English Tenses Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Objective: Improve English by mastering tenses.
• Key Concept: Tenses indicate the time of action (past, present, future).
• Importance: Correct tense usage strengthens English communication.

Program Structure

• Divisions:
  • 6 Basic Tenses
  • 6 Advanced Tenses
• Approach: Step-by-step learning, practice, and understanding patterns.
• Classes: Comprehensive and akin to language school sessions.

Tense Overview

• Purpose of Tenses: Expresses time and context in communication.
• Number of Tenses: 12 tenses in English.
• Patterns: Learn patterns and rules that simplify learning.

Learning Strategy

• Planning: Schedule regular learning sessions.
• Participation: Active learning through note-taking and exercises.
• Review: Regularly re-visit lessons for reinforcement.

Instructor Background

• Instructor: Rebecca Ezekiel.
• Experience: 30+ years of teaching, creating programs for diverse purposes.

Detailed Tense Explanation

Present Simple vs. Present Continuous

• Present Simple:

  • Used for permanent situations, routines, facts, and schedules.
  • Structure: Subject + Base Verb (e.g., "I work").
  • Examples: "The sun rises in the east," "I live in New York."

• Present Continuous (also called Progressive):

  • Used for actions happening now, temporary situations, trends.
  • Structure: Subject + Verb 'to be' + Verb-ING (e.g., "I am working").
  • Examples: "He is writing a book," "The prices are increasing."

Common Mistakes

• Tense Confusion: Mixing present simple with continuous for permanent actions.
• Verb Forms: Incorrect addition of "s" or "es" in verbs.
• Spelling: Errors in forming -ING forms.
• Using Stative Verbs: Avoid using stative verbs in continuous forms.

Practice and Application

• Sentence Transformation: Practice changing sentences from simple to continuous and vice versa.
• Contractions and Short Answers: Usage in informal contexts and conversation.

Conclusion

• Goal: Confident and correct use of English tenses for effective communication.
• Next Steps: Continue practice and progress to advanced tenses.