Grammar unit5

Past simple-Past continuous
We use Past Simple (verb + ed or irregular past form) for
· An action which started and finished in the past at a stated time. For example: I watched a science fiction film on TV last night.
· Past action which happened one immediately after he other.
For example: He got up, had breakfast and then left for his office.
· Time expressions used with past simple: yesterday, last week/month, how long ago, then, just/when, in 1991
We use Past Continuous (was/were+ verb-ing) for
· A past action in progress interrupted by another past action. The longer action is in the past continuous, the shorter action is in the past simple. For example: I was cooking dinner when the phone rang
· Two or more simultaneous past actions of certain duration. For example: I was riding my bicycle while my sister was playing in the sandbox.
· Background description to events in story. For example:
As she was running in the marathon, the crowds were cheering enthusiastically.
· Time expressions used with past continuous: While, when, as, at the moment that
We use Present Perfect (have+ past participle) for
· Recent action when the time is not mentioned or is not definite. For example: I have washed the clothes. We have redecorated the sitting room.
· Time expressions used with Present perfect: just, ever, never, already, yet, always, so far, recently, since, today
Direct and Reported speech
· We use direct speech to give the exact words someone said, and we use question marks ” “ at the beginning and end of the actual words. For example:” I am tired”, he said.
· We use reported speech to give the exact meaning of that someone said, but not exact words. We do not use question marks in reported speech. For example: He said that he was tired.

Enjoy reading

Frances Clark looked up from the flower she was studying the soft jungle floor. She felt hot and sticky as it was middle of the afternoon. Everything was strangely quiet. No animal sounds, no rustling of leaves. Suddenly she heard something hissing behind her head. Her eyes grew wide with terror as a huge python wound itself around her.” Help” she screamed.” Someone help me”


“Oh no, I can’t hold on”, Sammy shouted. He grabbed desperately for the branches of a tree as the freezing water of the river carried him towards the sea. Cold rain was pouring down while the thunder boomed, covering his shouts for help. The bright lightning made the seem like day. Sammy was stiff from the cold


Jake and Bill walking through the moonless forest.The snow failing silently around them. It was about midnight and they were feeling tired. Suddenly Jake stopped. “There is it”, he whispered to Bill. Slowly he raised his gun, aimed at the dark shape, then fired.