English as a Second Language


	*Essential Grammar - Verbs*



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By far, the most important and also the most difficult part of learning English is verb conjugation. Non-native speakers tend to find this aspect of learning English difficult and frustrating, however, English is actually simpler and more logical in verb conjugation than many other languages. The most difficult part will be, of course, those irregular verbs. Infinitive: The basic form of a verb. To be, to go, to do, etc. Simple Present: Usually represents an action a person engages habitually, on a regular basis. I go to church. I do yoga. Present Continuous: Usually represents an action which takes place at a specific moment in time, right now, in the present. It functions effectively as the simple present functions in other languages. "Now" is implied in these sentences. I am going to church. I am doing yoga. I am thinking about the war expresses the fact that the speaker's thoughts are on the war at this moment, whereas I think the war is wrong expresses an opinion. The verb to be can be redoubled upon itself. I am being naughty. The meaning of this sentence is different than I am naughty, which merely expresses one's state of being. I am being naughty implies wilfulness, or purposeful action. It could, for example, express the speaker's glee at eating a forbidden food. Note: This is different than the Passive Voice, which indicates that the action is being acted upon the subject by an outside force. Take this example from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. In this case, the actor is implied. Help, help, I'm being repressed! Simple Past: Represents an action at a specific moment in the past. I went to Schenectady last summer. Present Perfect: Represents an action in an indefinite moment in the past. Functionally, this is a past tense. Often used to describe one's level of experience. I have been to Schenectady before. Present Perfect Continuous: Represents an action which has been taking place up until the present moment, and which may continue into the future. I have been visiting Schenectady every year for the last two years. Past Perfect: Represents an action which took place in the past. If no further action is stated, it is usually implied. I had visited Schenectady (before going to Manhattan). Simple Future: Represents an action which will take place in the future. This is conjugated with the verb will with the infinitive. Will is always the same, regardless of the person. I will go to Schenectady soon. Future Perfect: Expresses a hypothetical future which could take place. I will have gone to Schenectady by this time tomorrow. Next Page: Exceptions to the Rules.

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