Time expressions indicate the tense. Here is a quick overview of the different time expressions and the tenses used with them.
Usually, never, generally, always, seldom, often – simple present tense
At present, now, at the moment – the present continuous tense
Already, just, yet – present perfect tense
Since, for – present perfect or present perfect continuous tense
Yesterday, last week, two hours ago etc – simple past
Tomorrow, next week, next year – simple future
Exercise
Complete the following sentences using appropriate tense forms.
1. David ………………. (take) this book yesterday from the library. His brother ………… (read) it now. He ………………. (return) it tomorrow. He …………….. (borrow) books from the library for the last few years.
2. We …………….. (move) to Mumbai when I ………… (be) six. I …………… (be) twenty-eight now. We ……………… (live) in this city for twenty-two years.
3. Today I ……………… (reach) the railway station a little late. My friend ……………… (be) waiting there for me. He ……………….. (say) that he …………….. (wait) for me for half an hour.
4. We have no house of our own and we …………… (want) to build one. Last month, we ………………. (buy) a plot of land. The construction of the house ………………. (not begin) yet. We ……………… (start) work next month.
Answers
1. David took this book from the library yesterday. His brother is reading it now. He will return it tomorrow. He has been borrowing books from the library for the last few years.
2. We moved to Mumbai when I was six. I am twenty-eight now. We have been living in this city for twenty-two years.
3. Today I reached the railway station a little late. My friend was waiting there for me. He said that he had been waiting for me for half an hour.
4. We have no house of our own and we want to build one. Last month, we bought a plot of land. The construction of the house has not begun yet. We will start work next month.