Used To versus Be Used To
Used to + the base form of a verb is used to talk about an activity that was repeated habitually in the past,
but which is not done now.
He used to live in a mansion. But he lost all his money and now he lives in a small apartment.
She didn’t use to care about money. But now she’s become very materialistic.
Note: For the negative, use didn’t use to (omit the -d).
Be used to + gerund or noun is used to talk about something that has become familiar or habitual.
Some people think it’s crazy that he works seven days a week. But he is used to it.
Although she is a millionaire now, she isn’t used to shopping in expensive stores.
Note: For the negative, use be + not + used to (do not omit the -d).
Would for Repeated Action in the Past versus Used To
Would can be used to talk about an action that happened regularly in the past. Used this way, would means the same thing as used to.
When I was a child, I would dream of being a millionaire. = When I was a child, I used to dream of being a millionaire.
Note: Only used to (not would) can be used to talk about a situation that was true (without habitual action)
in the past.
He used to live at home until he got a job. (Correct)
Was/Were Going To (Future in the Past)
Was/Were + going to + the base form of a verb is used to talk about a prediction for the future made in the
past, or a past plan that was not carried out.
I knew that company was going to be a great success.
He was going to spend the money, but he decided to invest it in the stock market instead.
Form, Meaning and Function
Present Perfect Simple Tense
Use the present perfect to talk about actions that started at an indefinite time in the past.
It is often used to talk about time from the past to now in a person’s life.
Q: Have you been to Qatar?
A: Yes, I’ve been to Qatar. I have visited many places in the Middle East.
Use the present perfect to talk about recently completed actions.
Mohammad Abdul Latif Jameel has contributed greatly to the government’s Saudization
program in the Kingdom.
Use the present perfect simple to emphasis an action that started in the past and has continued until now and may
continue in the future.
Li Ka-Shing has lived in China for all his life.
Time Expressions with For and Since
Use the present perfect simple tense with for to indicate the duration of the action: for two months, for a year, for a long time.
Use the present perfect simple with since to indicate when the action began: since yesterday, since last June.
Questions with How Long
Q: How long has the clothing store been in operation? A: It’s been in operation since 1975.
It’s been in operation for 40 years..
Past Simple versus Present Perfect
Use the present perfect to talk about an action that happened in the past when the exact time isn’t known or isn’t
important. Use the simple past tense when the exact time is given.
Present Perfect Simple Past
A: Have you ever met a billionaire? A: When did he start the company?
B: No, I’ve never met a billionaire. B: He started the company in the late 70s.
Note: Time expressions we can use with the present perfect are: yet, so far, ever, never, already, recently, lately, once, twice, etc.
Asking and Telling about Personal Experiences: Have you ever ..?
Have you ever ordered books online
Yes. So far this year. I’ve ordered 25 books online.
Have you ever ordered books online No. I’ve never ordered books online, but
I’ve bought other products through the Internet.
I haven’t bought books online yet. I buy them
from the bookstore on the corner.
from ثمرات اللغة Language Thamarat https://ift.tt/2RZTvfT
via IFTTT
ليست هناك تعليقات:
إرسال تعليق