THE TENSES OF THE INDICATIVE MOOD

1. Look at sentences A H below. Decide which sentence concerns:

1. permanent states, actions and situations
2. current projects
3. regular events, routines and frequency
4. programmes and time tables
5. facts, general truths
6. actions in progress now
7. temporary situations
8. changes and developments.
What tense is used in each?
A. Our company produces computer software for business applications.
B. Would you like to hold? Ms. Mellow is speaking on the other line.
C. The sales people arrive at about 8.00 and we open at 8.30
D. Miss Deal is ill, so Im dealing with all the correspondence.
E. The British Ariways flight to Manchester departs at 20:00 and arrives at 23:30.
F. The papers on the disk belong to our teacher.
G. It is currently developing a new auditing department and negotiating with the Council for
more office space.
H. Stockbrokers deal in stocks and shares.
2. Complete the information about 3Ms business activities with the verbs in the box, in the
right form; some may be used more than once:
be, involve, see, have, range, put, give, export, spend, account, depend, bolster
3M 1 the epitome of all that is best in corporate America. To stay on top, the
company 2 its virtues to Europe Its 60.000 products 3 from medical imaging
equipment to Scotch tape. It 4 more than 6% of its total sales on R&D. 3M .5 its
future as lying increasingly outside the U.S. Europe 6 for some 30% of its worldwide
sales and one quarter of its employees. That 7 3M among the 300 largest companies in
Europe. Although 3M 8 only 150 Americans working for the company outside the US,
the language of EMATS is English. A vast data-base 9 employees instant access to
company experts. Technical forums 10 this process increasing the chances of cross-
fertilisation. Group Talks with Desi (n.b. Mr. Desimone) 11 the chairman directly in
this process. Its future 12 on how well the company has learnt to addpt to change.
3. Talk about your daily programme and student life using the prompts below and your
inventiveness:
Model 1:
Prompt: live / hostel?
Student 1: Do you live at the hostel?
Student 2: Yes, I do. / No, I dont
Model 2:
Prompt: Where / usually learn?
Student 1: Where do you usually learn?
Student 2: I usually learn in the reading room.
Prompts: What time / get up as a rule?
- always walk to the faculty?
How / do/ get to school as a rule?
- have classes every morning?
Which subject(s) of study / like best?
When / do/ homework?
- usually participate in professional competitions / scientific workshops?
When / begin/ summer vacation?
Where / usually go on holiday?
4. Complete the dialogue using the verbs in brackets:
x. Where (come) from?
y.I (come) from China.
x. (you / live) in Beijing?
y. No, I (not), I live in Shanghai.
x. What (you / do)?
y. Im an accountant . I (work) for Coca-Cola.
x. (you / travel) a lot?
y. No, (I / not) at least not very often.
5. Look at Exercise 4 again and ask and answer questions about Y in the 3
rd
person:
e.g. Where doesYcome from?
6. Open the brackets and put the verbs in either simple present or present continuous.
Note that verbs describing perception, states, beliefs, or which make a declaration
are never, or rarely, used in the continuous aspect.
1. We (think) of opening another office in Bucharest shortly. We (think) this will
help us to improve our performance in Romania.
2. Our records (show) that you (owe) us 1,000.
3. CIF (mean) that insurance is included in the quotation.
4. The consignment (measure) 2 x 1 x 15 and (weigh) 50 kilos.
5. Our marketing people (try) to find a brand name that (sound) natural and
sophisticated.
6. I (taste) our new instant coffee and I (be) very pleased: it (taste) better than the
older one.
7. Ms. Brown (not seem) to be in the office.
8. I (not / know) what time Ill be with you, it (depend) on the traffic.
9. I (agree) that payment terms should be changed; I (suggest) a 2.5% reduction.
10. We (confirm) that we (spend) some weeks studying the German market.
11. What trends (you notice) in this sales chart?
12. It (seems) that stative verbs are not normally used in the progressive.
7. Complete this news item with suitable verbs from the margin. It concerns the present time.
treat
help
approach
pipe
believe
keep
talk
allow
give
like
perk
put
call
give
play
DANCING YEAST
British gardeners to their plants, so why shouldnt some Japanese
bakers music for their bread? Shikishima Banking Co., in Nagoya,
that classical music to dance and up the taste of
its white bread. The bakery its dough in a freezer, then in
Beethoven for three days to give the yeast a dash of verve. It the
bread Pasco Adagio because, says Yukichi Minowa, Shikishimas sales
manager, the yeast slow, adagio-type music. It the bread
more body and a sweeter taste, he .
Sake brewers are joining the fad. Ohara Shuzo brewery, in Fukushuma
prefecture, its fermenting Kura Shikku (Classic) sake to Mozart
twice a day Music the microorganisms in yeast from dying, says
Fumiko Ohara of the brewery. What next? Will Frank Sinatra wander the
vineyards of Bordeaux, singing his great hits as the harvest ? It
should be a very good year.
8. Look back at Exercise 7 and ask a few questions about the text.
e.g. How do British gardeners treat their plants? Or
Who(m) do British gardeners talk to?
9. A. Think about the way of life of people in Romania: how life is organize; education,
customs, etc.
Make generalisations about the groups below using verbs in the Simple Present and
the generalising phrases from the box whenever appropiate:
Example: Children go to school at the age of seven.
Many people In general
Most families Generally speaking
Children On the whole
The rich As a rule
The poor usually
The famous generally
Young people never
Old people
Most women
(Most) students
You may add other categories.
9. B. Then use these ideas to ask your foreign colleagues about their way of life.
Example: What do students usually do at weekends?
9. C.1. Write five generalisations about the inhabitants of five different countries. Do not
name the country and do not write about your own nationality.
9. C.2. Now exchange lists with your partner, then with the entire class; try to guess which
nationalities they have written about. Discuss how true these generalisations are.
10. Choose the correct form, simple or continuous, to give meaning to the dialogue below:
John: Mike, what.
(do you do / are you doing)
Mike: I (read / am reading) a report on stress. According to this, life becomes / is
becoming) too stressful for some people. Scientists (just develop / are just
developing) a test to see what kind of personality responds to certain situations
involving stress.
Speaking of stress, you know that man Woods (is moving / moves) to advertising.
John: Yes, what about him?
Mike: Well, he (is going / goes) to hospital for a check up tomorrow. Apparently he never
(leaves / is leaving) the office before ten oclock every night. I hope we (dont get /
arent getting) like that! I (work / am working) hard myself, but I certainly (know /
am knowing) when to stop.
John: I cant agree less, you know: All work and no play (makes / is making) Jack a dull
boy.
11. A colleague of your sisters keeps telephoning her, but she doesnt want to speak to him,
so she asked you to save her each time he rings.
Use the verbs in brackets in the right form of the present tense, simple or continuous:
1. Sorry I cant hear very well, Jean (use) the hairdryer. Just a moment. She
(say) Coud you call back later?
2. Im sorry, but she cant come to the phone. She (paint) her nails.
3. Im sorry, but youve just missed her. She (go) to a Business English course on
Friday evenings.
4. Im sorry, but she isnt back yet. She (usually come) home at about 10
oclock.
5. Yes, shes back, but she (have) a bath. Hm. I know she had a shower earlier.
She (always have) a shower before she (go) out and a bath before she
(go) to bed. She (say) it (help) her to sleep.
6. She (be) still in the bathroom, Im afraid, I think I can hear music, so I
suppose she (listen) to cassettes.
7. Im terribly sory, but shes probably asleep by now. Yes, youre right its still
early, but she (get up) at seven oclock so she always (go) to bed before
eleven. Shall I ask her to call you tomorrow?
12. Put the verbs in brackets in the present tense, simple or continuous, according to
meaning:
a) This house, said the real estate salesman, (have) both its good points and its bad
points. To show you I (be) honest, Im going to tell you about both. The
disadvantages (be) that there (be) a chemical plant one block south and a
staughterhouse a block north.
What (be) the advantages? inquired the prospective buyer.
The advantage (be) that you (can) always tell which way the wind (blow).
b) Ive invented a computer thats almost human.
You (mean) it (think)?
No. But whenever it (make) a mistake it (can) put the blame on another computer.
c) Two cangaroos were talking to each other and one said, I (hope) it (not rain)
today, I just (hate) it when the children (play) inside.
13. Talk about present actions (general, in progress and which started in the past, using the
prompts):
Model: A. Do you learn every day?
B. Yes, I do.
A. Are you learning (now)? or What are you doing (now)?
B. Yes, I am, or Im learning at maths.
A. How long have you been learning at maths?
B. Oh, for two mouns, since I came back to the motel.
Prompts:
1. Watch television.
2. Live at the motel.
3. a) work on a report; b) in the laboratory.
4. Study for the exams.
5. Play basketball.
6. Listen to music.
7. Write letters.
8. Think a) you have a gift for languages; b) of your future profession.
9. See films
10. Know a) him; b) statistics.
(Note that verbs to think [meaning: a crede], to see, to know, do not take the
continuous).
14. Join the sentences with since or for plus a time expression to show that the present
action started in the past and has been going on for some time now:
1. Economic needs and priorities have always changed. They are still changing.
2. When expert systems were developed, software grew more mature, but its
maturity is a long way off.
3. I first met Laura in September 1994, when we both came to ASE and we made
friends at once; we decided to share everything together and weve kept our
word.
4. As a manager, I have to work quite long hours; I am used to it now. It was more
difficult at first, when I got this job.
5. Understanding needs, finding solutions: this is how Alcatel constantly opens new
paths to progress in each country where it operates. This has always been its
mission.
6. I am working at the computer and I am in a hurry to finish since I started early
morning.
7. She is busy e-mailing my report at the moment; I asked her to do it a couple of
minutes ago.
15. Put the verbs in brackets into the present perfect or the present perfect continuous tense.
In some cases both could be used.
1. We (walk) ten miles. 2. How long you (walk)? 3. We (walk) for three hours. 4.
What you (do)? We (develop) a new computer system. 5. How many errors you
(pick out)? We (pick out) ten errors. 6. I (test) every computer in this centre and
I dont like any of them. 7. Since when he (sleep)? 8. He (sleep) since ten
oclock. Its time he woke up. 9. What a lovely smell ! Mary (make) apple pie.
10. The students (work) very well this term. 11. I only (hear) from him twice
since he went away. 12. I (hear) from her regularly. She is a very good
correspondent. 13. I (work) for him for ten years and he never once (say) Good
morning to me. 14. He (teach) in this school for five years. 15. I (teach)
hundreds of students but I never (meet) such a brilliant class as this. 16. Why you
(be) so long in the garage? The tyres were flat. I (pump) them up. 17. I (pump)
up three tyres. Would you like to do the fourth?
16. Fill in the blanks with suitable verbs in the right tense: present perfect or present, simple
or continuous:
1. Ive been working on this essay since I returned from school, but I still
and tomorrows the deadline! What I to do?
2. We this daft soap since lunchtime! you bored with it? I
to switch over to another channel, if you
3. Dans really excited about winning that scholarship at Harward. He never
at a University abroad, although he several times for scholarship
at universities outside Romania.
4. Why for a little while? You a break since we started work.
5. I with my aunt in Toronto. I there before, but she there
for ten years now, so she can show me around.
6. Please understand that we to spend any more money on clothes, because
we as much as we can until we on holiday.
17. Read this letter first, then complete it with suitable verbs according to context. Use
present perfect or present, simple or continuous.
Dear Dana,
We (1) are having a marvellous time here, in Scotlands historic
capital. Although we intended to spend only three days sightseeing in Edinburgh and a bit
beyond, we (2) our minds and (3) to stay an entire week, because we (4)
ourselves so much and (5) that theres a lot more worth seeing and doing here
than we thought at first.
We (6) already the Edinburgh Castle, magnificent on its volcanic rock, and
this morning we (7) down the cobbled Royal Mile, which (8) something to
attract us at every step we (9) We (10) St.Giles Cathedral and (11) in
quite a few woollens, cashmere and tartan shops. You know I (12) always to
have a kilt so I (13) just one: whenever I (14) it, Ill feel I (15)
back here, in this fascinating place.
Im writing this while we (16) for a cup of tea and oatcakes before we (17)
our tour of the Old Town. We (18) no proper lunch today, as we (19)
to see the countrys finest royal place, Holyroodhouse.
Fortunately, the weather (20) very good so far. People (21) it can be
very cold and it often (22) for days! As this is the first time I (23) to Scotland,
I (24) Im just lucky.
Love,
Maria
18. A. Compare the use of the present tense and the present perfect tense for the Romanian
prezent, then do exercise:
Examples USES TENSES
I. ACTION VERBS
1. Folosim po!ta electronic" n fiecare zi.
We use the e-mail everyday
general habitual actions in the
present;
routine
Simple
Present
2. ..in clipa de fa#".
We are using the e-mail at the moment
actions in progress now;
temporary situations
Present
Continuous
3. .a. din anul 1994.
.... b. de c#iva ani.
We ve been using the e-mail
a. since 1994.
b. for several years now
present actions in progress
which started in the past
Present
Perfect
Continuous
II.STATIVE VERBS
1. Avem / De#inem ac#iuni la Connex
G.S.M.
We have / own / hold shares in Connex
general states, situations in
the present
Simple
Present
2. .acum.
We have / own / hold shares in Connex
G.S.M. now.
current, temporary states,
situations
Simple
Present
3. ...a. din ianuarie.
.b. de cteva luni.
We have had / owned / held shares in
Connex G.S.M. a. since January
b. for several months
now
present states, situations in
progress which began in the
past
Present
Perfect
Simple
18. B. Translate into English, using present or present perfect simple or continuous for the
Romanian prezent, as appropriate (see 18. A.):
1. Ne facem bagajele; le facem de azi diminea"!, dar nc! n-am terminat.
2. Aceasta este casa n care locuiesc; locuiesc aici din copil!rie.
3. Ce cau"i? Stiloul. L-ai c!utat peste tot? De cnd l cau"i? Mereu l pierzi!
4. Ninge tare; ninge de cinci ore a#a c! n-am ie#it din cas! toat! ziua #i nici nu mai
putem ie#i.
5. Ce faci? N-a r!spuns fratele t!u? De ct timp ncerci s! iei leg!tura cu el?
6. - Cite#ti c!r"i engleze#ti n original?
- Da, citesc n englez! de la 14 ani.
- Ce cite#ti acum?
7. Unchiul meu e scriitor. De doi ani scrie un roman, dar nu l-a terminat nc!. Acum
e n gr!din! #i scrie.
8. Ct a scris pn! acum, #tii?
- E pe terminate; nu mai are dect pu"in din ultimul capitol.
9. De cnd #tii c! John are un post de conducere? De cnd l v!d mbr!cat n
costum n fiecare zi.
10. Firma noastr! nregistreaz! frumoase profituri de cnd s-a schimbat ntreaga
conducere.
19.A. Compare the use of the past tense and the present perfect tense, common aspect, for
the Romanian perfect compus, then do 19.B.
Past Tense Present Perfect
1. When did you see him?
I saw him then / at 5 oclock / an hour ago
Cnd l-ai v!zut?
L-am v!zut atunci / la ora 5 / acum o or!
Have you (ever) seen him?
I have seen him
(Ive) already
often
seldom
sometimes
always
never
notyet.
L-ai v!zut (vreodat!)?
L-am v!zut (deja, adesea, rareori, uneori,
mereu).
Nu l-am v!zut niciodat!.
Nu l-am v!zut nc!.
2. I saw him just now
L-am v!zut chiar acum
Ive just seen him.
Tocmai l-am v!zut.
3. I saw him yesterday /
Last week /
Long ago.
L-am v!zut ieri / s!pt!mna trecut! / de
mult.
Ive seen him today/
This week/
Lately
L-am v!zut ast!zi / s!pt!mna aceasta / de
curnd.
4. I last saw him in 1980
Ultima oar! l-am v!zut n 1980.
I havent seen him since then /
since 1980
Nu l-am (mai) v!zut de atunci / din 1980.
19. B. Put the verbs in brackets into the present perfect tense or the simple past tense and fill
the blanks by repeating the auxiliary used in the question:
1. Have you wound the clock? Yes, I . I (wind) it last night.
2. Has he repaired the fridge? No, he He only (repair) part of it so far.
3. Have you done your homework? Yes, we (do) it all. We (do) it yesterday.
4. Have you found the note-books? No, I
5. Has Mary bought the coffee-machine? Yes, she She (buy) some two days ago.
6. Have you been here before? No, I
20. Change the present tense into the past tense or the present perfect, according to the
adverbs given in brackets and translate into Romanian (see ex. 19.A.):
1. We live in Bucharest (always, last year).
2. Do you often have guests? (ever, when ?).
3. I dont miss any classes (never; when I was a student).
4. He listens to music every day (today, yesterday).
5. She works at the airport (last year; recently).
6. Does she make cookies? (ever, two days ago).
7. They call on her every week (last week, this week).
8. He does his homework every afternoon (never; a while ago).
21. Use either the simple past tense or the present perfect tense in short conversations
according to this model:
Have you (ever) seen that film?
Yes, I have.
When did you see it?
I saw it last week / yesterday / a month ago / in 1992.
Prompts: Been to London; met her before; worked on a farm; spoken to a film star; typed a
letter; invented anything; had guests; made cookies; listened to music; turned on the
TV; completed your degree project, introduced him to them; missed any classes;
caught a cold; had a sore throat; lived at the hotel.
22. Two friends are talking together a few days before a party they are going to give. They are
telling one another what they have done, when they did it, and what they havent done yet,
like that:
Jane: What about the invitations?
Maria: a) Ive already done them! I wrote them yesterday. Or
b) I havent done them yet.
Write similar answers to the following sentences using present perfect and / or simple past,
according to the time marker in brackets:
Jane: Are Dan and Paul coming to the party?
Maria: I dont know. (ask yet).
Jane: What about Barbara and Peter?
Maria: (invite already / last week).
Jane: What are we going to drink at the party?
Maria: I dont know (decide yet).
Jane: That cake smells good anyway.
Maria: (make just).
Jane: We must buy some ham or cheese.
Maria: (buy already / in the morning).
Jane: But, the rooms untidy.
Maria: (tidy up yet).
Jane: What about the music, then? Have you a cassette-recorder, or something?
Maria: (have a stereo-system for two months / buy two months ago).
Jane: We can play my records too. How many people are coming?
Maria: I dont know (send invitations yet).
Jane: Lets go and post them now.
23. Notice how you can ask questions with How long both for past and present time.
e.g. 1) X: I lived in Bra#ov for a time
You: Oh? How long did you live there?
e.g. 2) X: I live in Bucharest.
You: Oh? How long have lived / been living there?
Now you do it:
1. We lived in Bran at first, you know.
2. We live in Bra#ov, like you.
3. He studied English at school.
4. Hes learning French and Spanish.
5. I first worked as a receptionist.
6. Im working for a small cosmetics company.
7. Shes looking for another job.
8. She was unemployed for a while.
9. Yes, we watched television last night.
10. Shh! Weve watching a very interesting programme.
24. Put the verb into the correct form present perfect or past simple (see also ex. 19.A.).
a) A. You have a lovely dress!
When (you / buy) it?
B.Come on! You (see) me in it before; I (have) it for two years now.
b) A. Dear me! Somebody (spill) coffee on my carpet!
B. Well, it (be / not) me! I (not / do).
c) A. Is your brother at home?
B. No, Im afraid he (go) out.
A. When exactly (he / go) out?
B. You (just / miss) him; it isnt more than three minutes since he / leave).
d) A. How long (you / live) in Bucharest?
B. Two years.
A. And where (you / live) before that!
A. In Bra#ov, my hometown.
e) A. Where is Mike?
B. Dont you know? He (break) his right leg.
A. Really? How (that / happen) ?
B. He (slip) on a banana skin.
f) A. Who (be) Albert Einstain?
B. He (be) the scientist who (develop) the theory of relativity.
25. Ask questions in the simple past tense or present perfect (simple or continuous), using the
prompts below each of them:
1. Its snowing
How long / snow?
How long ago / start / snow?
When / start / snow?
2. Im learning Japanese
How long / learn?
How long ago / start / learn?
When / start / learn?
3. We know Mary and John quite well
How long / know?
How long ago / first / meet?
When / first / meet?
4. Ive got a camera
How long / have?
How long ago / buy?
When / buy?
5. This jacket is so old! Got to get a new one.
How long / have?
How long ago / get?
When / buy?
6. It took me a long time to become a good doctor, and there are still many things I
dont know
How long / take?
How long / learn?
When / start / learn?
1. We used to live in Bra!ov; That was before I went to University, but Ill never get
used to Bucharest!
How long / live in Bra#ov?
How long ago / move from Bra#ov?
How long / live in Bucharest?
When / come to Bucharest?
8. Ive been working here doing the same thing long enough. Time for a change in
my live
Since when / work here? How long / do the same thing?
How long ago / start /work?
How long / feel / time for a change?
When / get bored with this job?
26. Are the underlined parts of sentence right R or wrong W? Correct the wrong ones:
1. Ive lost my glasses, I cant find them anywhereR
2. When have you lost them? W...: When DID you LOSE
3. Where have you been last Sunday? .
4. Im looking for Jane. Have you seen her? .
5. Im starving! Ive learnt all day and havent had time to eat anything. .
6. Did you see Gone with the Wind? ..
7. When did you see it?
8. Mr.Dombey has worked in a bank for 10 years; then he was made redundant and
decided to start his own business. .
9. Ms. Wilkins is a teacher; She has been a teacher for 20 years, more precisely,
since she has left her job at the bank
10. When I got home last night, I was so tired, I went straight to bed
11. I just got home and didnt have time to check my answering machine...
27. Use the time markers given in brackets instead of the one underlined. Make the necessary
changes in the tense of the predicate:
1. The plane from London got here at noon yesterday (every morning; every
morning since May). 2. Miss. Blake started work at seven oclock this morning
(every day; every day since she got this job). 3. Mr.Whatt went out to lunch at one
oclock yesterday (usually; just). 4. We are living in the country now (until 1996;
since 1976). 5. I know all about it at last (for years; days ago). 6. John doesnt often
come to see us nowadays (never; last year). 7. What are you smiling at now? (just;
just now). 8. They always keep us waiting (since he got promoted; last night). 9. It is
raining now (just; yesterday; for two hours). 10. He was preparing for the
examination last month (today; for the last fortnight; never). 11. I am working on an
invention now (usually; for a long time; last year). 12. Jane helped us last Sunday
(tonight; often; last week). 13. I bought a lot of books last month (today; lately;
every time I get my pay).14. The students next door frequently practise singing (for
three hours yesterday; every afternoon since we moved here). 15. We play tennis
once a week (every day last year; never; since we joined the club).
28. Use the bracketed verb in the correct tense: present, past, or present perfect simple or
continuous:
1. What part of Romania you (come) from? Timi#oara; but I (live) in Ploie#ti
just now. 2. How long it (be) since you (not be) in your native town? I
(not see) it since I (graduate) from the University. 3. What he (say)? I (not
hear) properly. I think he (explain) that the train from Bra#ov (run) ten
minutes late. 4. Science (begin) to dominate our lives. 5. You (listen) ever
to pops? Not very often. I prefer classical music. 6. He (not have) a
holiday for two years because he (be) too busy. 7. What her brother (do) for a
living? Oh, he (be) a businessman. He (run) his own business It (do)
well? Yes, they (get) more and more business deals every year. 8. Since
you (give) me our number I (phone) you four times and (not find) you at
home. 9. We (live) here for the last ten years, and just (decide) to move. 10.
The whole place rapidly (become) a huge tourist resort. 11. What you (do)?
I (write) a letter now. I (see) you writing two hours ago, too. Yes, I
(write) letters for some hours now. 12. You (begin) to read up for your
exams yet? Yes, I I (start) just now. 13. I (go) to Spain five years ago.
Since then I (not speak) Spanish, and I (forget) nearly all I (learn) there. 14.
You (read) The Bell? Yes, I I (borrow) the book last week and just
(finish) it. 15. Fog (not cover) England the whole time, as some people
(think).
29. Open the brackets using the present perfect or the past tense.
A. Lucy: Hello, Phil. Sorry I am late. You (be) here long?
Phil: No, I just (arrive). I (get) here 5 minutes ago.
Lucy: How are you?
Phil:Well, I (have) an awful morning at the faculty.
I dont know whats wrong with me, but (not be) able to study properly for a few
days now.
Lucy: You (have) many classes this morning?
Phil: Yes, I (have), and I (fall) asleep during the first hour, then I (not answer)
properly at Statistics and we (have) a test at General Economics, too.
Lucy: Luckily its your favourite subject!
Phil: Right. But today I (make) a mess of the test.
Lucy: I think its the weather. It (rain) so much these last few days. I (have) a
headache since yesterday morning. Perhaps a film may do us good.
Phil: What about going to a disco. We (not be) to one for ages.
Lucy: Id love it. I can wear the gown I just (buy).
Phil: Thats good news. When you (buy) it?
Lucy: I (buy) it an hour ago.
B. Dan and Paul are on their way to the faculty. They just (catch) this bus.
Dan: Good mornig, Paul. You almost (miss) the bus.
Paul: I (oversleep). I really (have) to hurry.
Dan: You (look) tired. What (do)?
Paul: I (go) to a party last night. We (dance) for a couple of hours.
Dan: I not (be) to a party for ages. I (learn) too much lately. You (dance) all night?
Paul: Of course not. I also (sit) and (watch) TV. Some people (play) cards, too.
Dan: I never (play) cards. You (have)?
Paul: No, I (not have) always (find) it boring. By the way, You (know) Peter?
Dan: I (meet) him, but I really (not know) him.
Paul: He (be) a lot of fun at a party. He always (have) a funny story to tell. Last night
he (tell) us Irish jokes. I never (laugh) so hard in my life. You (hear) of the Irish
woman who (try) to iron her curtains?
Dan: No, I (not have).
Paul: She (fall) out of the window or How you (make) an Irishman laugh on a
Monday morning?
Dan: I know it. Tell him a joke on Friday evening. Ha-ha! But let me tell you the one
about the Scotsman who (be) late in paying his bills.
Paul: Typical! What he (do)?
Dan: He (receive) the following note: Your account (be) on our books for over a
year, just want to remind you. We (now, carry) you longer than your mother
(do).
Paul: Oh, no! We (just, miss) our stop! Now we are going to be late to class!
Dan: But we (have) a good laugh!
C. Here is another Irish joke told by Peter last night, choose the right form of the
predicate.
An Irishman (was planning to spend / planned) his holiday travelling through
Germany, so he (was deciding to / decided) learn a little German.
He (went / was going) to a language school and (wanted to / was wanting) pay the
fel when the secretary (said / was saying).
Did you ever learn / Have you ever learnt another language?
No, I (havent / didnt) the Irishman (answered / was answering).
Then you (must / had to) know that German may seem very difficult at first, but
after about lesson 7 it is much easier, said the secretary. Hearing that the
Irishman (paid / has paid) his fee and (arranged / has arranged) to start next
day at lesson 8. No one (can be / was able to be) as logical as an Irishman!
30. Complete the following anecdote with the suitable verb form from the list on the right.
Some words may be used more times (as shown):
A student __________to sell his dog to one of this colleagues.
This ______a talking dog, he ______. And I _____it away for five
dollars.
His colleague ________, Who ______you ______ you _____ with this
talking dog stuff?
I ________ never ____ a dog that can talk! Suddenly the dog
________ up with tears in his eyes. Please buy me, sir, he _________.
You _______not___ how cruel this man can be! He never _________
me a meal, never ________ me , never __________ me for a walk
And I used to be the richest trick dog in America. I _________ before
kings; I _________in the Army and________decorated the times!
Wow, he _________! the student. Why _______you ________to sell
him for just five dollars? Because, _________ the seller, I
_________find of all his lies!
want
be x 3
say x 3
kid
get
see
take
look
know
talk
buy
perform
plead
give
sell
try
think
bathe
exclaim
31. Translate into English:
1. Tocmai am terminat cursul de calculatoare. 2. Ne-am distrat de minune. 3. Ar!ta
mai bine cnd l-am v!zut la conferin"a interna"ional!. 4. Irlandezul a pl!tit taxa
pentru cursul de german! #i a aranjat s! nceap! a doua zi de la lec"ia 8. 5. Ai
ntrziat vreodat! la ore? Da. Cnd ai ntrziat? Cnd am dormit mai mult, deoarece
nu am auzit de#tept!torul. 6. Te-a ajutat Dan vreodat! s! faci cump!r!turile? Da.
Cnd te-a ajutat ultima oar!? De fapt m-a ajutat doar odat!, cnd a vrut s!-#i
cumpere costum #i pantofi. 7. L-ai auzit vreodat! pe Peter spunnd anecdote? Nu,
nu l-am auzit niciodat!. Trebuie s!-l auzi. Eu l-am auzit asear!, la balul bobocilor #i
am rs ca niciodat! n via"!. 8. De ct timp lucrezi la proiectul de diplom!? Lucrez
la el de cteva luni, din decembrie trecut. 9. Prietena noastr! este r!cit! r!u #i noi
suntem ngrijorate. Cnd a r!cit? Cnd am fost n excursie. De atunci o doare n gt
#i are temperatur!. 10. A#tep"i de mult? Nu, abia am sosit. De fapt am ajuns aici
acum 10 minute #i n timp ce te a#teptam, am citit ziarul.
32.A. Turn the following present routines and events into the past by substituting the past
time expressions given in the box for the present time ones wherever applicable:
Yesterday (morning / afternoon), last week / month, etc, a year / month / week
ago, a long time ago, in 1995, just now.
1. I eat at least ten apples every day, though Im not a vegetarian.
2. We play tennis every Saturday afternoon.
3. I work for an insurance company.
4. We usually stay at Youth hostels when we go on holiday.
5. He needs a new pair of shoes every month.
6. We want to buy a car today.
7. We often have just coffee and toast for breakfast.
8. The students are free every Sunday.
9. She buys a new dress every week.
10. He goes shopping only at weekends.
32.B. Put the verbs in brackets into the simple past tense, then make the sentences both
negative and interrogative like this:
Mary (buy) a dress yesterday
a) Mary bought a dress yesterday.
b) Mary (did not/ didnt) buy a dress yesterday.
c) Did Mary buy a dress yesterday?
Now you do it.
1. This dress (fit) her last year.
2. I (see) a lovely skirt in the shop-window last week.
3. We (find) a lot of good books two weeks ago.
4. They (watch) television last night.
5. Gabriel (buy) a record four months ago.
6. We (enjoy) our lunch yesterday.
7. Mary (choose) a fancy silk for a minute ago.
8. Ann (look) for a pair of skis last Friday.
9. I (take) size 30 in shoes when I was a child.
10. My watch (stop) a while ago.
33. Put the verbs in brackets in the simple past tense, then retell the anecdotes.
A. Did you hear about the cheerful truck-driver who (pull up) at a roadside caf in
the middle of the night for a dinner stop? Halfway through his dinner, three wild-
looking motorcyclists (roar up) bearded, leather-jacketed, filthy with swastikas
adorning their chests and helmets.
For no reason at all they (select) the truck driver as a target. One (pour) pepper over
his head, another (steal) his apple pie, the third (upset) his cup of coffee. The truck
driver never (say) a word just (arise), (pay) his bill and (go) out.
That trucker sure aint much of a fighter (sneer) one of the bullies. The girl behind
the counter, peering out into the night, (add); He doesnt seem to be much of a driver
either. He just (run) his truck right over three motorcycles!.
B. Striking a bargain
Just occasionally, the seller does come out of a clever business deal on top as in this
example of a man who (sell) an idea to a manufacturing company.
The particular beauty of this deal lies in the fact that the idea (be) not one which he
(can) put into practice himself.
He simply (approach) a leading match company and (offer) to tell them how they
could save thousands of pounds by means of one change to their manufacturing
products. The change (will) cost absolutely nothing to carry out but he (want) a
substantial percentage of the savings in return for the idea.
Not surprisingly, the match company (be) more than a little suspicious, and (turn) him
down. After all, if this idea (be) so obvious to an outsider, surely they (can) work it
out for themselves.
They duly (go) through the whole factory with a fine tooth-comb but (find) nothing.
By this time, they were so intrigued by the mans offer that they (go) back to him and
(agree) that if he (save) them money, he could have the cut he (want).
Just put one striking surface on each matchbox instead of two he (advise) them
Youll cut the money you spend on abrasives by 50%.
They (do) and they (do). And over the next few years, the man who (sell) them the
idea (make) a small fortune.
C. All stitched up
In the unstable and unpredictable world of popular music, there have been many
astonishing business deals (both good and bad) but perhaps the greatest of them all
(occur) in 1955.
In that year, RCA Records (pay) Sam Phillips, the owner of a Memphis recording
company called Sun Records, the sum of $ 35,00 for the exclusive contract he (have)
with an unconventional young singer with a grossly exaggerate action.
Phillips (be) happy with the deal at the time. After all, it (seam) like a lot of money
and, in any case, the young man only (wander) into his studio one day to cut a record
on specially as a present for his mother.
But RCA (know) what they were doing. In the years that (follow), Elvis Presley (go)
on to sell over a billion records and is still selling today.
34. Talk about past actions and situations using the prompts:
Model:
Prompt: ask your colleague when he was born.
Student1: When were you born?
Student2: I was born in july 18, 1969.
Prompts: Ask your colleague:
1. Where he was born.
2. Where he lived as a child.
3. What schools he attended and where.
4. How he decided to study economics.
5. If he had a job before becoming a student.
6. When he had his entrance exam.
7. How long he studied for it.
8. If he liked his last summer vacation better than all the others before it and why.
35. Talk with your friend about your lives now and in the past. Complete the table with
the information you receive:
Topic Life now Life as a child
What / do at the weekend?
What / do in the morning?
What / do in the evening?
Where / go on holiday?
What sports / play?
What TV programmes / like?
What newspapers / books /
magazines / read?
What food / like?
36. Answer the following questions to show the difference between momentary actions and
actions in progress in the past.
Model:
When did it happen? (while I walk).
It happened while I was walking.
(momentary) (action in progress)
1. When did the lights go out? (just as I / leave).
2. When did you leave the faculty yesterday? (while it / rain).
3. When did the computer break down? (while the programmer / run it).
4. When did you come it? (just as they / feed data into the computer).
5. When did you hear someone moving in the next room. (while I / work out a
problem).
I (usually) do the
shopping and .
I used to play with my
friends and .
What do you do at the
weekend?
What did you do when
you were a child?
37. Change the predicates from simple past to past continuous. Add appropiate time markers
or explanatory clauses to account for the change:
e.g. I studied my English lesson last night.
Becomes: I was studying my English leason 1) when Dan arrived. Or
2) this time last night.
1. I went shopping yesterday. 2. Did you walk home from the faculty last night?
3. It didnt rain yesterday morning. 4. He watched his favourite TV programme
last night. 5. Paul wrote several letters the day before yesterday. 6. I got off the
bus at the faculty. 7. Did you dance and tell jokes last weekend? 8. My friend did
not drive at high speed last Sunday. 9. My students worked on a project last
autumn. 10. We ran up five flights of stairs to our classroom.
38. Open the brackets using past tense simple or continuous, as appropiate:
Dan: What you (do) yesterday afternoon when I (phone) you?
Anna: What time you (phone) me?
Dan: About 5.
Anna: You (dial) the right number?
Dan: Of course I (do). I (try) again and again. The line (be) busy. I (think) there (be)
something wrong with your telephone. At last I (give) up.
Anna: Oh, now I remember. I (leave) the receiver off the hook. I (write) letters and I
(not want) to be disturbed. So, you see, I (work) hard while you (waste) your time
telephoning.
Dan: But you (write) letters.
Anna: Thats right. Isnt that hard work?
39. Complete the following sentences to express an action in progress in the past:
1. She confessed that she
2. I was trying to find the keys when/while.
3. He took up working when we (still)
4. I didnt leave the house as it
5. She arrived when he
6. I fell down while I
7. I was watching TV while she
8. We didnt agree with her because she
40. Use the verbs in brackets in the right past tense, to tell the story:
Yesterday morning was another of those mad mornings. The alarm clock (not wake
up) me at 6:30. When my roommate (wake up) me at last, the sun (shine) and the
radio (announce) 8:00. I (go to be) late for class again! While I (have) breakfast I
(throw) all my books and copybooks into the bag. Just as I (leave) I (see) the bus
coming. As I (run) as quickly as I could to the bus-stop, I (run) into an elderly woman
and nearly (knock) her over. I (apologize) and (start) running again. I (get) to the
bus-stop just as the bus (leave). As I (get on), I (slip) on a banana skin and (fall) on
my back and (break) a leg. So, while my groupmates (have) classes I (be) driven to
hospital.
41. Translate into English using past tense simple and continuous as appropriate.
1. Prietenul meu se ntorcea din excursie cnd l-am ntlnit. 2. Ieri la ora asta nv!"am
la englez!. 3. Ploua cnd a"i pornit-o la drum? 4. Nu conduceam ma#ina n mare vitez!
cnd am dat peste cea din fa"!. 5. Te uitai la televizor asear! la ora 8? 6. n timp ce
urcam pe munte ploua, dar cnd am ajuns n vrf era soare. 7. Chiar n clipa n care
ie#eam din c!min am v!zut autobuzul venind. 8. n timp ce fugeam spre sta"ia de
autobuz, am dat peste o persoan! mai n vrst! #i mi-am cerut scuze. 9. Cnd am ajuns
la facultate, tocmai suna de intrare. 10. Cu ce te ocupai anul trecut pe vremea aceasta?
11. Cnd lucra la planul de afaceri se tot plngea c! nu are datele exacte cu privire la
concuren"!. 12. La sec"ia Rela"ii Externe, m! ntlneam cu o mul"ime de oameni de
peste tot, dar nu ajungeam s! cunosc pe nimeni cu adev!rat.
42. Answer the questions about the following pairs of sentences:
1. In which sentence did Mary not see John?
a) Mary left when John arrived.
b) Mary had left when John arrived.
2. In which sentence is it certain that Margot is studying economics at the time of
speaking?
a) We knew Margot was studying economics.
b) We knew Margot had studied economics.
3. In which sentence has Mike behaved wisely only on one particular occasion?
a) We all thought that Mike was wise.
b) We all thought that Mike had been wise.
4. In which sentence did they miss the beginning of the film?
a) By the time we got to the cinema, the film had already started.
b) Hardly had we got to the cinema when the film started.
Bring arguments in support of your answer.
43. In each pair below, pick the sentence referring to a past action in progress for a longer
period of time. Underline the verb forms and the time markers that prove your point:
1. a) We were playing tennis when the rain started.
b) We had been playing tennis for 1 hour when the rain started.
2. a) This time yesterday Jane was watching TV.
b) By this time yesterday Jane had been watching TV for a couple of hours.
3. a)When I arrived, they were all waiting for me.
b) When I arrived, they had all been waiting for me for a long time, so they were
rather angred.
4. a) It was very noisy next door, as our neighbours were having a party.
b) It was very noisy next door, as our neighbours had been having a party since they
got home.
5. a) Where were they living at that time?
b) Theyd been living in a caravan for several months, actually since the big fire that
(had) destroyed the entire village, remember?
44. Name the tenses underlined in the following sentences:
1. Id phoned my friend, Elaine, from the airport before the plane took off.
2. Id always wanted to go to Athens and now my dream was coming true.
3. I sipped a gin and tonic, pushed my seat back and snoozed until I heard a
voice..
4. Wed been flying for about two hours when we met an airpocket.
5. I still havent worked out how I slept through all that.
Now match the tenses underlined above with the definitions given below:
This tense is used to describe a past event or situation that:
a. occurred before another past event / situation
b. Happened at an indefinite time and is relevant to the present
c. Happened at a specified time in the past
d. Continued over a period of time in the past, starting before another past moment
e. Was in progress at a certain time in the past
45. Put the verbs in brackets into Simple Past, Past Continuous, Simple Past Perfect or Past
Perfect Continuous depending on whether the past actions are simultaneous or one of
them had happened or had begun before the respective past time:
1. While we (stay) in London the dome of St.Pauls (repair). It (repair) still
when I (return) to London a year later. 2. Although the sun (shine) and (fall)
kindly upon them and the scene (be) really very pretty, they (not be able to)
feel at ease until they (get) home. 3. By the time they (arrive) it (rain) hard.4
Before the sun (set) down the already (come) to a little inn; the landlord
(show) them into a large room where a cheerful fire (burn). 5. I hardly (go) out
when it (start) raining, so I (open) up the umbrella while I (cross) the street to
catch the bus which (wait) there and a car nearly (knock) me down. 6. Mary
hardly (go) to bed when the telephone (ring); she (talk) on the phone when
there (be) a knock at the door. 7. When eleven oclock (come) and he still (not
get) home, I (begin) to wonder if he (have) an accident. 8. When we finally
(return) to Bucharest we (travel) twenty thousand miles. 9. Why you
(interrupt) me just now? I (have) quite an interesting conversation with my
old friend, Jake. 10. They (say) they (can not) help thinking that they (see) that
face somewhere before. 11. After he (see) that film, he (tell) all his friends that
he never (see) a better one. 12. I no sooner (arrive) at the station than I (see)
Jill waiting for me. She (wear) a white dress and (look) very pretty. As soon as
she (see) me she (wave) her hand and (shout) something, but I (can not) hear
what she (say) because everybody (make) a terrible noise. 13. After he (enter)
the room he (fling) open all the windows. 14. We (call) on our friend yesterday
and (find) that he (be) out for some hours. 15. While he (make) a speech, the
manager suddenly (feel) faint and (pour) himself a glass of water.
46. Translate the two stories into English, using all the past tenses:
A. Dup! ce am aflat c! voi putea pleca la mare, am venit acas! #i mi-am f!cut bagajul,
dar, deoarece eram tare gr!bit!, nu am mai verificat dac! mi-am luat toate cele
necesare. Cnd am ajuns n sta"ie, tocmai plecase autobuzul. Pn! cnd a venit
urm!torul, m-am hot!rt s! caut un taxi. Nici n-am ajuns bine la gar!, c! a #i pornit
trenul. Orict am fugit eu dup! el, tot nu l-am prins. Abia m-am ntors trist! acas!, c!
m-a sunat la telefon prietena mea s! m! roage s! mergem mpreun! la #trand. Mi-am
zis c!, dac! nu-i marea, e bun #i #trandul. Dar n timp ce-mi c!utam costumul de baie
n valiz!, mi-am dat seama c! uitasem de el cnd mi-am f!cut bagajul pentru mare.
Dac! prindeam trenul, ajungeam la mare f!r! costum de baie!
Morala: graba stric! treaba!
B. (Here you may have to use emphatic inversion):
Niciodat! nu visasem eu s!-mi apar! n cale un asemenea noroc: nu numai c!
bunicul mi l!sase prin testament toat! averea lui, dar, n acela#i timp, niciodat! nu mai
avusesem atta noroc n afaceri.
De acum nainte, nu va mai trebui s!-mi fac griji pentru viitor! Nu voi mai fi nevoit s!
mprumut bani de la prieteni #i, cu att mai pu"in, nu voi mai depinde de bunul plac al
rudelor bogate! Dimpotriv!, nu va mai fi niciodat!, dar absolut niciodat!, cazul s!
depind de nimeni din punct de vedere financiar. Rareori mi mai p!ruse totul att de
minunat! De unde s! #tiu, ns!, c! n curnd norocul avea s! m! p!r!seasc!?
Abia am c#tigat averea (came into money) c! au #i sc!zut ac"iunile la burs! foarte
mult. Nici nu am apucat s! m! bucur de bog!"ie, c! am rec!zut n starea de s!r!cie
dinainte. Niciodat! n via"! nu m! mai sim"isem att de nenorocit! n zadar am a#teptat
ca ac"iunile s!-#i recapete valoarea anterioar!. Dar dup! mul"i ani de munc! grea mi-
am dat seama c! banii nu aduc fericirea #i, ntorcndu-m! cu gndul la acel episod din
via"a mea, nu mi-a# mai dori s! fiu bogat vreodat!. Doar dac!
47. Match the following utterances (1-7) with the corresponding functions (a-f) of the Simple
Future.
1. Ill answer the door.
2. Shall I give you a lift?
3. Unless you pass the test, you wont get the scholarship.
4. Therell probably be another exam and I expect youll sit for it.
5. Honestly, Ill never be late again.
6. By the way, will you please make a spech at our Appreciation Day?
7. I like this printer; Ill offer you 200 for it.
a. prediction
b. promise
c. invitation, polite request
d. offer of help
e. instant decision, spontaneous reaction
f. First Conditional.
48. Choose the right form of the verbs in brackets. There may be two right answers
sometimes. Explain your choice(s). You may have to make some changes:
1. finish ll be exhausted
When you have finished your project, you ll have been exhausted
ll finish are exhausted
2. What our world will be like
is going to be like in the year 2000?
3. I shant have ll se
m not going to have peace of mind until I see the doctor
have seen
ve passed
4. By this time next week I hopefully ll pass all my exams.
ll have passed
5. Look at the lovely blue sky: it isnt raining today.
isnt going to rain
ve graduated,
6. When I graduate, I start my own business.
ll graduate, ll start
are going
7. All the members of this department ll be going to their wedding anniversary
will go
next Saturday.
ll have finished are going to celebrate
8. We ll finish our exams by Friday and we ll celebrate over
finish ll be celebrating
the entire weekend.
leaves
9. Our train is leaving at 11:15 you know! We have to hurry!
will leave will have to
will do
10. What you will be going this time next year?
are going to do
ll support ll need
11. I promise I m going to support you whenever you need me.
ll be supporting ll be needing
ll ask
12. If there (ll be / is) no objection, we are asking the committee to approve
are going to ask
the proposal.
phases out
13. Over the next five years the government will phase out income taxes.
will be phasing out
49. Put the verbs between brackets into present or future, indefinite or perfect:
1. Well go out when the weather (get) warmer. 2. Ill begin the lesson as soon as Jack
(stop) talking. 3. His father will not lend him any more money until he (learn) not to
waste it. 4. See that it is clean before you (touch) it. 5. As soon as you (buy) the book
Ill borrow it from you. 6. The radio (be) fixed by the time you get back. 7. You (not
forget) to lock up before you go out, will you? 8. As soon as the ship (reach) port, its
cargo will be unloaded. 9. I (do) a lot of work by the time she wakes up. 10. Dont
count your chickens before they (be) hatched.
50. Use future or present, simple, perfect, or continuous:
1. We (go) to the nountains for our next holiday. Roy (be pleased) to see us again. 2.
When you (be) twenty-one In June, and I (have) a wonderful twenty-first birthday
party. There (be) champagne, caviare and dancing. We (have) the time out life!. 3.
Hugh is very good at his work; he (earn) a high salary when he (be) thirty. 4. I (think)
of you every day while you (be) away. 5. I hope you (feel) better when I next (see)
you. 6. Mr. Timms has applied for a job in Indonesia. This time next year he (teach)
English there if he (get) the job. 7. We (have) a long journey tomorrow; We (drive)
all day. 8. I still (go) my homework when my room-mate (come) home from the
faculty. 9. This time tomorrow I (bathe) in the sea if the water (be) warm enough. 10.
Mary (fly) to Cluj tomorrow. She (send) her family a telegram as soon as she (arrive).
11. By the end of the month the new factory (commission). 12. I (read) the paper
while I (have) lunch. 13. How much he (save) by the end of this year?. 14. By 1999
John (write) a lot of novels. 15. I just (begin) reading one of his novels. It (be) a very
long book and I (have) only time to read some pages a day. I (not think) I (be able to)
finish it by Sunday, or by the time he (ask) it back from me.
51. Look through this extract from the conversation between a Young Entrepreneur (YE) and
a Small Business Adviser (SBA).
Part 1
Fill the gaps (a-h) with appropriate words and phrases from the box below to express
plans, intentions and wishes:
plan intend mean think want
wish be going to be looking to set out to
SBA: How much money (a) you to borrow?
YE: I (b) of a sum around USD 5,000.
SBA: What (c) you to do with this money?
YE: I (d) to start a small catering business and to buy new seasonal inventory.
SBA: What type of loan(e) you to take out?
YE: I(f) of a short-term lean; three months, I suppose.
SBA: Fine.(g) you to pledge any security in support of your application?
YE: Yes, I (h) of your accepting the line on the equipment Im planning to buy.
Part 2
Use the verbs in brackets in the appropriate form to express future conditions.
SBA: This is a possibility. On the other hand, if you open a business start-up account with our
bank, therell be more advantages for you.
YE: Could you be more specific, please?
SBA: Well, if you open a start-up account, there (be) a preferential rate of interest, below our
normale rate.
YE: It sounds great!
SBA: If you (be) aware of all these factors and (understand) their workings, youll certainly
avoid the pitfalls awaiting those who are less cautious. Above all, remember the golden
rule: Plan carefully, right from the start; any other time is too late.
Ye: I know theres a risk in everything. But, if you (not take) risks, there (be) no gain.
SBA: Right you are. And our bank believes in small entrepreneurs like you with enterprising
spirit and realistic business plans.
YE: Thank you.
SBA: OK then, if you (bring) the modified business plan by Tuesday this week, I (get) the
forms prepared and sent to you with our confimation letter by Monday.
52. Translate into English, paying attention to the verb forms used to express future time:
A.
1. "i voi telefona imediat ce voi ajunge la Londra.
2. Cnd vei sosi, m! vei g!si lucrnd la raport.
3. Vom a#tepta aici pn! se va ntoarce Paul. El se va ntoarce seara trziu.
4. Dac! Dan o s! m! invite, probabil c! o s! m! duc la petrecere.
5. Nu #tiu dac! voi pleca s!pt!mna viitoare, sau dac! o s! mai stau o
s!pt!mn! n Bucure#ti.
6. Anul viitor pe vremea aceasta vom locui ntr-un apartament nou. Ne mut!m
n ianuarie.
7. E prea devreme. Prietenii no#tri vor fi nc! la mas! cnd vom ajunge acolo.
8. Cnd va absolvi Adrian facultatea, va fi studiat aici patru ani.
9. Peste o lun! se vor mplini 10 ani de cnd lucrez n aceast! fabric!.
10. Ct voi tr!i nu voi uita anii de studen"ie.
B.
Dac! i-a"i ntreba azi pe oameni de ce folosesc telefonul pentru a comunica cu
prietenii lor, ori de ce deschid televizorul ca s! se distreze sau s! afle #tiri, s-ar uita la
voi ca #i cum a"i fi nebuni. Nu consider!m telefonul, televizorul sau automobilul ca
fiind ceva neobi#nuit. Acestea au devenit o parte att de integrant! a vie"ii, nct nu mai
sunt remarcate sau comentate.
n acela#i fel, n zece ani, majoritatea americanilor #i a multor altora de pe tot globul
nu vor mai remarca Web-ul. Va fi un simplu reflex s! operezi Web-ul pentru #tiri,
educa"ie, divertisment #i comunicare, exact a#a cum ast!zi este att de firesc s! ridici
receptorul ca s! vorbe#ti cu cineva ori c! comanzi ceva dintr-un catalog.
Exist! un interes extraordinar pentru Web. Cu toate acestea, este nc! la nceputuri.
Tehnologia #i viteza de r!spuns sunt pe cale de a face un salt important. Aceasta va face
ca oamenii s! considere Web-ul ca parte din via"a lor cotidian!.
n cele din urm!, toate c!r"ile de vizit! ale oamenilor de afaceri vor specifica o adres!
pentru e-mail. Fiecare avocat, fiecare doctor #i fiecare firm! mare sau mic! vor fi
conecta"i.
Unde o s! g!sim timpul pentru Web? De fapt, n unele cazuri, oamenii vor economisi
timp, pentru c! Web-ul va face ca orice ac"iune s! fie mai eficient! ca n trecut. Cum ar
fi, de exemplu, s! ob"ii informa"ii despre o achizi"ie important!. Aceasta se poate foarte
u#or afla pe Web, nc! de ast!zi.
n alte cazuri, oamenii vor folosi timpul petrecut acum citind ziarul sau uitndu-se la
televizor pentru a g!si informa"ii sau divertisment pe ecranul computerului. Acest lucru
va deveni evident n 1998. Americanii, mai ales cei tineri, vor sta mai pu"in timp n fa"a
televizorului dect n fa"a computerului.
n viitor, vom putea nu numai s! batem pe tastatur!, ci #i s! introducem verbal n
computer cereri de informa"ii, iar dac! ne va interesa viteza unor chip-uri, r!spunsul
care ne va parveni se va referi la computere, #i nu la cips-uri de cartofi.
Web-ul va fi n 2008 tot att de obi#nuit ca #i automobilul. Poate chiar mai curnd.
(Supliment Capital, 18 dec.1997)
Final tense review
53. Match these utterances to numbers on the time flowchart below taking into account only
the predicates underlined. Give reasons for your choice.
a. Our order LZ-456 hasnt arrived yet.
b.1. We were meeting the Japanese delegation on Monday, but there was a change of
plans and they had to go to Switerland first;
b.2. so were seeing them on Wednesday instead.
c. Have you seen the revised contract?
d. Im afraid I cant see you next week because Ill be attending a training course.
e. Did you go to Italy last year?
f. After youve worked with us for six months, well renegotiate your pay.
g. After Id worked with them for a year, I decided to ask for a promotion.
h. Weve been doing business with them for many years now.
i. Business is good.
j. When his car broke down, he was driving to Geneva for a conference.
k. When his car broke down, he had been driving for two hours.
l. I live in Bucharest.
m. I also lived in Bradford for three years long ago.
n.1. By the time we graduate do you think
n.2. well have learnt everything we need to know about international trade?
o. They said theyd spend the weekend in London.
p. Did you ask them what hotel theyd booked in?
r. I didnt know you wanted to meet them.
Time flowchart
4
1
THE PRESENT
5
seen from
the present
seen from
the past
6
2
THE PAST
7 8 9
3
THE FUTURE
10 11
seen from
the past
seen from
the present
seen from
the future
seen from
the past
seen from
the
present
seen
from the
future
(adapted from Discover English, by Rod Bolitho and Brian Tomlinson, Heinemann 1995)
54. Use the verbs in brackets in the right tense:
1. The tourists arrived at London Airport early on Monday morning. They (leave)
Bucharest on Sunday night. They (spend) a fortnight in Romania and (see) all the
sights. After they (show) their passports to the official and (pass) through the
customs they (get) on the bus and (go) to the terminal.
2. I saw Mr.Green yesterday, driving my old car. I (sell) it to him three months
before and he (pay) me half the price. But he still (owe) me 125. When I (see)
him in my car, I (tell) myself that I (do) a foolish thing, selling it to a man like
Mr.Green.
3. I left home one morning at eight oclock, (jump) on a bus, and (sit) down. The
conductor (ask) for the fare. I (put) my hand in my pocket for the money, but it
(be) empty. I (forget) my money. I (leave) it on the table in the living-room. I
(have) to get off the bus and go home again. I (be) half an hour late at the office
that morning. I never (be) late before.
4. Lilly will fly back to Rome next July after she (take) a degree in Economics at the
Academy of Economic Studies in Bucharest. Her parents (meet) her at the airport.
She (not see) them for four years. They (feel) very proud of her when she (tell)
them that she (pass) all her examinations with high marks. She (be) happy to be
home again, for sometimes she (feel) lonely in Bucharest, away from her family
and friends, although she (make) lots of friends in Romania.
5. An American tourist was boasting to a Kerryman about the fact that the Americans
just (put) a man on the moon: That (be) nothing (say) the Kerryman, we (have)
plans to land a man on the Sun.
That (be) crazy, (say) the American, he (burn) before he (get) within a million
miles of the sun:
We (think) of that, too; (say) the Kerryman, we (send) him a night.
55. This is a description of Jane. Read it carefully. Then write the correct forms of the
verbs in brackets.
e.g.: Jane (be) a newspaper reporter.
You write: is
1. Jane (be) born in Watford.
2. In other words she (come) from Watford.
3. For the past two years she (have) a job with a newspaper there.
4. From 1968 to 1991 she (go) to Manchester University.
5. Ever since she (leave) university she has wanted a job in television.
6. So now she (think) of giving up his job with the newspaper.
7. In fact, at this very moment she (have) an interview with a television director.
8. The director (need) a young television reporter.
9. The interview (start) half an hour ago.
10. In other words she and Jim (talk) for half an hour.
56. Complete each sentence with the right verbal form selected from the four alternatives
given below it.
1. This is the first time that we the Tower of London.
a. visited c. are visiting
b. have visited d. visit
2. We here since Monday.
a. are c. shall be
b. had been d. have been
3. Ill wait here until you your work.
a. will finish c. will have finished
b. have finished d. finish
4. As soon as the book is published, I it.
a. will buy c. will have bought
b. have bought d. buy
5. By next october I the piano for one year.
a. have learnt c. will learn
b. have been learning d. will have been learning
6. Mike, youre back again at last! We you for ages!
a. didnt see c. havent been seeing
b. havent seen d. cant see
7. Would you please give him this note the moment he
a. arrives c. will have arrived
b. has arrived d. will arrive
8. It was the second time she in love that year.
a. fell c. had fallen
b. was falling d. had been falling
9. I a wonderful dream when the alarm clock off at 7 oclock in the
morning.
a. had, went c. was having, went
b. was having, had gone d. had dreamt, went
10. We softball for a few minutes when I and my ankle.
a. had been playing, tripped, twisted c. had played, tripped, twisted
b. were playing, tripped, twisted d. had been playing, had tripped, had
twisted
57. Read this letter of application and underline the right form of the predicates in brackets;
make any other necessary changes:
Dear Sir,
I (look for / am looking for) currently work in York and (wonder / was wondering)
whether you might have any vacancies.
I (enclose / am enclosing) my CV. I would like to point out that I (have / have had)
considerable experience as a Social Organiser in several well-known hotels and (can /
will be able to) give you the names of referees if you should require them.
I (am / am being) available for an interview during the coming month.
In the hope that you (will consider / will be concidering) my application favourably, I
(look/have been looking) forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
58. You would like a job with the London Import-Export Co. Ltd. in London for a year or two.
Write asking if they can offer you a post. Use these notes and deal with each in a separate
sentence. Pay particular attention to the use of tense forms.
1. name when and where born
2. education different schools how long
3. present job what is it how long
4. English past five years better and better
5. but important come to England practise everything learned
6. other languages French and Italian hope-useful
7. consider come England ever since school
8. not necessary same job in English firm English (language) important
9. friend suggested London Import-Export Co.Ltd. worked there two years
10. application form, please
59. You are going to interview people who have applied for the vacancies advertised by your
company, or students applying for scholarships abroad.
Work in pairs to prepare questions so that you can fill in this form:
Personal data:
- name
- birth
- permanent address
- current address
Education:
- postgraduate
- higher education
- high school
Qualifications:
Languages:
Work experience:
Family
Interests, hobbies
Reasons for applying
Expectations from the job / scholarship
Hopes and intentions for the future
Others
You may start your questions with the following words.
What ?
When ?
Where ?
How ?
How long did you?
How long have you ?
How many ?
Why ?
Do you ?
Have you?
Model:
When / Where were you born?
60. Translate the following, paying attention to the rendering of the Romanian prezent into
English (see Time and Tense Chart and ex.18A)
1. Ce faci duminic!?
- M! gndesc s! plec pu"in la munte. De#i mi place alpinismul, n ultimul timp
sunt att de ocupat c! reu#esc cu greu s! ies din Bucure#ti.
- Dac! am timp, vin #i eu cu tine, vrei?
2. Ce fac n Sala de Consiliu colegii no#tri?
- Discut! un nou proiect; l discut! de peste patru ore, cred c! sunt pe terminate.
3. Ieri am aflat c! dna Popa pred! #tiin"ele comunic!rii.
- Nu #tiam c! este profesoar!.
- A, este profesoar! din 1990, de cnd a absolvit facultatea.
4. Imediat ce termini de lucrat la calculator, te rog s!-mi spui c! am #i eu nevoie de
el.
5. Michael mi-a spus c! nu poate veni cu noi; o a#teapt! pe Diana #i este pu"in
ngrijorat, deoarece o a#teapt! de o or!, iar ea nu obi#nuie#te s! ntrzie.
6. De cnd #tii limba chinez!?
- N-a# putea spune c! o #tiu, abia o nv!" de cteva s!pt!mni.
7. Crezi c! are loc #edin"a Consiliului de Administra"ie sau iar se amn!?
- O amn! ntr-una, din p!cate.
8. Cine nu #tie c! apa fierbe la 100
0
C #i nghea"! la 0
0
C?
61. Translate the following, paying attention to the rendering of the Romanian perfect
compus into English (see ex. 19. A).
1. a. A"i ncercat n ultimul timp s! vorbi"i numai engleze#te?
b. Da, asear!, dar a fost foarte greu.
2. a. Am avut mult de lucru ast!zi.
b. Am avut mult de lucru ieri.
3. a. Am exersat trei ore n diminea"a aceasta.
b. Am exersat trei ore asear!.
4. a. Maria a fost n Romnia cu mul"i ani n urm!;
b. Maria a fost n Romnia de mai multe ori.
5. a. Pn! acum Maria a fost o student! bun!;
b. Maria a fost o student! bun! anul trecut.
6. a. S-au uitat sear! de sear! la televizor s!pt!mna trecut!;
b. S-au uitat la televizor sear! de sear! zilele acestea.
7. a. Tocmai ne-am ntors din excursie;
b. Tocmai acum ne-am ntors din excursie.
8. a. Ct timp ai locuit aici?
b. Ct timp ai locuit acolo nainte de a veni s! stai cu noi?
9. a. L-ai ascultat pe Menuhin cntnd cnd a fost n Romnia?
b. L-ai ascultat vreodat! pe Menuhin?
10. a. A"i fost vreodat! la British Museum?
b. Da, am fost anul trecut, cnd am fost la Londra.
62. Translate the following, paying attention to the rendering of the Romanian imperfect
into English:
1. Dan citea o carte cnd am intrat noi n camer!.
2. Dan citea mult n vacan"!.
3. Dan citea multe pove#ti cnd era mic. Acum cite#te doar romane istorice.
4. Dan citea o carte, apoi i-o povestea surorii mai mici.
5. Dan era acas! de la ora 4. Citea de o or! cnd i-am telefonat.
6. Dac! vremea era urt!, Dan citea o carte, dac! era frumos, mergea la plimbare.
7. Nu citea cartea, dac! nu o g!sea interesant!.
8. Cnd profesorul ne-a spus s! ne oprim din scris, mai lucram nc! la ultima
problem!; lucram la ea de vreo 20 de minute.
9. Ce f!ceai luna trecut! pe vremea asta?
- nv!"am pentru examene.
10. Sandra era ocupat! cu mpachetatul pentru c! urma s! plece la mare a doua zi.
Dac! nu se gr!bea s! plece atunci, o duceam eu cu ma#ina peste o s!pt!mn!, cnd
eram #i eu liber!.
11. Nu crezi c! era mai bine s! te fi dus la interviu? Poate primeai postul.
12. Era timpul s! se fi ncheiat prima etap! a privatiz!rii.
63. Translate the following letters into English:
A. Domnilor,
Conform comenzii noastre nr.L/345, am primit ieri de la d-voastr! un lot de 100 mese,
comandate din catalogul d-voastr! de var! nr.154.
Dar, la despachetarea m!rfii, am constatat c! ni s-au trimis 100 mese mari din lemn de
mahon, n loc de 100 mese mici din lemn de pin, a#a cum cerusem noi.
Avnd n vedere faptul c! avem deja comenzi ferme pentru comanda respectiv! #i c!
majoritatea clien"ilor no#tri locuiesc n apartamente mici #i au un venit mediu, este pu"in
probabil c! vom g!si aici pia"! de desfacere pentru mobilier voluminos, la pre"uri mult mai
mari.
V-am ruga, a#adar, s! expedia"i urgent lotul de 100 mese mici din lemn de pin #i s!
ridica"i marfa livrat! gre#it.
A#tept!m cu interes r!spunsul d-voastr!, cu ntoarcerea po#tei.
Cu stim!,
.
B. Stimate domnule Maiden,
V! scriu referitor la comanda dumneavoastr! nr. CV 1154/d pe care ne-a"i trimis-o n
urm! cu 4 s!pt!mni. n acel moment am considerat c! vom putea termina comanda nainte de
data livr!rii, 18 iunie, dar n aceast! perioad! am aflat c! principalul nostru furnizor de crom a
dat faliment.
Aceasta nseamn! c! trebuie s! g!sim alt furnizor care s! poat! ndeplini toate
contractele pe care trebuie s! le ncheiem. Dup! cum v! pute"i da seama, aceasta necesit!
timp, dar suntem ncrez!tori c! vom reu#i s! ob"inem toate materialele, #i s! livr!m m!rfurile
c!tre clien"ii no#trii, pn! la mijlocul lunii viitoare.
Toate articolele comandate au fost asamblate #i necesit! doar s! fie finisate.
Regret!m aceast! situa"ie nepl!cut! asupra c!reia nu am avut nici un control #i ne
cerem scuze pentru problemele cauzate. Este de n"eles dac! dori"i s! anula"i comanda, dar
accentu!m c! vom putea onora livrarea pn! luna viitoare #i am aprecia dac! a"i r!mne
al!turi de noi pn! atunci.
V! rog s! ne transmite"i decizia dumneavoastr! ct mai curnd posibil. V! mul"umim
pentru n"elegere.
Cu stim!,
D. Panton
Director executiv
64. Translate these exerpts from newspaper articles using all the tenses of the Indicative
Mood.
A. Fenomenul deja a nceput. Pentru alegeri, n Statele Unite, oamenii acceseaz!
Internetul ca s! vad! rezultatele imediat. Misiunea Pathfinder spre Marte #i problemele
ivite pe sta"ia spa"ial! Mir au atras milioane de oameni pe Web pentru a afla mai multe
detalii de ultim! or! dect puteau afla din oricare alt! surs!. O astfel de schimbare "ine
adesea de genera"ii. n vreme ce oamenii n vrst! trebuie s! nve"e ceva nou n afara
experien"ei lor de zi cu zi, pu#tii care cresc cu o nou! tehnologie o iau drept fireasc!.
n mod special, campusurile universitare ofer! ingredientele pentru a crea masa critic!
pentru o cultur! preg!tit! pentru Web.
n Statele unite exist! azi peste 22 de milioane de adul"i care folosesc Web-ul, dintre
care cam jum!tate acceseaz! Internetul cel pu"in o dat! pe zi. ntre timp, varietatea
activit!"ilor de pe Web cre#te cu o vitez! uimitoare. Aproape c! nu exist! domeniu
pentru care s! nu g!sim materiale interesante pe Web. Multe dintre aceste site-uri sunt
accesate cu o frecven"! extraordinar!. Vrei s! cumperi un c!"el? S! vinzi o ac"iune?
Sau s! comanzi un automobil? Folose#te Internetul!
Un mare avantaj al Web-ului este c! ne permite s! transfer!m informa"ii de pe hrtie
pe re"ea. Mai multe state din SUA folosesc serios Web-ul. Po"i solicita diferite permise
sau licen"e comerciale. Unele state afi#eaz! liste cu locuri de munc!, nu doar din
cadrul institu"iilor de stat, ci din orice sector din statul respectiv. Cu timpul, cred, toate
datele publicate de guverne #i toate documentele pe hrtie vor fi transferate pe
Internet.
Comer"ul electronic se dezvolt! #i el, de la o lun! la alta. Este greu de f!cut o
estimare, pentru c! o mare parte a comer"ului electronic implic! clien"i #i furnizori
existen"i, care doar transfer! tranzac"iile de pe hrtie pe Web. Acesta nu este nimic
nou.
Microsoft, de exemplu, a achizi"ionat PC-uri de milioane de dolari, ce folosesc
re"eaua electronic! n loc de documente de hrtie. Nu a fost o schimbare fundamental!,
ci doar o mbun!t!"ire a eficien"ei unui proces deja existent.
B. Presa, ca de obicei, va da o interpretare gre#it!. n primii ani ai deceniului, presa
american! a prevestit aproape cu isterie triumful Japoniei asupra firmelor americane,
tocmai n perioada n care pie"ele din Tokio cuno#teau falimente catastrofale. n
urm!torii trei ani s-au publicat editoriale n care func"ionarilor corpora"iilor li se
repro#a brutalitatea fa"! de muncitori, reducerea dimensiunii firmelor #i trecerea n
#omaj a unor angaja"i. Rezultatul nu a fost conform previziunilor, dezastruos, ci a
nsemnat cea mai bun! pia"! a for"ei de munc! din istoria recent!. Acum, aten"ie!
Aceia#i autori pream!resc epoca unei noi paradigme n 1998 #i n anii urm!tori.
Vechile adev!ruri economice sunt nlocuite cu o nou! lume, tot mai prosper! #i
permanent stabilit!. A"i fost avertiza"i.
C. Acesta va fi anul n care "!rile occidentale #i vor ncerca puterile pentru a aduce nu
prea recentele democra"ii est-europene la un punct de plecare. Pentru a depista aceast!
tendin"!, uita"i-v! la noul pas vioi al diploma"ilor occidentali n ora#e ca Praga #i
Var#ovia. A trecut mult! vreme #apte ani sau mai bine de cnd se simt att de
importan"i.
n primul r!zboi rece, ambasadele lor din Europa de Est erau locuri captivante care
f!ceau f!rme regulile comuniste prin strngerea de informa"ii secrete, ajutorul acordat
diziden"ilor #i planuri puse la cale mpotriva celor r!i. Dup! schimbare, s-a a#ternut
lini#tea.
Acum ns!, diploma"ii lucreaz! din nou pn! noaptea trziu, avnd o sarcin! diferit!,
dar nu mai pu"in solicitant!: aducerea guvernelor din Europa postcomunist! la nivelul
standardelor occidentale.
(Supliment Capital, 18 Decembrie, 1997)