"If" and "when" conditional clauses. Conditional sentences with "if" and "when" in English. English: as soon as what tense should I use? What do we use after if?

"If" and "when" conditional clauses. Conditional sentences with "if" and "when" in English.
In English, as in Russian, there are simple and complex sentences. Complex sentences are those that consist of two or more simple ones, each of which has its own subject and predicate. Simple sentences can be connected by unions, allied words or non-union words. In English, parts of a complex sentence are called "clauses". If we stipulate that some action is performed or will be performed under certain conditions, then we use conditional clauses in speech, which usually begin with the conjunctions “if (if)” and “when (when - in the meaning, If)". For example:
If the weather is good on Sunday, I always go for a walk in the park.
If the weather is good on Sundays, I always go for a walk in the park.
I often visit Martin when I go to London.
I often visit Martin when I go to London.
Moreover, if the predicate verb of the main sentence is in the form of the future tense or in the imperative mood, and the subordinate clause is in the form of the present tense, then the predicate verb of the subordinate clause expresses the future action. In other words, after conjunctions "if / when" in conditional sentences, the future tense is not used in English. Instead, use the present indefinite tense. Compare examples:
If the weather is good on Sunday, I"ll go for a walk in the park.
If the weather is good on Sunday, I will go for a walk in the park.
I"ll visit Martin when I go to London.
I'll visit Martin when I go to London.
If you read in bed, you will ruin your eyes.
If you read in bed, you will damage your eyes.
Tell him everything if he asks.
Tell him everything if he asks.

Special questions. Special questions in English. Structure of interrogative sentences.
We have already said that in an English sentence the order of words is strictly fixed; So in an affirmative sentence the subject is placed first, followed by the predicate and the object. This word order is called direct, for example:

Subject predicate adverbial object
He

very well. He is at home now.

They speak English very well.

A question about the entire sentence is called a general question. He clarifies the information and is usually answered “yes” or “no”. Moreover, in English it is not enough just the words “yes” or “no”; the answer must contain an auxiliary verb, the same as in the question, and a personal pronoun corresponding in form to the subject. The word order in the question is also strictly fixed. In a general question, the auxiliary verb (or the verb “to be” in the required form) comes first, followed by the subject, predicate (in the form of the infinitive without the particle “to”) and the object. For example:

Is he happy? - Yes, he is.
- He is happy? - Yes.

Do you know the man? -No, I don't.
- Do you know this person? - No.

Word order in a general question:
1. auxiliary verb (or verbs “to be, to have”).
2. subject.
3. predicate (semantic verb).
4. direct object.
5. indirect object.
6. circumstance of place and time.
A question that relates only to any member of the sentence and is asked in order to obtain new specific information is called a special question. Any special question always begins with a question word.

Question words:
who - who
what - what, which
whose - whose
whom - whom, to whom
which - which
when - when
where - where
where to - where
how - how, in what way
why - why
how much - how much
how many - how much
how long - how long
The subject always answers the question “who or what?” Definition - to the questions “which, which, whose?”; Note that the English word "what" has two meanings. The question word "what" means "which" if it is followed by a noun, and "what" if it is followed by an auxiliary verb.

What trees grow in your garden?
What trees grow in your garden?

What is his favorite subject?
What is his favorite subject?

What do you know?
What do you know?

In the first example, the question was asked to the definition, in the second - to the subject, and in the third - to the object. Supplement - a member of a sentence that comes after the predicate and complements the meaning of the verb. In English, as in Russian, there are direct and indirect objects. The direct object is expressed by a pronoun or noun without a preposition and answers the accusative case question “whom/what?”

He reads this book every day.
He reads (what?) this book every day.

Mike loves me very much.
Mike loves (who?) me very much.
The indirect object answers the questions of the remaining cases and can be expressed by a pronoun or a noun with or without a preposition.

I gave him the book.
I gave (to whom?) him the book.

He showed the picture to his friends.
He showed the picture (to whom?) to his friends.
If the indirect object is expressed by a noun with a preposition, then it is placed after the direct object, and if it is a pronoun or noun without a preposition, then before the direct object.

I gave the book to the student.
I gave (what?) a book to (who?) a student.

I gave the student the book.
I gave (who?) a student (what?) a book.
The adverbial denotes a sign of action and follows the complement, and if there is no complement, the predicate. The circumstance can be expressed by an adverb or a noun with a preposition, for example:

I went to the party yesterday.
I went to a party yesterday.

I see him very often.
I meet him very often.
We go to the library in the evenings.
We go to the library in the evenings.
However, in a special question to the subject, the word order remains the same as in an affirmative sentence, only in the first place of the subject we put the interrogative word “who/what”, followed by the predicate and the object.
Meg gave him a present.
Meg gave him a gift.
Who gave him a present?
Who gave him a gift?
Someone makes the decisions.
Someone makes decisions.
Who makes the decisions?
Who makes the decisions?
So, to ask a question to the subject, it is enough to put a question word in place of the subject. To ask a general question, you need to put an auxiliary verb before the subject. A special question is similar in structure to a general question, only a question word is also placed before the auxiliary verb. Compare:
Someone wants to see her.
Someone wants to see her.
Who wants to see her?
Who wants to see her? (question to the subject)
She wants to see someone.
She wants to see someone
Who does she want to see?
Who does she want to see?

The Present Indefinite Tense. Present indefinite tense in English.
We have already said that the English tense system is much more complex than in the Russian language. If in Russian there are only three tense forms (present, past and future tense), then in English such aspects as completeness and continuation are also taken into account. In addition, for the correct understanding and use of verb forms, it is important to take into account how the action we are interested in relates to the moment of speech: whether it coincides with it or does not take it into account, is completed at the moment of speech or is still in the process.
We will begin our acquaintance with tense forms of the English language with a group of simple or indefinite tenses - Indefinite Tenses (now they are more often called - Simple Tenses). The temporary forms of this group simply describe the action without indicating the nature of its occurrence.
The Present Indefinite Tense - the present indefinite tense is used to denote ordinary, regularly repeated or constant actions, for example, when we talk about someone's habits, daily routine, schedules, etc., i.e. The Present Indefinite denotes actions that are happening at the present time, but they are not tied to the moment of speech. For example:

The lectures at the Institute begin at 9 o"clock.
Lectures at the institute begin at 9 o'clock.

I go to the Institute on foot.
I walk to college (always)

Peter swims well.
Petya swims well (in general)

The Earth goes round the Sun.
The Earth revolves around the Sun. (Constantly)

Ann goes to the South every summer.
Anna travels to the south every summer. (repeated action)
Therefore, adverbs such as always - always, often - often, rarely, rarely, usually - usually, never - never, sometimes - sometimes, every day - every day, etc. - are often used with verbs in the Present Indefinite.

I sometimes meet your father at the station.
I sometimes meet your father at the station.

My parents always spend their holidays at the seaside.
My parents always spend their holidays at the seaside.

Twice a year students take their exams.
Students take exams twice a year.

As can be seen from the examples, the affirmative form of the simple present tense is formed by placing the first form of the verb (infinitive without the particle “to”) after the subject. However, if the subject is in the 3rd person singular form (i.e. if the subject is expressed by the pronouns “he, she, it” or can be replaced by these pronouns), then the suffix “-s (-es)” is added to the verb stem ", For example:

My friend lives in a hostel.
My friend lives in a hostel.

The school year begins in September.
The academic year begins in September.

She drives a car.
She drives a car.
The rules for adding the suffix "-s (-es)" to the stem of a verb are completely the same as the rules for adding the suffix "-s (-es)" in the plural to the stem of a noun. There is a rule of opposite suffixes (a good tip for language learners), which is that the plural subject suffix "-s (-es)" eliminates the predicate suffix "-s (-es)" and vice versa:

My brothers live in Minsk.
My brothers live in Minsk.

My brother lives in Minsk.
My brother lives in Minsk.

Often it is this rule that makes it possible to easily determine the verb in an affirmative sentence - the predicate in the form of the simple present tense.
To form the interrogative and negative form in the simple present tense, the auxiliary verb “do” is required, and in the third person singular the ending “-s (-es)” is added not to the semantic verb, but to the auxiliary verb. To ask a question, you need to put the auxiliary verb "do(does)" before the subject followed by the semantic verb (infinitive without "to"). For example:

Do you play chess?
Do you play chess?

Does he speak English well?
Does he speak English well?

Do trains stop at this station?
Do trains stop at this station?

Does the ship arrive soon?
Is this ship arriving soon?
The negative form of verbs in the simple present tense is formed using the auxiliary verb "do (does)" and the negation "not", which are placed before the semantic verb (in the form of an infinitive without "to"), for example:

We do not play chess.
We don't play chess.

The students do not go to the library every day.
Students don't go to the library every day.

He does not smoke.
He does not smoke.
In colloquial speech, a shortened form of "do not - don"t" and "does not - doesn"t" is usually used.

I don't play hockey.
I don't play hockey.

The computer doesn't work.
Computer does not work.
So, schematically this time can be depicted as follows, if the letter “V” denotes the base of the infinitive of the verb, and “+ / - / ?” identify affirmative, negative and interrogative sentences.

V1 (3 l.u.h + s)

Do/does not V1

Do/ Does ... V1 + He lives in London.
They live in London.

He doesn't live in London.
They don't live in London.

Does he live in London?
Yes, he does. No, he does not.
Do they live in London?
Yes, they do. No, they don't.

The Past Indefinite Tense. Past indefinite tense in English.
The Past Indefinite denotes actions that took place in the past and the time for which has expired: last year - last year, five days ago - five days ago, yesterday - yesterday, in 1945 - in 1945, etc.

We began the experiment three days ago.
We started the experiment three days ago.

I returned home yesterday.
I returned home yesterday.

Dan worked in a factory.
Dan worked in a factory.
The past indefinite tense is widely used in storytelling to describe successive events of the past.

We went to the park, walked down to the fountain and sat down on a stone seat.
We went to the park, walked to the fountain and sat on a stone bench.

V-ed (V2) He saw a zebra.
-did not + V1
did not = didn"t He didn"t see a zebra.
? Did... V1 Did he see a zebra?
Yes, he did.
No, he didn't.
(No, he didn't.)
According to the method of forming the past tense, verbs are divided into regular and irregular. Regular verbs form the affirmative form of the past indefinite tense by adding the suffix “-ed” to the base of the infinitive. In the diagram they are designated as "V-ed".
When adding the suffix "-ed", the following spelling rules are observed:
- if the verb ends in a “consonant + y”, then the letter “-y” changes to “-i”;
- we double the final consonant to keep the syllable closed.

to open - opened
open - opened

to ask - asked
ask - asked

to stop - stopped
stop - stopped

to fry - fried
fry - fried.
The suffix "-ed" is a sign of the simple past tense form only if the verb with this suffix occupies second place in the sentence, i.e. comes after the subject.

He informed us of his plans at breakfast.
He informed us of his plans over breakfast.
Irregular verbs form the simple past tense in different ways and should be learned in a list. Tables of irregular verbs are given at the end of any dictionary (and at the end of this manual).
The interrogative form of verbs in the simple past tense (both regular and irregular) is formed using the auxiliary verb "did", which is placed before the subject, and the subject is followed by a semantic verb (in the form of an infinitive stem without "to").

Did you see him yesterday? - Yes, I did.
- Did you see him yesterday? - Yes.

Did you hear the news? - No, I didn’t.
-Have you heard the news? - No.
The negative form of verbs in the simple past tense is formed using the auxiliary verb "did" and the negation "not", which are placed before the semantic verb in the form of an infinitive without "to".

I did not see him yesterday.
I did not see him yesterday.
In colloquial speech, the abbreviation did not - didn't is usually used.

I didn't see him yesterday.
I did not see him yesterday.

The Verb "to be" in the Past Indefinite Tense. The verb "to be" is in the past indefinite tense.
The verb “to be” is also conjugated in the past indefinite tense, i.e. changes its shape according to persons and numbers. However, in the simple past tense it has only two forms: "was" for the singular and "were" for the plural.

To be (Past Indefinite)
I was We were
He was You were
She was They were
It was
Just like in the present tense, the verb “to be” does not require an auxiliary verb to form the interrogative and negative forms. To ask a question, it is enough to place the verb “to be” before the subject; and to form a negative form, you need to put the negation “not” after the verb “to be”.

He was a student.
- He wasn't a student.
? Was he a student?
Yes, he was. No, he wasn't. (No, he wasn't.)

The Future Indefinite Tense. Future indefinite tense in English.
The simple future tense denotes actions that will take place in the uncertain or distant future.
The simple future tense is usually used with circumstances: tomorrow - tomorrow, next week (next summer, next year, next monday, next term...) - next week (next summer, next year, next Monday, next semester. ..), in two years (...days,...months...) - in two years (...days,...months...), in 1997 - in 1997, etc.
The affirmative form of verbs of the simple future tense is formed using the auxiliary verb “shall” (for the 1st person singular and plural I, we) or “will” (for all other persons) and the stem of the infinitive of the semantic verb without “to” (V1) . In oral speech, the shortened form of auxiliary verbs "shall - "ll / will - "ll" is used. For example:

I'll come soon.
I'll be back soon.

She"ll soon know the result.
She will soon know the result.

We shall finish the work today.
We will finish this work today.

The plane will return in two hours.
The plane will return in two hours.
To form the interrogative form, the auxiliary verbs "shall/will" are placed before the subject.

Shall I see you tomorrow?
Will I see you tomorrow?

Will you take the book from the library?
Will you borrow this book from the library?

What shall we do tomorrow?
What are we going to do tomorrow?

"Will" in a question with "you" can mean a polite request:

Will you please open the window?
Please open the window.
To form the negative form of verbs in the simple future tense, the negation “not” is placed after the auxiliary verb; in oral speech, the abbreviated form “shall not - shan"t, will not - won"t is used.

I shall not do this.
I won't do this.

Peter will not go to the theater tonight.
Peter will not go to the theater tonight.

Shall/will+V1

Shall not/will not + V1

Shall/Will ... V1 He will write a letter.

He will not write a letter.

Will he write a letter?
Yes, he will. No, he will not. (No, he won't.)

The Present Continuous Tense. Present continuous tense in English.
The main purpose of the "Continuous" group is to designate actions that take place at a precisely specified time, or simultaneously with another action. Additional characteristics of such actions are their incompleteness, dynamism and visibility. Verbs in all tense forms of this group consist of an auxiliary verb "to be" in the appropriate tense and a semantic verb in the form "-ing" (the so-called ing form of the verb "V-ing", which is formed by adding the suffix "-ing" to the stem of the infinitive "V"). For example:

to write (write) - I am writing (I am writing).
to look at (look at) - He is looking at me (He looks at me).
When adding the suffix "-ing", the following spelling rules apply:
- if the word ends in “-ie”, then before the suffix “-ing” it will be replaced with “-y”: to lie (lie) - I am not lying to you (I’m not lying to you;
- the final consonant in a closed syllable is doubled before “-ing”: to sit (sit) - She is sitting (She is sitting).
The Present Continuous Tense. Present continuous tense.
In order to show that the action is happening exactly at the present moment (at the moment of speech), verbs are used in the form of the present continuous (lasting) tense. Verbs in the form of the present continuous tense are usually used in sentences with the circumstances now - now, at the moment - at the present moment, but for the most part these circumstances are only implied, since they are always obvious from the very form of the verb.

What are you writing? - I am writing a letter to a friend of mine.
- What are you (now) writing? - I am writing (now) a letter to my friend.

They are not working. They are on their holidays.
They don't work (now). They are on vacation.
The affirmative form of the present tense is formed from the auxiliary verb "to be" in the corresponding person of the present tense (am, is, are) and the semantic verb in the ing form (V-ing), which follow the subject.

He is reading a book.
He is reading a book.

I am waiting for a call.
I'm waiting for the phone call.

Am
(be) is + V-ing
are

To ask a question in the present continuous tense, you need to put the verb "to be" before the subject, the semantic verb in the form "-ing" follows the subject.

Is he reading a new book?
Is he reading a new book?

Are we waiting for a bus?
Are we waiting for the bus?
The negative form is formed by placing the negation "not" after the auxiliary verb.

They are not playing football now.
They don't play football now.

They are very busy.
They are very busy.
Compare with the present indefinite:
They don't play football at all.
They don't play football at all.

She is standing.
- She is not standing.
? Is she standing?
Yes, she is. No, she is not. (No, she isn't.)

To be going to do something. The construction "to intend to do something" in English.
The verb to go in the form of the present continuous tense followed by an infinitive (to be going + infinitive) conveys the intention to perform the action expressed by the infinitive. In this case, to be going is translated into Russian to gather, intend.
Use:

1. Intention, planned action in the future:

What are you going to do tonight?
- What will you do in the evening?

I"m going to visit my parents.
- I'll go visit my parents.

2. Instead of the present continuous in the future tense:

I"m going to meet my friends tomorrow. (=I"m meeting...)
- I'm meeting my friends tomorrow.

3. The future, signs of which are in the present.

She's going to have a baby.
- She will have a child.

Look at the clouds! It's going to rain.
- Look at the clouds. It's going to rain now.

The Past Continuous Tense. Past continuous tense in English.
The past continuous tense is formed, like the present continuous tense, using the verb “to be” and the semantic verb in the ing form. In this case, the verb “to be” is used in the past tense form (was, were).

Was (I, he, she)
+ V-ing
were (we, you, they)

I was reading a book.
I was reading a book.

They were playing chess.
They were playing chess.

He was writing a letter.
He was writing a letter.
The main purpose of the Past Continuous is to denote actions that took place at a precisely specified time in the past:

Sue was working at ten o"clock yesterday morning.
Sue worked yesterday morning at ten o'clock. (i.e. at ten o'clock in the morning Sue had not yet finished her work).
Additional characteristics of such actions are their incompleteness, dynamism and visibility. The moment at which the action we are interested in takes place is often indicated by another short action in the Past Simple.

It was raining when I went out into the street.
It was raining when I went outside.

Little Mary came in. She was eating an ice-cream.
Little Mary came in. She was eating ice cream.

I saw you last night.
I saw you last evening.

You were waiting for a bus.
You were waiting for the bus.

I dropped my bag when I was running for a bus.
I dropped my bag while running after the bus.

My car broke down when I was driving to work.
My car broke down while I was driving to work.

He broke a tooth when he was eating a sandwich.
He broke a tooth while eating a sandwich.
The verb “to be” (was, were) is an auxiliary verb in this case and serves to form the interrogative and negative forms. To ask a question in the Past Continuous, you need to put the verb “to be” (in the correct form: was/ were) before the subject. And to form a negative form, you need to put the negation “not” after the verb “to be”:

He was playing at 3 o"clock.
- He was not playing at 3 o"clock.
? Was he playing at 3 o"clock?
Yes, he was. No, he was not. (No, he wasn't.)

The Future Continuous Tense. Future continuous tense in English.
Verbs in the future continuous form express an action that will occur at a certain moment or period of time in the future. The sign of a verb in the form of the future continuous tense is the combination of the auxiliary verb “to be” in the future tense (shall be, will be) with the V-ing form of the semantic verb.

Shall
+ be + V-ing
will

We shall be expecting you at 5.
We will be waiting for you at 5 o'clock.

Next month they will be repairing the school.
Next month they will be renovating the school.

This time on Sunday I"ll be bathing in the sea.
At this time on Sunday I will be swimming in the sea.

She will be sleeping.
- She will not be sleeping.
? Will she be sleeping?

The Present Perfect Tense. Present perfect tense in English.
Perfect tenses in English denote actions that ended at a certain moment or occurred before other actions in the present, past or future. Temporary forms of this group have the following common features:

1. Verbs in all tense forms of this group consist of an auxiliary verb “to have” in the appropriate tense and a semantic verb in the third form (Participle II).

Correct verb to work
present: I have worked
past: He had worked
future: We shall have worked
future in the past: I should have worked

Irregular verb to write
present: I have written
past: He had written
future: We shall have written
future in the past: I should have written

2. In the interrogative form, the subject is preceded by an auxiliary verb:

Have I worked?
Had I worked?
Shall I have worked?
What have you seen there?

3. In the negative form, the first auxiliary verb is followed by the negation “not”:

I have not written the letter.
I had not written the article.
I should not have written the test work.

Present Perfect Tense. Present perfect tense.
The Present Perfect Tense denotes an action that has completed by now or has been completed in the present tense (this year, this week.) Although verbs in the Present Perfect are often translated into Russian in the past tense, it should be remembered that in English these actions are perceived in the present tense, since they are tied to the present by the result of this action.
In its own meaning, the Present Perfect is used to express actions that are perceived as accomplished at the moment of speech. In this case, the focus is on the action itself.

We have bought a new TV set.
We bought a new TV (we have a new TV).

The students have left the room.
The students left the room (there are no students in the room now).

Go and wash your hands.
Go and wash your hands.

I have washed them.
I washed them (my hands are clean).
Although verbs in the Present Perfect are often translated into Russian in the past tense, it should be remembered that in English these actions are present tense actions.
The Present Perfect is characterized by adverbs: already, still, yet, ever, just, recently, never, today, this week.
Use:

1. To denote actions that (have not) ended at the time of speech (often with “just” - just now, “yet” - not yet, etc.):

Have you finished your job?
-Have you finished your work?

Yes, I have / No, I haven't.
- Not really.

The train has just arrived.
The train has just arrived.

She hasn't written the test yet. She hasn't finished the test yet.

2. To denote actions that occurred in the past, but are relevant in the present:

Have you passed your driving test?
-Have you already passed your driving test?

We can"t enter the room.I"ve lost my key.
- We cannot enter (this) room. I lost my key.

3. To describe actions that began in the past and continue up to the present moment (often with “since” - with or “for” - during):

I"ve always liked him.
I always liked him (before and now).

I have known him for years / since my youth / since 1990.
I have known him for many years / since my youth / since 1990.

He has written about a hundred novels.
He wrote about a hundred novels.

He is alive and can write more.
He is alive and can write more.
But:
He wrote about a hundred novels. (He is dead).
He wrote about a hundred novels. (He is no longer alive.)

4. To denote actions that took place in an unexpired period of time (with expressions like “this morning” / “afternoon” / “week” - this morning / afternoon / this week, etc.:

Has the postman come this morning?
Did the postman come this morning?

He hasn't telephoned this afternoon.
He hasn't called yet this afternoon.

Have
+V3
has (3l. units)

He has dressed himself.
- He has not dressed himself.
? Has he dressed himself?
Yes, he has. No, he has not. (No, he hasn't.)

The Past Perfect Tense. Past perfect tense in English.
The Past Perfect Tense denotes an action that happened before some point in the past.

Had+V3
Use:

1. When there is an indication of the point in time at which an action in the past ended:

By 9 o"clock we"d finished the work.
By 9 o'clock we finished work.

She had written only two letters by noon.
By noon she had written only 2 letters.

2. When an action in the past took place before another action:

When you arrived, he had just left.
When you arrived, he had just left.

He had worked at the university for thirty years before he retired.
He worked at the university for 30 years before retiring.

3. In indirect speech to convey the present perfect and simple past tense:

He said he had studied English for two years. (He said: "I have studied English for two years.")
He said he has been studying English for two years.

She said she had published her first story 10 years before. (She said: "I published my first story 10 years ago.")
She said she published her first story 10 years ago.

She had written a letter by 5 o"clock on Saturday.
- She had not written a letter by 5 o"clock on Saturday.
? Had he written a letter by 5 o"clock on Saturday?
Yes, he had. No, he had not. (No, he hadn't.)
The Future Perfect Tense. Future perfect tense in English.
The Future Perfect Tense denotes an action that will be completed at a specific time in the future.

Shall
+ have + V3
will

She will have finished.
- She will not have finished.
? Will she have finished?
Yes, she will. No, she will not. (No, she won't.)
The future perfect tense is often replaced by the simple future. Often used with circumstances "by then" - by that time, "by... o"clock" - by... the hour, "by the end of" - by the end:

By 2 o"clock we"ll have discussed all the problems.
By two o'clock we will have already discussed all the problems.

The Present Perfect Continuous Tense. Present perfect continuous tense in English.
The Present Perfect Continuous is formed using the auxiliary verb to be in the form of the Present Perfect (have been, has been) and the participle I of the semantic verb:

+
I (we, you, they) have been writing
He (she, it) has been writing

-
I (we, you, they) have not been writing
He (she, it) has not been writing

?
Have I (we, you, they) been writing?
Has he (she, it) been writing?
Use and translation of Present Perfect Continuous.
Present Perfect Continuous is used:

1. To express an action that began in the past, continued for some period before the present and is still continuing at the present time. In this meaning, Present Perfect Continuous is translated into Russian by a verb in the present tense:

She has been working here for five years.
She's been working here for five years.
(She started working 5 years ago (an action that began in the past), has worked for 5 years (indicating the period of time during which this action has continued) and is still working at the present time.)

How long have they been living in Moscow?
How long have they lived in Moscow?
(The question implies that they lived in Moscow for some period of time before the present moment and continue to live at the present time.)

The Dnieper Hydro-Electric Station has been functioning since 1931.
The Dnieper hydroelectric power station has been operating since 1931.
(The Dnieper hydroelectric power station began operating in 1931 (start of operation in the past), operated from 1931 to the present (time period) and continues to operate at the present time.)
As can be seen from the examples given, when using the Present Perfect Continuous, the period of time during which the action lasted from the moment it began to the present is always indicated or implied. Therefore, the Present Perfect Continuous is usually used with time symbols such as for... minutes (hours, weeks, months, years, etc.) for... minutes (hours, weeks, months, years, etc.). ); since ... o "clock from ... hours, since yesterday from yesterday, since 1950 from 1950, etc.
The Present Perfect Continuous, like the Present Continuous, expresses an action that continues at the moment of speech. Therefore, both of these verb forms are translated into Russian with a verb in the present tense. The difference between them is that when using the Present Perfect Continuous, the period of time during which the action lasted up to the present moment is always indicated or implied. Compare 2 sentences:

I have been reading the book for two hours.
I read a book for two hours.
(I am currently reading a book. I started reading it earlier and have been reading it for two hours so far.)

I am reading the book. I am reading a book.
(I am currently reading a book. I started reading it earlier, however, it does not indicate how long I have been reading it until now.)

2. The difference between Present Perfect Continuous and Present Perfect is that when using Present Perfect Continuous, the process of action is emphasized, and when using Present Perfect, the fact of performing the action expressed by the verb is emphasized:

For four years he has been working at his subject.
He has been working on his topic for four years.

I have lived here for four years.
I've lived here for four years.
(I lived and live here.)

2. Present Perfect Continuous is also used to express an action that lasted for some period of time, expressed or implied, but ended before the moment of speech. Consequently, at the moment of speech, the action no longer continues. In this meaning, Present Perfect Continuous is translated into Russian by a verb in the past tense of the imperfect form:

What articles have you been translating up to now?
What articles have you translated so far?

Here you are at last! I have been looking for you.
Here you are at last! I was looking for you.
The Present Perfect Continuous is not used with verbs expressing feelings, perceptions, as well as with the verbs to be, to belong, to consist and some others. Instead of Present Perfect Continuous, in these cases the Present Perfect is used, which is translated by a verb in the present tense:

Has not been here since 6 o"clock.
He's been here since six o'clock.

We have not noticed any change in the tested bar for two hours.
We do not notice any changes in the tested bar within two hours.

The Past Perfect Continuous Tense. Past perfect continuous tense in English.
The Past Perfect Continuous is formed using the auxiliary verb to be in the form Past Perfect (had been) and the participle I of the semantic verb:

+
I (we, you, they, he, she, it) had been writing

-
I (we, you, they, he, she, it) had not been writing

Had I (we, you, they, he, she, it) been writing?
Use and translation of Past Perfect Continuous.
Past Perfect Continuous is used:

1. To express a past action that continued in the past for some period of time, expressed or implied, and ended (or could still continue) with the occurrence of a second, later past action. This second, later past action is expressed in Past Indefinite. Past Perfect Continuous is translated into Russian by a verb in the past tense, usually of the imperfect form:

I had been writing my exercises for two hours when my friend came.
I was writing exercises (past action) for two hours (indicating the time period), when my friend came (second, later past action, upon the occurrence of which the first action ended or could still continue).

The new turbine had been working for several hours before we gave it a full load.
The new turbine ran (past action) for several hours (indicating the period of time) before we gave it full load (second, later past action, when the first action did not end).

The new pump had already been working for two hours when we stopped it for examination.
The new pump was running (past action) for two hours (indication of duration of action) when we stopped it for inspection (second, later past action, at which time the first action ceased).

2. Past Perfect Continuous is also used to express an action that lasted for a certain period of time in the past and ended (or is still ongoing) at a given moment in the past. When indicating a given moment in the past, the preposition by is used:

By three o"clock the new pump had been working for two hours.
By three o'clock (indicating a given moment in the past), the pump had already been running (past action) for two hours (indicating the duration of action).

As can be seen from the examples, when using the Past Perfect Continuous, as a rule, it is indicated (or implied) how long the past action lasted before the onset of another past action or moment in the past. Therefore, the Past Perfect Continuous is usually used with time symbols such as for... hours(days, weeks, months, years, etc.) for... hours (days, weeks, months, years, etc.). ); since 1960 since 1960, etc.

The Future Perfect Continuous Tense. Future perfect continuous tense in English.
The Future Perfect Continuous is formed using the auxiliary verb to be in the form of the Future Perfect (shall have been, will have been) and the participle I of the semantic verb:

+
I (we) shall have been writing
He (she, it, you, they) will have been writing

-
I (we) shall not have been writing
He (she, it, you, they) will not have been writing

?
Shall I (we) have been writing?
Will he (she, it, you, they) have been writing?
Use and translation of the Future Perfect Continuous.
The Future Perfect Continuous is used to express a future action that, having begun in the future, will continue for some period of time until the occurrence of another, later future action or moment:

Before the new machine is stopped to-morrow morning, it will have been working for three hours.
Before the new machine is stopped tomorrow morning, it will run for three hours.

You will have been studying English for five years by the next spring.
Next spring it will be five years since you have been studying English.

In everyday speech, the Future Perfect Continuous is rarely used and is usually replaced by the Future Perfect or Future Indefinite.

The Future in the Past. Future in the past in English.
The English language has special forms for expressing actions that appear to be future from the point of view of the past. These are called "the Future in the Past" forms and are formed using the auxiliary verbs "should" and "would" with the corresponding infinitive (without to):

1. the Future Indefinite - the Future Indefinite in the Past
- (shall / will work - should / would work)

2. the Future Continuous - the Future Continuous in the Past
- (shall / will be working - should / would be working)

3. the Future Perfect - the Future Perfect in the Past
- (shall / will have worked - should / would have worked)
All three forms of “future in the past” are used in the same meanings as the usual forms of the future tense, with the only difference that the action in this case appears to be the future not from the moment of speech in the present, but from some moment in the past. The grammatical meaning of English verbs in the forms “future in the past” in Russian is conveyed by verbs in the future tense:

We knew that we should manage somehow.
We knew we would manage somehow.

I expected we should be having coffee after dinner as usual.
I figured we'd have coffee after lunch as usual.

I hoped she would have got supper ready by the time we got home.
I hoped that she would already have dinner ready when we arrived.
The Future in the Past Tense is used to express future actions that were discussed in the past tense.

Should
+ V1
would

He would speak.
- He wouldn't speak.
? Would he speak?
Yes, he would. No, he wouldn't. (No, he wouldn't.)

Sequence of Tenses. Agreement of tenses in English.
A characteristic feature of the English language is the so-called. coordination of tenses: the tense of the verb of the subordinate clause depends on the tense of the main clause. This rule of “coordination of tenses” is particularly difficult when the predicate of the main sentence is expressed by a verb in one of the past tense forms. In this case, subordinate clauses cannot use the present and future tense forms of verbs, although we are talking about actions that are performed in the present or will take place in the future.
If the verb in the main clause is in one of the past tenses, then the verb of the subordinate clause must be in one of the past tenses. Use the following scheme:

Time required by meaning and situation (in direct speech) Present Indefinite Present Continuous Present Perfect Рast Indefinite Рast Perfect Future Indefinite
The tense actually used in the subordinate clause (in indirect speech) Past Indefinite Past Сontinuous Раst Perfect Рast Perfect Past Perfect Future Indefinite in the Рast
In such cases, there are three main options:

1. The action of the subordinate clause occurs simultaneously with the action of the main clause: in these cases, the verb of the subordinate clause is in the Simple Past or in the Past Continuous. (simultaneity)

For example:

I knew he played tennis every day.
I knew (that) he played tennis every day.

I knew he was playing tennis and I didn't want to bother him.
I knew (that) he was playing tennis and I didn't want to disturb him.

2. The action of the subordinate clause precedes the action of the main clause: in such cases, the Past Perfect is used in the subordinate clause. (precedence)

For example:

I knew that Bill had not yet read my letter.
I knew (that) Bill had not time to read my letter.

3. The action of the subordinate clause refers to the future tense, and the action of the main clause refers to the past; in the presence of such a situation, the so-called is used in the subordinate clause. future in the past Future in the Past. (follow)

For example:

I knew that Bill would come to me after 10 pm.
I knew (that) Bill would come to see me after 10 P.M.
It should be borne in mind that the modal verbs can and may in the past tense have the forms: could, might. The past tense forms of the above modal verbs should be used as part of a predicate subordinate clause if the verb of the main clause is also in the past tense.

For example:

He said he couldn't come to the party.
He said (that) he could not promise to come to the party.
The rules for coordinating tenses are observed in subordinate clauses, including in indirect speech. They do not work in defining, comparative, causal and other subordinate clauses.

Jim says (that) it is interesting (now).
it was interesting (yesterday).
it will be interesting (tomorrow).

Jim said (that) it was interesting (now).
it had been interesting (yesterday).
it would be interesting (tomorrow).
Direct Speech Indirect Speech
this, these
now
here
today
tomorrow
the day after tomorrow

Yesterday
the day before yesterday
ago that, those
then, at that moment
there
that day
the next day
two days later
in two days
the day before
two days before
before

Active and Passive Voices. Active and passive voices in English.
Voice is a verb form that indicates whether the subject of the sentence is the producer or object of the action expressed by the predicate. As mentioned above, there are two voices in English: the Active Voice (active voice) and the Passive Voice (passive voice).
The passive voice is used when the doer of an action is obvious or insignificant, or when the action or its result is more interesting than the doer. The passive voice is formed using the verb to be in the appropriate tense and the III form of the verb (participle II).

Passive voice
Indefinite Continuous Perfect
Present
am
is+V3
are

Am
is + being + V3
are
have (has) + been + V3
Past
was
+V3
were

Was
+ being + V3
were
had + been + V3
Future
shall
+ be + V3
will

Shall
+ have + been + V3
will

Future in the Past should + be + V3
should
+ have + been + V3
would

The interrogative form is formed by moving the (first) auxiliary verb to place before the subject, for example:

When was the work done?

Has the work been done?
The negative form is formed using the negation not, which is placed after the first auxiliary verb, for example:

The work was not done last week.

The work will not be done tomorrow.
Let's compare the active voice with the passive voice:

Tom delivers the mail.
Tom delivers the mail.

Tom delivered the mail.
Tom delivered the mail.

Tom will deliver the mail.
Tom will deliver the mail.

The mail is delivered by Tom.
The mail is delivered by Tom.

The mail was delivered by Tom.
The mail was delivered by Tom.

The mail will be delivered by Tom.
Mail will be delivered by Tom.
As in Russian, a noun that plays the role of an object in an active voice sentence usually becomes the subject in a passive voice sentence. If in phrases with the passive voice the producer of the action is indicated, then in Russian it is indicated by the instrumental case, and in English it is preceded by the preposition by. The use of tense in the English passive voice is not fundamentally different from its use in the active voice. When translating the passive voice into Russian, the following options are possible:

1. Short form of passive participles

I am invited to a party.
I'm invited to the party.

2. Verbs ending in -sya-

All observations were made by a team of famous scientists.
All observations were carried out by a group of famous scientists.

3. Indefinite personal sentences (this method of translation is applicable only in cases where the producer of the action is not mentioned in the English passive voice).

We were asked to come as early as possible.
We were asked to arrive as early as possible.

Modal Verbs and their Equivalents. Modal verbs and their equivalents in English.
In the English language there is a group of verbs that do not express actions, but only the attitude towards them on the part of the speaker. They are called modal verbs. With their help, the speaker shows that a particular action is possible or impossible, obligatory or unnecessary, etc. Modal verbs include can, may, must, ought, shall, should, will, need.

He can't swim.
He can swim.

He may swim.

I must swim.
I have to swim.

You should swim.

He can't swim.
He can swim.

He may swim.
He can swim (he is allowed).

I must swim.
I have to swim.

You should swim.
You should swim (recommendation).

She needs to swim.
She needs to swim (necessary).
Purely modal verbs are defective (insufficient) in form, since they lack a number of grammatical forms, for example: they do not have the suffix -s in the 3rd person singular present tense; they do not have an infinitive, ing form or participle; some of them do not have a past tense form (must, should, ought, need). Among other features of modal verbs, the following should be mentioned:

1. The infinitive of the semantic verb is used without the particle to after all modal verbs, except ought, to have and to be.

2. Interrogative and negative forms of sentences containing modal verbs are constructed without the auxiliary verb do, with the exception of the verb to have, for example:

Must I come too?
Should I come too?

She cannot do it today.
She can't do this today.
Instead of missing forms, their equivalents are used:

Past Present Future
could can
shall
be able to do smth
will

Had to do smth must
shall
have to do smth
will

Might may
shall
be allowed to do smth
will

Use:

May + Present Infinitive expresses a request, permission, possibility, assumption, doubt. Might - the past tense of may also expresses doubt - to a greater extent than may.

Can + Present Infinitive expresses possibility or ability. Could + Infinitive often has a connotation of uncertainty and can correspond to the Russian subjunctive mood.

Must + Present Infinitive in affirmative and interrogative sentences expresses necessity, duty, obligation, as well as advice, order. The negative form mustn"t (must not) usually expresses a prohibition (impossible), i.e. it is the opposite in meaning to the verb may. The absence of necessity (not necessary, not necessary) is expressed by the verb needn"t (need not).

Must can only refer to the present and, in some cases, to the future tense. To express obligation in the past and future, instead of must, use have to + Present Infinitive (in the appropriate tense form).

For example:

He had to take a taxi to get to the airport on time.
He had to take a taxi to get to the airport on time.

I"ll have to go to the super- market tomorrow.
Tomorrow I will have to go to the supermarket.

He had to wake up early yesterday.
- He didn't have to wake up early yesterday.
? Did he have to wake up early yesterday?
Yes, I did. No, I didn't. (No, I didn't.)

had to do smth - in the Past Indefinite Tense
will (shall) have to do smth - in the Future Indefinite Tense

Need + Present Infinitive (Active or Passive) is used only in the present tense - usually in negative and interrogative sentences.

The verb forms should and would perform not only the function of auxiliary verbs, but are also used as modal verbs. Would expresses as a modal verb:
1) repetition of an action in the past;
2) request;
3) intention, desire.

Should expresses (as a modal verb) instruction, exhortation, recommendation, advice (translated into Russian - should, should, should, should).

Ought to, in contrast to can, may, must, requires the infinitive of the semantic verb with the particle to. Often denotes a moral duty, the responsibility of the speaker. Same meaning as should, but used less frequently.

Indicative, Imperative and Subjunctive Moods. Indicative, imperative and subjunctive moods in English.
The mood is a form of the verb that shows the relation of the action to reality. This relationship is established by the speaker. He can use the verb form to present the action as real, problematic, unreal, or as a request or command. In English, as well as in Russian, there are three moods:
1. Indicative mood.
Actions presented as real are expressed in the form of the indicative mood (The Indicative Mood), which exists in the form of all those tense and voice forms that were described above. For example:

I worked at a factory at the time.
When I worked at the factory.

We have never heard of it.
We've never heard of this.

I am going away on business shortly.
I'll be going on a business trip soon.
2. Imperative mood.
Verbs in the form of the imperative mood express the impulse to perform an action: command, proposal, request, etc. There is no subject in such sentences, and the predicate is used in the form of an infinitive without “to”. Usually an order, proposal or request is addressed to a 2nd person (you, you) or to a group of people, for example:

Come here, please!
Come here please!

Bring me the book.
Bring me a book!

Air the room!
Ventilate the room!

In order to express the prohibition to perform an action related to the 2nd person, the negation “don”t (= do not)” is placed before the verb in the imperative mood:

Don't smoke here!
Don't smoke here!

Don't cross the street here!
Don't cross the street here!

As in Russian, an order can be addressed to a third party, for example:

Have Victor open the window.
Let Victor open the window.

Let the children go home.
Let the children do home.

Let Mary wash the dishes.
Let Mary wash up.

In this case, the urge to action is expressed using the auxiliary verb "let", followed by a noun or pronoun denoting the person to whom this urge refers, and a verb in the infinitive form without "to". Moreover, pronouns are used in the form of the indirect case (him, her, them).

Let her come in.
Let her come in.

Let him open the window.
Let him open the window.

When calling for a joint action, after the verb “let” the pronoun “us” is used (let us = let’s), which is translated into Russian as “let’s”. When the speaker expresses the desire to perform the action himself, after the verb “let” the pronoun “me” is used ".

Let us play volley-ball!
Let's play volleyball!

Let's go to the cinema tonight.
Let's go to the cinema tonight.

Let me do it myself.
Let me do this myself.

In order to express a prohibition to perform an action, the negation “don”t(do not)” is placed before the auxiliary verb “let”:

Don't let my brother read the letter.
Let my brother not read (this) letter.

Don't let him smoke here!
Let him not smoke here!
3. Subjunctive mood.
The Subjunctive Mood denotes actions that could occur in imaginary (unreal) situations.

Use:

1. In subordinate clauses after the verbs suggest - to offer, demand / require - to demand, insist - to insist, order - to order, etc. The form coincides with the infinitive without the particle to (Subjunctive I) or is expressed by the combination: should + infinitive

I suggest(ed) (that) he should address the audience.
I suggest (suggested) that he address the audience.

The director ordered that the equipment (should) be shipped immediately.
The director ordered the equipment to be loaded immediately.

2. After the adjectives desirable - desirable, doubtful - doubtful, essential - significant, important - important, necessary - necessary, etc. in the construction: It is + adj. + that

It is important (that) you (should) be present.
It is important that you are present.

It is necessary (that) the equipment (should) be repaired as soon as possible.
It is necessary that this equipment be repaired as soon as possible.

3. After verbs of desire (to wish/desire - to want, to desire) and after conjunctions as if, as though "as if, as if" the Subjunctive II forms are used, coinciding with the forms of the simple past for actions simultaneous with the main sentence, and the past accomplished for the previous ones:

I wish I were young again.
How I wish I could be young again.

I wish I were now at the seaside.
How I would like to be on the sea coast now. (refers to now, future)

Direct and Indirect Speech. Direct and indirect speech in English.
Someone else's statement can either be conveyed as it was spoken (direct speech) or described using a complex sentence (indirect speech). Compare:

Direct speech

- (What does he say?) - He says: "We"ll have take a taxi".
- (What is he saying?) - He says: "We'll have to take a taxi."

Indirect speech

He said (that) we"ll have to take a taxi.
- He said that we would have to take a taxi.
When changing direct speech to indirect speech, the following rules are observed:

1. The comma and quotation marks are omitted.

2. All personal and possessive pronouns change depending on the person from whom the speech is being conducted. (1l. 3l., 2l. 1.3l.)

3. The conjunction "that" is possible.

4.
a) In an affirmative sentence, the verb in the imperative mood is replaced by an infinitive.
b) In negative sentence 1, the form of the verb changes to “not” + infinitive.

5. Direct word order is observed in questions.

6. General questions are introduced with the words “if, whether”.

7. Special questions are introduced with special question words.

8. If there is an addition, then say - tell, says to Olga - tells Olga, said to Boris - told Boris.
If in direct speech the verb of the main clause is in the past tense, then when transforming direct speech into indirect speech, the tense of the verb of the subordinate clause changes in accordance with the rules for the sequence of tenses. This is precisely the main difference between the Russian and English languages ​​in the use of indirect speech.
Thus:
- Instead of the present, the past tense is used (Past Indefinite / Continuous)
- Instead of the past, past is used. perfect tense (Past Perfect)
- Instead of the future, would + infinitive is used (“future in the past”)

Irregular verbs in English. Irregular verbs.

N V1 V2 V3 Meaning
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100 arise
be
bear
become
begin
bend
bind
bite
bleed
blow
break
breed
bring
build
burn
buy
cast
catch
choose
come
cost
cut
dig
do
draw
dream
drink
drive
eat
fall
feed
feel
fight
find
flee
fly
forget
get
give
go
grow
hang
have
hear
hide
hold
keep
know
lead
learn
leave
lend
let
light
lose
make
mean
meet
put
read
ride
rise
run
say
see
sell
send
set
shake
shine
shoot
shut
sing
sink
sit
sleep
smell
speak
spend
spoiler
spread
spring
stand
steal
strike
strive
swear
swim
take
teach
tear
tell
think
throw
understand
wear
weep
win
wind
write arose
was, were
bore
became
began
bent
bound
bit
bled
blew
broke
bred
brought
built
burnt
bought
cast
caught
chose
came
cost
cut
dug
did
drew
dream
drank
drove
ate
fell
fed
felt
fought
found
fled
flew
forgot
got
gave
went
grew
hung
had
heard
hid
held
kept
knew
led
learn
left
tape
let
lit
lost
made
meant
met
put
read
rode
rose
ran
said
saw
sold
sent
set
shook
shone
shot
shut
sang
sank
sat
slept
smelt
spoke
spent
spoilt
spread
sprang
stood
stole
struck
strove
swore
swam
took
taught
tore
told
thought
threw
understood
wore
wept
won
wound
wrote arisen
been
born
become
begun
bent
bound
bit
bled
blown
broken
bred
brought
built
burnt
bought
cast
caught
chosen
come
cost
cut
dug
done
drawn
dream
drunk
driven
eaten
fallen
fed
felt
fought
found
fled
flown
forgotten
got
given
gone
grown
hung
had
heard
hidden
held
kept
known
led
learn
left
tape
let
lit
lost
made
meant
met
put
read
ridden
risen
run
said
seen
sold
sent
set
shaken
shone
shot
shut
sung
sunk
sat
slept
smelt
spoken
spent
spoilt
spread
sprung
stood
stolen
struck
striven
sworn
swum
taken
taught
torn
told
thought
thrown
understood
worn
wept
won
wound
written to rise
to be, to be
give birth
become, become
start off)
bend
bind
bite)
bleed
blow
break)
bring up
bring
build
burn, burn
buy
throw
catch, grab
choose
come
cost
cut
dig, dig
do
drag; paint
dream; see in a dream
drink
lead, drive
eat, eat
fall
feed
feel
fight, fight
find
run; save yourself
fly
forget
receive; become
give
go, walk
grow, become
hang, hang
have
hear
hide
hold
keep, store
know
lead
study)
leave, leave
lend
let
spark off
lose, lose
do
to mean
meet
put
read
ride a horse
get up
run
say
see
sell
send
put; install
shake
shine, sparkle
fire
close
sing
dive
sit
sleep
sniff, smell
speak
spend
spoil
distribute
jump
stand
steal; kidnap
strike
fight
to swear
swim
take
teach
tear, tear
say
think
throw
understand
wear, wear
cry
win, win
spin, wind (clock)
write

Past Perfect– past perfect tense. Its peculiarity is that it is not used independently in speech and is necessarily tied to another action. Why do the British need this? The reason lies in their love of order and organization. In Russian, we use one tense to express all past actions. We list a few events, then go back to another event that happened before all the others. An Englishman will never allow such “chaos” in his speech. If he forgot about an important event that happened before everyone else, he will report it at a time specially designated for this - Past Perfect.

How is the past perfect formed?

Statement

Predicate in Past Perfect consists of two parts: an auxiliary verb had and the third form of the main verb (we add the ending to the regular verb - ed, and take the irregular form from the third column).

Negation

In a negative sentence between an auxiliary verb had and the particle appears as the main verb not.

As in many other times, in Past Perfect There are shortened forms that are used in colloquial speech. In an affirmative sentence had combined with a pronoun, in the negative – with a particle not. For example:

• I'd done.
• You'd decided.
• I hadn't done.
• You hadn't decided.

Question

An interrogative sentence begins with an auxiliary verb had followed by a subject and a main verb.

In order to consistently study Past Perfect, we have divided all its functions into three levels. In the green block you will find what you need to know at a basic level, in the yellow block - at an intermediate level, in the red block - at a high level.

Using the Past Perfect

First level

Past Perfect always goes hand in hand with another action in the past. Past Perfect shows an action that occurred before another action or a specific point in the past. Another action in the past is most often indicated Past Simple, and special words may be used: by... (at some time/moment), after(after), before(before, before) when(When), earlier(earlier), first(first, first).

We arrived at the station at 7.30, but the train had left. – We arrived at the station at 7:30, but the train was already gone. (first the train left, then we arrived at the station)

He had been a usual clerk before he became a successful businessman. - He was an ordinary clerk before that, How became a successful businessman.

Often Past Perfect explains the reason: we want to show that the action expressed Past Perfect, caused another action to occur.

He was hungry. He hadn't eaten for eight hours. - He was hungry. He did not eat eight hours.

She couldn’t buy a new pair of shoes as she had lost her credit card – She couldn’t buy a new pair of shoes because lost credit card.

Time Past Perfect similar in meaning to Present Perfect with the difference that the time of action does not take place in the present (now), but in the past (then).

They are not at home. They have gone shopping. → They were not at home. They had gone shopping.
Their No Houses. They gone go shopping. → Their did not have Houses. They gone go shopping.

Another common feature Present Perfect And Past Perfect– adverbs just(just now), already(already), yet(already, yet).

They were moving to another country, but they hadn't told their parents yet. – They moved to another country, but haven't said yet about this to your parents.

The most common mistake made with Past Perfect– use this tense where it is not necessary, most often instead Past Simple. For example, when we talk about a simple action that happened a long time ago. remember, that Past Perfect only works when there are two actions.

I learned English at school. - I learned English at school.
I had learned English before I entered the university. - I learned English before that, How entered the University.

Where else is the past perfect found?

Average level

1. Past Perfect shows that an action began in the past and continued until a certain point in the past. Prepositions already familiar to us are often used here. for(during) and since(since).
   

   He didn't want to drive that car anymore. He had driven it for 30 years. “He didn’t want to drive that car anymore.” He drove her 30 years old.

   Her speech was impressive. She had worked on it since Monday. “Her speech was impressive. She worked over it since Monday.

   This feature is not fully applicable to Past Perfect, she belongs by right Past Perfect Continuous. Past Perfect in this sense it is used with stative verbs (), that is, verbs that cannot "last".

   Before we talked, Mary had been upset for three days. She had been crying all this time. – Before we talked, Mary was upset for three days. She cried all this time.

2. IN Past Perfect, As in Present Perfect, there is a function with which we talk about personal experiences. The difference is that Past Perfect we use when talking about our experiences in the past.
   

   The last week of my holidays was the worst week I had ever had. – The last week of my vacation was the worst week I have ever had. was.

   By the time I moved to Dublin I had written seven books and I was working hard on the eighth. – By the time I moved to Dublin, I wrote seven books and actively working on the eighth.

Complex cases of using Past Perfect

High level

1. Past Perfect used after if in conditional sentences of the third type (). This type of conditional shows regret about the past. We could have done something in the past if we had fulfilled the condition, but in the present we can no longer change the situation.
   

   If I had known about your problem, I would have helped you. – If I knew about your problem, I would help you.

   If you had read the morning newspaper, you would have agreed with me. – If You read morning newspaper, you would agree with me.

2. Past Perfect used in structures hardly ... when And no sooner ... than. These constructions show that one action happened immediately after another. The peculiarity is that they use reverse word order, as in a question. Such sentences are translated into Russian using the words “as soon as”, “I didn’t have time”, “as soon as I did”.
   

   Hardly had the plane landed at the Miami airport, when it started to rain. – Barely airplane landed at Miami airport, How it started to rain.

   No sooner had I chewed my sandwich than somebody knocked at the door. – Did not have time I chew your sandwich How someone knocked the door.

3. In modern English Past Perfect are increasingly being replaced by Past Simple, this is especially true for American English. We can use Past Simple instead of Past Perfect, if the sequence of events is clear from the context. In such sentences there are words after(after), before(before), earlier(earlier), first(first, first), etc.
   

   After he had finished repairing his car, he took a shower. = After he finished repairing his car, he took a shower. – After He finished repairing the car, he took a shower.

   I agreed to meet her though I was angry with her as we had quarreled earlier. = I agreed to meet her though I was angry with her as we quarreled earlier. “I agreed to meet her, although I was angry with her, because we had a fight.

   This rule does not work with the conjunction when(when): changing tense may change the meaning of the entire sentence.

   When we came home, she had cooked already prepared dinner. (Past Perfect means dinner was done before we got home)

   When we came home, she cooked dinner. - When we came home, she prepared dinner. (Past Simple shows that first we came home and then she cooked dinner)

The more complex time seems, the less meaning it has. This rule also applies to Past Perfect. The main thing to remember is that next to Past Perfect there must be another action in the past. To better remember this time, take the test and download the table, which you can always look at and refresh your knowledge.

(*.pdf, 183 Kb)

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Test

Past Perfect – past perfect tense in English

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Although, for now we will formally assume that the tense of the verb, which is called Future Simple Tense is the basic tense for expressing the future tense in English. By the way, in complex sentences of time and condition in English, which will be discussed in this lesson, it is the Future Simple Tense that is used.

1. What are subordinate clauses of time and conditions?

Can refer to the present and future tense (real conditions), as well as unreal. In this lesson we will talk about complex sentences that refer to the future tense, type

If the weather is good, I will go for a walk.

Such sentences in English are called conditional sentences of the FIRST TYPE (First Conditionals). Another name is When and If Sentences / First Conditional and Time Clauses.

Please note that in the example in Russian in both parts: in the first part (subordinate clause) and in the second part (main), the future tense is used.

However, in English there is a RULE: after IF/WHEN there is no future.

It means that in the subordinate clause Instead of Future Simple, you need to use Present Simple.

NOTE. The conjunction IF can be replaced by any other conjunction of time or condition.

Now it's time to get acquainted with the unions of time and condition.

2. Conjunctions of time and conditions in English

If you are a beginner, then remember two main conjunctions if (if) And when (when).

• I will stay if she comes. - I'll stay If she will come.
• I will leave when he comes. - I'll leave, When he will come.

A. Conditional conjunctions in English:

1. if - if
2. unless - if not
3. on condition that - provided that

1. I will stay if she comes. - I'll stay If she will come.
2. I will stay providing she comes. - I'll stay provided that only she will come.
3. I won't stay unless she comes. - I won't stay If she Not will come.

Please note that in English conditional sentences there is no comma.

B. Time conjunctions in English

1. when - when
2. as soon as - as soon as
3. till (until) - until (not)
4. before - earlier, before
5. after - after

1. I will leave when he comes. - I'll leave, When he will come.
2. I will leave as soon as he comes. - I'll leave, as soon as he will come.
3. I won't leave till he comes. - I will not leave, Bye He Not will come.
4. I had left before he came. - I left before he came.
5. I left after he had come. - I left after he came.

So, let's summarize this topic and formulate the main RULE once again.

In subordinate clauses relating to the future, after conjunctions when And if and others, instead of the future tense (Future Simple), you must use the present (Present Simple). Such sentences in English are called First Conditional and Time Clauses.

To self-test, select the correct option.

I hope you have read the rule, examples and translation carefully. If your opinion differs from the opinion of the MAJORITY, then return to the beginning of the lesson. And we move on to the exercises.

3. Subordinate clauses of time and conditions in English. Exercises on First Conditionals

ATTENTION! These offers are not conditional. The rule doesn't work there!
I'd like to know when Dan will be back. “I would like to know when Dan will be back.”
I don't know if she will come home.“I don’t know if she’ll come home.”

Exercise (introductory).

1. I wonder if he (laugh) all day.
2. She will buy a new bag when she (arrive) to London.
3. I will stay here till he (come).
4. Tell him about it if he (want).
5. I wonder when someone (come and tell) her what to do.
6. Do you know if your uncle (come back) from his trip tomorrow?
7. Don’t tell her about it before she (ask).
8. I will know all about it when I (get) a letter from her.
9. She will catch bad cold unless she (go and change) her wet shoes.
10. I wonder when you (be ready) and if you (be on time).
11. I am not sure when she (return).
12. Will you wait until he (come)?
13. Please, book a return ticket if you (get) to New York.
14. I shall cut some sandwiches in case they (be) hungry.

Exercise 1. Fill in the blanks with when or if.

Do the exercise if you confuse the conjunctions when and if.

1. … I go home tonight, I’ll have a bath.
2. … there is a good program on TV, I’ll watch it.
3. … there’s nothing in the refrigerator, we’ll eat out.
4. We’ll go skiing next winter… we have enough money.
5. … it’s a nice day tomorrow, we’ll go swimming.
6. I’m coming to London tomorrow. I'll phone you...I arrive.
7. We’re thinking of going to Spain for our holidays. …we decide to go, I’ll let you know.

Exercise 2 . Insert when or if periods instead.

A similar exercise, but in the second part the imperative mood is sometimes found.

1. … you can’t do your homework, ask for help.
2. I’ll give the money back to you, ... I see you next time.
3. I’ll come to bed … this program ends.
4. … anyone phones me, tell them I’m out.
5. Come on! … we hurry, we’ll catch the bus!
6. … I play tennis with Justin, he always wins.
7. The shops are full of things to buy … Christmas comes.
8. “I’ve lost my bag.” - “... I find it, I’ll let you know.”

Exercise 3. Compose a complex sentence from two simple ones using the conjunctions given in brackets. Apply rule 1.

SAMPLE: I'll wait here. You'll get back. ( until) - I'll wait here until you get back.

1. Give me a ring. You'll hear some news. (when)
2. The TV program will end. I'll do my homework. (after)
3. I'll go to work. I'll have a bath. (before)
4. She'll be in Paris. She'll visit friends. (when)
5. The lesson will end. I'll go home. (as soon as)
6. I won’t leave the house. The postman will call. (until)
7. Can you feed the cats? I'll be away, (when)
8. I’ll tell you about the holiday. I'll get back. (when)
9. I'll study English. I'll speak it perfectly. (until)

Exercise 4. Your friend is going on vacation. Ask him questions about his trip.

SAMPLE: What/do/miss/plane? — What will you do if are you missing the plane?

1. What/do/plane/be delayed?
2. Where/stay/hotels/be full?
3. Who/talk to/not make any friends?
4. What/do/not like the food?
5. Where/go/beaches/be crowded?
6. What/do/get sunburnt?

Exercise 5. Open the brackets using the tenses correctly Future Simple And Present Simple.

SAMPLE. When I (see) Tom tomorrow, I (invite) him to our party. — When I see Tom tomorrow, I will invite him to our party.

1. Before you (leave), don’t forget to shut the windows. 2. I (phone) you as soon as I (arrive) in London. 3. Please don’t touch anything before the police (come). 4. Everyone (be) very surprised if he (pass) the exams. 5. When you (see) Brian again, you (not/ recognize) him. 6. We (not/start) dinner until Jack (arrive). 7. (you/ feel) lonely without me while I (be) away? 8. If I (need) any help, I (ask) you. 9. Come on! Hurry up! Ann (be) annoyed if we (be) late.

Exercise 6. Combine two sentences into one using the example. Use time conjunctions or conditions to make sense.

SAMPLE. You are going to leave soon. You must visit the doctor before that. —You must visit the doctor before you leave.

1. I’ll find somewhere to live. Then I'll give you my address.
2. It’s going to start raining. Let's go out before that.
3. I’m going to do the shopping. Then I'll come home straight.
4. You'll be in London next month. You must come and see me then.
5. I’m going to finish reading this book. Then I'll get the dinner ready. (when)
6. We'll make our decision. Then we'll let you know. (as soon as)

Exercise 7. Insert if or when periods instead.
1. … I see Tom tomorrow, I’ll invite him to our party.
2. … it rains this evening, I won’t go out.
3. I’ll phone you… I get back.
4. I’m feeling very tired. I think I’ll go straight to bed… I get home.
5. I’ll be very surprised...he doesn’t get the job.

Exercise 8. Make semantic chains of sentences using the example using if and will.

SAMPLE. If the earth gets warmer, the sea will get warmer. — If the sea gets warmer, the ice at the North and South Poles will melt. — If the ice..., etc.

1. the earth gets warmer
2. the sea gets warmer
3. the ice at the North and South Poles melts
4. the sea level rises
5. there are floods in many parts of the world

Exercise 9. Your friend is going abroad. Ask him questions.

SAMPLE: What/do/fall ill? - What will you do if did you fall ill?

1. What/do/lose your passport?
2. What/do/not like/the food?
3. Where/go/need to phone your parents?
4. What/do/want/to make friends?
5. What/do/decide to improve your pronunciation?

Exercise 10. Put the verbs given in brackets into the correct form. The proposals are for the future.

1. If you (eat) another cake, you (be) sick. 2. You (fail) your exam if you (not/study) hard. 3. What do you (do) if you (fail)? 4. Our children and grandchildren (suffer) if we (not/look after) our planet. 5. If you (be) late, I (go) without you. 6. If she (pass) her driving test, she (buy) a car. 7. If my neighbors (not/stop) making a noise, I (complain).

Conditional sentences in the future and subordinate clauses of time in the future have one grammatical rule - the predicate in subordinate clauses is always translated into the PRESENT TENSE.

Let's look at some of the differences between these two types of clauses. There are also differences in grammar and, of course, the sentences differ in meaning.

Firstly, as for grammar: in subordinate clauses of time in the future, the predicate can stand not only in the present, indefinite tense = Present Indefinite Tense, but also in Present Continuous Tense, Present Perfect Tense, Present Perfect Continuous Tense; in a word, the entire “palette” of present times is present.

Let me give you a few examples:

I shall come back as soon as I have finished my work.= I'll be back as soon as I'll finish my work.

Don’t say a word while Henry is here. Wait in the room until he has left. = Don't say a word while Henry is here. Wait in the room until he won't leave.

While my mother is preparing dinner I shall be looking after the children. = Bye my mom will cook dinner, I'll look after the children.

When he has read this book he will give it back to you. = When he will read this the book, he will return it to you.

I shall be reading a newspaper while my baby is sleeping.= I'm reading the newspaper, Bye my baby will sleep.

Often, the difference between the Present Perfect Tense and the Present Indefinite Tense is very small, so either option will work. For example:

I shall come as soon as I finish work. = I shall come as soon as I have finished work.

Secondly, let's look at the semantic difference between conditional and temporary clauses in the future. Let's consider two proposals. At first glance, there is not much difference between them and they are grammatically translated the same way:

1. When Tom will come, I call you. = When he comes I shall phone you.

2. If Tom will come, I call you. = If he comes I shall phone you.

The meaning of a temporal sentence in the future, where the linking word is placed - WHEN - is just a sequence of times with a very high probability that the event will occur: every day Tom comes home at a certain time, and I know it, or I just know and am sure that Tom will come here (he lives here or we have agreed to meet).

The meaning of a future conditional is an assumption, a condition that must be fulfilled, so the chances of the action being performed are greatly reduced. Here I would like to say: POSSIBLY YES, BUT POSSIBLY AND NO. If Tom (possibly) comes... but there was no agreement, and you probably don’t know whether he will come or not. In fact, everything is decided by chance.

A couple more examples in which you can easily feel the difference.

I'm going to talk to him this evening. When I talk to him, I will try to convince him not to go there. (Pre-planned conversation, the question is about the time when the event will occur). We translate:

I am going to speak to him tonight. When

Maybe I'll talk to him someday. If I talk to him, I will try to convince him not to go there. (Perhaps I will talk, but perhaps not, this is how the opportunity presents itself. If, presumably, I will talk, then... there is no certainty.) Translation:

Perhaps, I shall speak to him one day. If I speak to him I shall try to persuade him not to go there.

You all probably heard that after IF,WHEN and their immediate relatives (such as in case, while, as soon as, as long as etc.) you can’t talk WILL, even if we are talking about the future tense.

For example: If you finish off the porridge, I"ll buy you a chocolate. - If you finish your porridge, I will buy you chocolate.
When my Chinese friend sings the song, you will fall in love with him immediately. - When my Chinese friend sings to you, you will immediately fall in love with him.

Most of us know all this very well. But please look at these two sentences and tell me if there are any errors in them:

I need to know if John will go to France.
I need to know when you will be in Moscow again.

There are mistakes?

Well, since it was just said that AFTER and WHEN - NO WILL, then, it seems, there is? But, in fact, everything is correct.

First about IF. The point is that the word if can have two meanings.

First value: "If" . When the word IF means "if" then after it it is forbidden put will. For example: If Zoe asks me you to lend her money, I will simply ignore her. - If Zoya asks to borrow money, I will simply ignore her.

Second meaning: "whether". For example: I need to know if chickens have teeth. - I need to know if there is whether chickens have teeth.

Do you see? If there is “li” in a Russian sentence, then 1) it is translated into English as if.
2) this if placed before the subject (but in Russian - after the verb)
3) after this if we can calmly put will.

Another example:

I want to ask my journalist friend if Aquarium will play more shows in 2010.- I want to ask my journalist friend if Aquarium will still play concerts in 2010.

Now about WHEN. Let's look at two Russian sentences.

Sentence one: I want to go to Milan when the sales season ends there.

Look carefully: what question is natural to ask after the phrase “go to Milan”? Naturally the question “WHEN” sounds: “I want to go to Milan (WHEN?) when the season ends there...”. But the question “WHAT” will sound unnatural, for example: “I want to go to Milan (WHAT?) when the season ends there...”. Sounds crazy, doesn't it?

And now the second sentence: I need to know when the sales season ends in Milan.

Well, what question can you ask after the phrase “need to know”? Question "WHAT": "I need to know (WHAT?) when the sales season ends in Milan."

So: if a phrase with the word “when” answers the question “WHAT?”, then in an English sentence possible and necessary speak will(if we are talking about the future, of course).

More examples:

The waiter will tell you when the Picasso exhibition will close.- The waiter will tell you (WHAT?) when the Picasso exhibition closes. (the phrase answers the question “what?”, which means we say will).

The waiter will kick you out when the restaurant closes. - The waiter will kick you out (WHEN?) when the restaurant closes. (the phrase answers the question “when?”, which means we are talking in the present tense).

So the rule AFTER IF and WHEN - NO WILL it should really sound like this:

After IF we have no WILL- if IF means “IF”.
After IF we DO have WILL- if IF means “LI”.
After WHEN we have no WILL- if the WHEN sentence answers the question “WHEN”.
After WHEN we DO have WILL- if the WHEN sentence answers the question “WHAT”.

Why didn’t we remember him like that from the very beginning? And because AFTER IF and WHEN - NO WILL sounds short and clear. And it applies to 90% of cases.

A long rule sounds painfully dreary, but only considers 10% more cases.

So you have to make a compromise: first learn a short rule, knowing that it is not ideal, but it is easy.

And then, having mastered the easy rule, you can understand the intricacies.

Now for the exercise.
Put the verb in the correct form.
1. When the plane (take off), I will drink something.
2. Granny is asking you if you (stay) for the weekend.
3. Granny wants to make three meat pies if you (stay) for the weekend.
4. I will leave you if you (come) home drunk again.
5. Maybe you know when Monica (be) 25?
6. Maybe you can phone Monica when she (be) 25?
7. Do you know that the pig will bite you if you (run) after it?
8. If you (run) after the pig, I’ll take your photo.
9. Doctor, can you tell me when my hamster (have) babies?
10. Doctor, can you tell me if my hamster (have) babies?

Keys to the exercise -