a little sick for the last week. Dan: I hope you feel better soon. Michelle: Thanks. I (take, currently) couple of days. some medicine, so I should feel better in a

Verb Tense Exercise 10

Present Continuous / Present Perfect Continuous
Mr. Smith: So tell me a little bit about yourself, Mr. Harris. I would like to find out a little bit more about your background.

Mr. Harris: I (work)

in the insurance industry for over ten years. I worked for Met Life

for six years and World Insurance for four and a half. During that time, I heard many good things about Hollings Life Insurance and that's why I (apply) for the new sales position.

Mr. Smith: Tell me a little about your hobbies and interests. Mr. Harris: In my spare time, I hike in the mountains outside of town, volunteer at the Sierra Club and play tennis. In fact, I (compete) in a tennis tournament this weekend.

Mr. Smith: Really, how long (you, play)

tennis ?

Mr. Harris: I (play)

since high school. I love the sport.

Mr. Smith: Great! We like dedication here at Hollings Life. You mentioned you volunteer at the Sierra Club. I (work, currently) with them on the sea turtle project. We (try)

to create a wildlife sanctuary near the bay.

Mr. Harris: Do you know Frank Harris? He's my brother. He (work, presently) the same project.

on

11

Mr. Smith: I know Frank quite well. Any brother of Frank's would be a welcome addition to Hollings Life. Just one more thing, we (look) are from Mexico. for somebody who is fluent in Spanish; many of our clients

Mr. Harris: No problem. I (study)

Spanish since elementary school.

Mr. Smith: Sounds like you are the perfect candidate.

Verb Tense Exercise 11

Simple Past / Past Perfect
I can't believe I (get) that apartment. I (submit) my application last up to take a before me. Most of

week, but I didn't think I had a chance of actually getting it. When I (show) look around, there were at least twenty other people who (arrive) them (fill, already) I could still apply, so I did.

out their applications and were already leaving. The landlord said

I (try)

to fill out the form, but I couldn't answer half of the questions. They (want) me to include references, but I didn't want to list my previous landlord because I (have) some problems with him in the past and I knew he wouldn't recommend me. I (end) up listing my father as a reference.

It was total luck that he (decide) and my father (go) before he (look)

to give me the apartment. It turns out that the landlord to high school together. He decided that I could have the apartment at my credit report. I really lucked out!

12

Verb Tense Exercise 12

Simple Past / Present Perfect / Past Perfect
1. When I (arrive) beautiful candlelight dinner. home last night, I discovered that Jane (prepare) a

2. Since I began acting, I (perform) drama. However, I (speak, never even) 1985.

in two plays, a television commercial and a TV publicly before I came to Hollywood in

3. By the time I got to the office, the meeting (begin, already) (be) furious with me and I (be) fired.

without me. My boss

4. When I (turn)

the radio on yesterday, I (hear)

a song that was the song in years, and it (bring)

popular when I was in high school. I (hear, not) back some great memories.

5. Last week, I (run) other in years, and both of us (change) to her so much that I (ask)

into an ex-girlfriend of mine. We (see, not) a great deal. I (enjoy)

each talking

her out on a date. We are getting together tonight for dinner.

13

6. When Jack (enter) (lose)

the room, I (recognize, not) so much weight and (grow)

him because he a beard. He looked totally different!

7. The Maya established a very advanced civilization in the jungles of the Yucatan; however, their culture (disappear, virtually) in the New World. 8. I (visit) moving here, I (hear, never) so many beautiful places since I (come) to Utah. Before by the time Europeans first (arrive)

of Bryce Canyon, Zion, Arches, or Canyonlands.

Verb Tense Exercise 13

Past Perfect / Past Perfect Continuous
I'm sorry I left without you last night, but I told you to meet me early because the show started at 8:00. I (try) to get tickets for that play for months, and I didn't want to miss it. By the time I finally left the coffee shop where we were supposed to meet, I (have) (wait) Kathy in front of the theater. over an hour. I had to leave because I (arrange) five cups of coffee and I to meet

When I arrived at the theater, Kathy (pick, already) waiting for us near the entrance. She was really angry because she (wait) than half an hour. She said she (give, almost) theater without us.

up the tickets and she was for more into the

up and (go)

Kathy told me you (be)

late several times in the past and that she would not make plans several movies because of

with you again in the future. She mentioned that she (miss)

your late arrivals. I think you owe her an apology. And in the future, I suggest you be on time!

14

Verb Tense Exercise 14

Present Perfect / Past Perfect Present Perfect Continuous / Past Perfect Continuous
1. It is already 9:30 PM and I (wait) the next five minutes, I am going to leave. here for over an hour. If John does not get here in

2. I was really angry at John yesterday. By the time he finally arrived, I (wait) an hour. I almost left without him.

for over

3. Did you hear that Ben was fired last month? He (work) more than ten years and he (work) company like he did.

for that import company for in almost every department. Nobody knew the

4. I (see)

many pictures of the pyramids before I went to Egypt. Pictures of the

monuments are very misleading. The pyramids are actually quite small.

5. Sarah (climb)

the Matterhorn, (sail) on safari in Kenya. She is such an adventurous person.

around the world, and (go)

6. Sarah (climb)

the Matterhorn, (sail)

around the world and (go)

on safari in Kenya by the time she turned twenty-five. She (experience)

15

more by that age than most people do in their entire lives.

7. When Melanie came into the office yesterday, her eyes were red and watery. I think she (cry) .

Verb Tense Exercise 15

Present Continuous / Simple Past Present Perfect Continuous / Past Perfect Continuous
My English is really getting better. I (try) to learn the language since 1985, but only

recently have I been able to make some real progress. By the time I started high school in 1988, I (study) the language for almost three years; however, I was only able to introduce myself and utter a few memorized sentences. For a couple more years, I (struggle) through

grammar and vocabulary lessons, which made absolutely no difference. Nothing worked, so I decided to study abroad.

I found an exchange program in England that sounded like the perfect answer. I (stay) with a host family for one month. It was a huge disappointment! I (sit) there the whole

time staring at the host mother and father hoping that there would be some breakthrough. Nothing.

When I returned, I mentioned to a friend that I (have)

problems with the language for

years. He recommended that I spend a year in an English speaking country. I decided to go abroad again. I (research) the United States. exchange programs for a couple of weeks and finally decided on a school in

Well, it worked. I (live) years. I (stay)

and (study)

in the U.S. for more than two

here for at least another year before I return home. By then, I should be
16

completely fluent.

Verb Tense Exercise 16

Present and Past Tenses and Non-Continuous Verbs
1. a. Look, I (have) b. Look, I (hold) two tickets for the circus. two tickets for the circus.

2. a. We (be) b. We (wait) there for more than half an hour by the time the show began. there for more than half an hour by the time the show began.

3. a. Sam (sit) b. Sam (be) in the seat next to me when the clown threw a bucket of water at me. in the seat next to me when the clown threw a bucket of water at me.

4. a. One clown was juggling while he (balance) b. One clown was juggling while he (have) a glass of wine on his head. a glass of wine on his head.

5.

17

a. I (love) b. I (go)

the circus ever since I was a child. to the circus ever since I was a child.

6. a. Right now, I (see) b. Right now, I (look) two elephants doing tricks in the ring. at two elephants doing tricks in the ring.

Verb Tense Exercise 17

Present and Past Tense Review
Lars: Excuse me, which movie are you waiting for?

Tony: We (wait) here for more than five hours.

for the new Stars Wars movie. In fact, we (wait)

Lars: Five hours? When did you arrive?

Tony: We (get)

here at 6:00 o'clock this morning. More than forty people (stand, already) here waiting for tickets when we arrived.

Lars: I can't believe that! Are you serious?

Tony: Yeah, people (take) been sold out for over a week. We (wait, just)

Star Wars movies seriously. In fact, this particular showing has in line to get a good seat in the theater.

Lars: When did you buy your tickets?

Tony: I (buy)

them last week by phone. I (know)

18

tickets would be

hard to get because I (see) tickets. They (wait)

a news interview with a group of people standing in line to get in line for almost a month to buy tickets for the first showing.

Lars: I don't believe that!

Tony: It's true. They (camp) about a month because they (want)

out in front of Mann's Chinese Theater in Los Angeles for to be the first people to see the movie.

Verb Tense Exercise 18

Will / Be Going To
1. A: Why are you holding a piece of paper? B: I (write) a letter to my friends back home in Texas.

2. A: I'm about to fall asleep. I need to wake up! B: I (get) you a cup of coffee. That will wake you up.

3. A: I can't hear the television! B: I (turn) it up so you can hear it.

4. We are so excited about our trip next month to France. We (visit) Grenoble.

Paris, Nice and

5. Sarah (come)

to the party. Oliver (be)

there as well.

6. Ted: It is so hot in here! Sarah: I (turn) the air-conditioning on.

7. I think he (be)

the next President of the United States.

19

8. After I graduate, I (attend) be a doctor all my life.

medical school and become a doctor. I have wanted to

9. A: Excuse me, I need to talk to someone about our hotel room. I am afraid it is simply too small for four people. B: That man at the service counter (help) you.

10. As soon as the weather clears up, we (walk) swimming.

down to the beach and go

Verb Tense Exercise 19

Will / Be Going To
1. Mark: What are you doing with those scissors? Beth: I (cut) Mark: What (you, do) Beth: I (paint) this photograph as a model. 2. Mark: (you, do) me a favor, Sam? that picture of the ocean out of the travel magazine. with it? a watercolor of the ocean for my art class, and I thought I could use

Sam: Sure, what do you want me to do? Mark: I (change) the broken light bulb in the lamp above the dining room table. I

need someone to hold the ladder for me while I am up there. Sam: No problem, I (hold) it for you.

3. Gina: Where are you going? Ted: I (go) to the store to pick up some groceries.
20

Gina: What (you, get) Ted: I (buy)

? some milk, some bread, and some coffee.

4. John: Wow, it's freezing out there. Jane: I (make) some coffee to warm us up. Do you want a piece of pie as well? dinner with some friends later, so I'd better

John: Coffee sounds great! But I (have) skip the pie. Jane: I (go)

to dinner tonight too, but I'm having a piece of pie anyway.

5. Frank: I heard you're taking a Spanish class at the community college. Tom: Yeah, I (go) make the trip easier. Frank: I (visit) class. Tom: I have a course catalog in the other room. I (go) not they're offering a French course next semester. get it, and we can see whether or my brother in Marseilles next year. Maybe I should take a French to Guatemala next spring and I thought knowing a little Spanish would

21

Verb Tense Exercise 20

Will / Be Going To
1. Michael: Do you think the Republicans or the Democrats (win) Jane: I think the Republicans (win) John: No way! The Democrats (win) . the next election. the next election?

2. Susan: We (go) camping this weekend. Would you like to come along?

Sam: That sounds great, but I don't have a sleeping bag. Susan: No problem. I (lend) you one. My family has tons of camping gear.

3. Barbara: I (buy) a new car this weekend, but I'm a little worried because I don't really to take advantage of me when he

know much about cars. I'm afraid the salesman (try) sees how little I know.
22

Dave: I used to work for a mechanic in high school and I know a lot about cars. I (go) with you to make sure you are not cheated. 4. Gina: Fred and I (visit) Margaret: My family lives in Santa Fe! I (give) get to Santa Fe, just call them and they (give) you some of the sights that most tourists never see. 5. Pam: Can you see my future in the crystal ball? What (happen) Fortune Teller: You (meet) Boston. You (marry) next year? Santa Fe next summer. Have you ever been there? you my parents' phone number. When you you a little tour of the town. They can show

a man from the East Coast, perhaps New York or maybe that mystery man. a new job.

Pam: Forget the man! I want to know if I (get)

Verb Tense Exercise 21

Simple Present / Simple Future
. Today after I (get) friends. out of class, I (go) to a movie with some

2. When you (arrive)

in Stockholm, call my friend Gustav. He (show)

you around the city and help you get situated.

3. A: Do you know what you want to do after you (graduate) B: After I (receive)

my Master's from Georgetown University, I (go) to complete a Ph.D. in cognitive

to graduate school at UCSD in San Diego. I (plan) science.

4. If it (snow)

this weekend, we (go)

skiing near Lake Tahoe.

23

5. Your father (plan)

to pick you up after school today at 3:00 o'clock. He (meet) you across the street near the ice cream shop. If something happens and he cannot be

there, I (pick)

you up instead.

6. If the people of the world (stop, not) (experience)

cutting down huge stretches of rain forest, we huge changes in the environment during the twenty-first century.

7. If Vera (keep) job.

drinking, she (lose, eventually)

her

8. I promise you that I (tell, not)

your secret to anybody. Even if somebody (ask) the truth to a

me about what happened that day, I (reveal, not) single person.

9. She (make)

some major changes in her life. She (quit) studying, she (get)

her job a

and go back to school. After she (finish)

better-paying job and buy a house. She is going to improve her life!

10. Tom (call)

when he (arrive)

in Madrid. He (stay)

with you for two or three days until his new apartment (be) available.

Verb Tense Exercise 22

Simple Present / Simple Future
1. Michael: After you (leave) some milk and bread? Marie: No problem, I (pick) up the groceries and be home by 6 o'clock. work, will you please drop by the grocery store and pick up

24

Michael: Great. You will probably get home before I (do)

2. Ari: By the time we (get) to the movie theater, the tickets are going to be sold out. . She

Sarah: Don't worry. I told Jane we might be arriving just before the movie (start) (buy) our tickets and meet us in the lobby. her in that crowded lobby. each other near the entrance.

Ari: That place is huge! We (find, never) Sarah: Calm down, we (meet)

3. Terry: If the weather (be) Jennifer: I have a better idea. If it (be) , we'll see a movie. Terry: I guess we will have to wait until we (get) going to do. 4. Max: What are you going to do tomorrow after work? Sean: I (meet) along? Max: No thanks! My brother is coming to town and I (pick) o'clock. Sean: We (be, probably) (pick) him up. you around 8 o'clock. at the cafe until 9 o'clock. Why don't you join us after you him up from the airport at 7 some friends at the cafe across the street. Would you like to come up in the morning to find out what we are good tomorrow, maybe we should go to the beach. nice out, we'll go to the beach; and if it (rain)

Max: Sounds good. We (see)

5. Lucy: I (call) you as soon as I arrive in Dublin. , make sure to leave a message.

Dwain: If I am not there when you (call)

Lucy: I will. And please don't forget to water my plants and feed the cat. Dwain: I promise I (take) care of everything while you are in Ireland.
25

Verb Tense Exercise 23

Simple Future / Future Continuous
1. Sandra: Where is Tim going to meet us? Marcus: He (wait) for us when our train arrives. I am sure he (stand) on the platform when we pull into the station. Sandra: And then what? Marcus: We (pick) Michele up at work and go out to dinner.

2. Ted: When we get to the party, Jerry (watch) drinks, Beth (dance) TV, Sam (make) about his

by herself, and Thad (complain)

day at work. Robin: Maybe, this time they won't be doing the same things. Ted: I am absolutely positive they (do) things. 3. Florence: Oh, look at that mountain of dirty dishes! Who (wash) Jack: I promise I (do) them when I get home from work. all of those? the same things; they always do the same

Florence: Thanks. Jack: When you get home this evening, that mountain will be gone and nice stacks of sparkling clean dishes (sit) in the cabinets.

4. Doug: If you need to contact me next week, I (stay) Nancy: I (call) you if there are any problems. at the Hoffman Hotel.

Doug: This is the first time I have ever been away from the kids. Nancy: Don't worry, they (be) be fine.

5. Samantha: Just think, next week at this time, I (lie) Mai Tais and eating pineapple.
26

on a tropical beach in Maui drinking

Darren: While you are luxuriating on the beach, I (stress) project. How are you going to enjoy yourself knowing that I am working so hard? Samantha: I 'll manage somehow. Darren: You're terrible. Can't you take me with you? Samantha: No. But I (send) Darren: Great, that (make)

out over this marketing

you a postcard of a beautiful, white sand beach. me feel much better.

Verb Tense Exercise 24

Simple Present / Simple Future Present Continuous / Future Continuous
1. Right now, I am watching TV. Tomorrow at this time, I (watch) TV as well.

2. Tomorrow after school, I (go)

to the beach.

3. I am going on a dream vacation to Tahiti. While you (do) to annoying customers on the phone, I (lie) beach. Are you jealous?

paperwork and (talk) on a sunny, tropical

4. We (hide) opens the door, we (jump)

when Tony (arrive) out and (scream)

at his surprise party. As soon as he , "Surprise!"

5. We work out at the fitness center every day after work. If you (come) (work)

over while we

out, we will not be able to let you into the house. Just to be safe, we (leave) a key under the welcome mat so you will not have to wait outside.

6. While you (study)

at home, Magda (be)

in class.

7. When I (get)

to the party, Sally and Doug (dance)

, John (make)

27

drinks, Sue and Frank (discuss) Mary (complain) things. They are so predictable.

something controversial, and

about something unimportant. They are always doing the same

8. When you (get)

off the plane, I (wait)

for you.

9. I am sick of rain and bad weather! Hopefully, when we (wake) the sun (shine) .

up tomorrow morning,

10. If you (need) Sheraton in San Francisco.

to contact me sometime next week, I (stay)

at the

Verb Tense Exercise 25

Simple Future / Future Perfect
1. Margaret: Do you think everything will be finished when I get back from the store? Jerry: Don't worry. By the time you get back, I (pick) up the living room and (finish)

washing the dishes. Everything will be perfect when your parents arrive. Margaret: I hope so. They (arrive) Jerry: Everything (be) around 6 o'clock. spotless by the time they get here.

2. Nick: I just have two more courses before I graduate from university. By this time next year, I (graduate) , and I will already be looking for a job. Stacey: Does that scare you? Are you worried about the future?

28

Nick: Not really. I (go)

to a career counselor and get some advice on how to find a

good job. Stacey: That's a good idea. Nick: I am also going to do an internship so that when I leave school, I (complete, not only) over 13 business courses, but I (work, also) in the real world. 3. Stan: Did you hear that Christine (take) a vacation in South America this winter?

Fred: I can't believe how often she goes abroad. Where exactly does she want to go? Stan: She (visit) Fred: At this rate, she (visit) Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. every country in the world by the time she's 50.

4. Judy: How long have you been in Miami? Elaine: I have only been here for a couple of weeks. Judy: How long do you plan on staying? Elaine: I love Miami, so I (stay) home, I (be) here for an extended period of time. When I go back here for more than three months. just about

Judy: Wow, that's quite a vacation! You (see, definitely) everything there is to see in Miami by then.

5. Jane: I can't believe how late we are! By the time we get to the dinner, everyone (finish, already) eating. Jack: It's your own fault. You took way too long in the bathroom. Jane: I couldn't get my hair to look right. Jack: Who cares? By the time we get there, everyone (left) . Nobody (see, even)

29

your hair.

Verb Tense Exercise 26

Future Perfect / Future Perfect Continuous
1. By the time we get to Chicago this evening, we (drive) miles. We are going to be exhausted. more than four hundred

2. When Sarah goes on vacation next month, she (study) years. She should be able to communicate fairly well while she is in Austria.

German for over two

3. I have not traveled much yet; however, I (visit) Francisco by the time I leave the United States.

the Grand Canyon and San

4. By the time you finish studying the verb tense tutorial, you (master) tenses including their passive forms.

all twelve

5. Drive faster! If you don't hurry up, she (have) hospital.

the baby by the time we get to the

6. I came to England six months ago. I started my economics course three months ago. When I return to Australia, I (study) for exactly one year. 7. Margie just called and said she would be here at 8 o'clock. By the time she gets here, we (wait) for her for two hours. for nine months and I (be) in England

8. Frank just changed jobs again. If he keeps this up, he (change) five times by the end of the year.

jobs at least four or

9. Come over to my house around 9 o'clock. By then, I (complete) and we can go see a movie.

my history essay

10. In June, my grandmother and grandfather (be)

30

married for fifty years.

Verb Tense Exercise 27

Future Perfect / Future Perfect Continuous
1. Jack: Have you been watching the Eco-Challenge on TV? Janet: Isn't that exciting? It has got to be the most unbelievably difficult sporting event in the world. Jack: I know. By the time they finish the course, they (raft) a raging river, (hike) and (kayak) through 80 miles of jungle, (climb) through shark-infested waters. for at least eight days straight. more than 150 miles down a volcano

Janet: And don't forget that they (move)

2. Oliver: When are going to get your bachelor's degree, Anne? Anne: I am going to finish my degree next June. By the time I graduate, I (go) different colleges and universities, and I (study) Oliver: Wow, that's a long time! Anne: And I plan to continue on to get a Ph.D. Oliver: Really? How long is that going to take? Anne: By the time I finally finish studying, I (be) a student for over 13 years. to four

for more than seven years.

3. Max: Sarah has been in the kitchen all day long. Jake: It doesn't sound like she's having a very good Thanksgiving. Max: She (cook) this afternoon. Hopefully, she (finish) Jake: Maybe we should help her out. 4. Mike: It's 6:00, and I have been working on my essay for over three hours. Sid: Do you think you (finish) Mike: I (complete, probably) by 10:00? There's a party at Donna's tonight. the essay by 10:00, but I (work) for over seven hours by the time everyone arrives for dinner everything by then.

on it for more than seven hours, and I don't think I am going to feel like going to a party.
31

5. Fred: By the time they finish their trip across Yosemite National Park, they (hike) for more than six days. Ginger: And they (be, not) almost a week! Fred: When we pick them up, they (eat) camping food for days, and I am sure in a bed or (have) a shower in

they will be starving. Ginger: I think we had better plan on taking them directly to a restaurant.

Verb Tense Exercise 28

Future Continuous / Future Perfect Continuous
1. Simona: Margaret is really going to speak Spanish well when she gets back from that language school in Mexico. Isabelle: Hopefully! She (take) classes for more than six months.

Simona: She is going to be able to speak Spanish with some of our Latin American clients. Isabelle: Good. Two clients from Peru (visit) We need someone to entertain them while they are here. us next month when Margaret returns.

2. Jason: I am leaving! Nurse: If you would please wait, the doctor will be with you in ten minutes. The doctor is having some problems with a patient. Jason: The doctor was having problems with that patient an hour ago. If I wait another ten minutes, I am sure he (have, still) (wait) problems with her. By the time he's finally ready to see me, I for more than two hours.

3. Frank: What are you going to be doing tomorrow at five? Debbie: I (paint) my living room walls.

Frank: Still? How long have you been working on your living room? Debbie: Forever. By the time I finish, I (redecorate)
32

the living room for

over a week. Frank: Too bad. I was going to ask if you wanted to see a movie. What about the day after tomorrow? Debbie: Sorry, I (move) furniture and (put) up drapes.

4. Mr. Jones: What are you going to be doing next year at this time? Mr. McIntyre: I (work) for a big law firm in New Orleans.

Mr. Jones: I didn't know you were leaving Baton Rouge. Mr. McIntyre: I got a great job offer which I just can't refuse. Besides, by the time I move, I (live) in Baton Rouge for over twenty years. I think it's about time for a change.

Verb Tense Practice Test

Cumulative Verb Tense Review
1. You look really great! (you, work) out at the fitness center recently?

2. A: What (you, do) B: I (try)

when the accident occurred? to change a light bulb that had burnt out.

3. I (have)

the same car for more than ten years. I'm thinking about buying a new one.

4. If it (snow)

this weekend, we (go)

skiing near Lake Tahoe.

5. A: What do you call people who work in libraries? B: They (call) librarians.

6. I came to England six months ago. I started my economics course three months ago. When I return to Australia, I (study) for exactly one year. for nine months and I (be) in England

7. Sam (arrive)

in San Diego a week ago.

8. Samantha (live)

in Berlin for more than two years. In fact, she (live)

there when the Berlin wall came down.

33

9. If Vera (keep)

drinking, she (lose, eventually)

her job.

10. The Maya established a very advanced civilization in the jungles of the Yucatan; however, their culture (disappear, virtually) in the New World. by the time Europeans first (arrive)

11. Shhhhh! Be quiet! John (sleep)

12. It (rain)

all week. I hope it stops by Saturday because I want to go to the beach.

13. Listen Donna, I don't care if you (miss) late to work too many times. You are fired!

the bus this morning. You (be)

14. I am sick of rain and bad weather! Hopefully, when we (wake) the sun (shine) .

up tomorrow morning,

15. I have not traveled much yet; however, I (visit) Francisco by the time I leave the United States.

the Grand Canyon and San

16. I (see)

many pictures of the pyramids before I went to Egypt. Pictures of the

monuments are very misleading. The pyramids are actually quite small.

17. In the last hundred years, traveling (become) the 19th century, it (take) wagon. The trip (be)

much easier and very comfortable. In

two or three months to cross North America by covered very rough and often dangerous. Things (change)

a great deal in the last hundred and fifty years. Now you can fly from New York to Los Angeles in a matter of hours.

18. Joseph's English (improve, really) American television programs and (study) in San Diego. Soon he will be totally fluent.
34

, isn't it? He (watch) his grammar every day since he first arrived

19. When I (arrive)

home last night, I discovered that Jane (prepare)

a beautiful candlelight dinner.

20. If you (need) Sheraton in San Francisco.

to contact me sometime next week, I (stay)

at the

Verb Tense Final Test

Cumulative Verb Tense Review
1. When Carol (call) television. last night, I (watch) my favorite show on

2. I (work) retire!

for this company for more than thirty years, and I intend to stay here until I

3. Sharon (love) Next year, she plans to go to Peru.

to travel. She (go)

abroad almost every summer.

4. Thomas is an author. He (write)

mystery novels and travel memoirs. He (write) seven novels,

since he was twenty-eight. Altogether, he (write) three collections of short stories and a book of poetry.

5. We were late because we had some car problems. By the time we (get) station, Susan (wait) for us for more than two hours.

to the train

6. Sam (try) .

to change a light bulb when he (slip)

and (fell)

7. Everyday I (wake) and (leave)

up at 6 o'clock, (eat) for work at 8 o'clock. However, this morning I (get)

breakfast at 7 o'clock up

35

at 6:30, (skip)

breakfast and (leave) to set my alarm.

for work late because I (forget)

8. Right now, Jim (read) Last night at this time, they (do) (read) same thing. She (prepare) predictable people!

the newspaper and Kathy (make) the same thing. She (cook)

dinner. and he the . They are very

the newspaper. Tomorrow at this time, they (do, also) dinner and he (read)

9. By this time next summer, you (complete) a job. I, on the other hand, (accomplish, not) I (study, still) and you (work)

your studies and (find) anything. in some new high paying job.

10. The students (be, usually) taught by Mr. Tanzer.

taught by Mrs. Monty. However, this week they (be)

************

11. Jane talks on the phone. Bob has been talking on the phone for an hour. Mary is talking on the phone.

Who is not necessarily on the phone now?

12. I'm going to make dinner for Frank. I'm making dinner for Judy. I'll make dinner for Mary. I make dinner for Ted. I will be making dinner for Tony.

Who are you offering to make dinner for?

13.
36

Jane left when Tim arrived. Bob left when Tim had arrived. Tim arrived when Mary was leaving. John had left when Tim arrived. After Tim arrived, Frank left.

Who did not run into Tim?

14. Jane is talking in class. Bob always talks in class. Mary is always talking in class.

Whose action bothers you?

15. Jane never left Jamestown. Bob has never left Jamestown.

Who is still alive?

37