1.

USES AND MEANINGS OF SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE AND CONTINUOUS

PRESENT TENSE

SIMPLE PRESENT PRESENT CONTINUOUS

1. with general truths 1.
- of a scientific nature
- of a proverbial nature
Gold is a precious metal. No corresponding value
Water boils at 1000C.
It is the early bird that catches the worm.
The coat does not make the gentleman.
2. with permanent characteristics of the 2. with temporary states of mind and to
subject: express modality (surprise, admiration,
He is a kind-hearted man. annoyance):
Oh, you are being so kind!
Are you being so thirsty?
3. with be and have as the most common state 3.a) with be to express modality in expressions
verbs: like: being a fool, being a nuisance, being
awkward:
He is dead tired. I think he is already asleep. You are really being a fool!
I have a splitting headache. He’s being so awkward!
Do you have any pills for that? b) with have as an action verb in expressions
like: having dinner, having fun, having a
baby:
He’s having a bath, so you have to call
again.
We’re at Hugh’s; we’re having such fun!
4. with habitual actions, permanent 4. a) with actions that are going on at the
situations, and regular happenings: moment of speaking:
He is reading an English novel.
He reads English novels in the original. b) with temporary actions or situations:
I get up very early. I am getting up later these days, because I
You live in London, don’t you? am on holidays.
( permanent residence) My brother is living at the hostel for the
I see him quite often moment/this term. (temporary residence)
twice a week I am seeing a lot of him this week.
c) in a more general way, about something that
may be going on at any time:
I don’t like to be disturbed [when/if] I’m
working.
5. 5. for developing or changing situations:
No corresponding value The weather is getting colder and colder.
It’s getting warmer and warmer.
Things are changing for the better.
6. for repeated actions with adverbs of 6. with adverbs of frequency and indefinite time
frequency and indefinite time: always, ever, always, ever, never, often, seldom, rarely to
never, often, rarely, seldom, usually, express irritation, annoyance, reproach,
sometimes. disapproval, admiration.
She often borrows money, because she has a She is always borrowing money and
low pay. forgetting to give it back.
 He always teases me whenever it comes He is always/continually teasing me when
about that (a mere statement). it comes about that (that gets on my nerves)
7. with verbs of mental activity: think, 7. think = reflect, meditate.
imagine, know, mean, suppose, suspect, What are you thinking of?
understand, believe, expect, doubt, consider, She is imagining things.
agree, forget, guess, note, realize, remember, She is expecting a baby.
wonder, feel (think) esp. when they are followed The police are expecting trouble.
by a that – clause or wh-clause:
Do you really think that he can make a good
job of that?
I imagine they live high due to that big
fortune.
8. with verbs of perception: 8. a) see = to accompany smb to, to wave smb
see, hear good-bye; date, visit:
Do you see the man over there? We’re seeing Nick to the airport in the
Do you hear that song? afternoon.
We are seeing each other a lot this week.
Are you seeing things?
b) hear = to give an audition to:
Mr. Jackson is hearing one of the
members of the new orchestra.
with the verbs of perception feel, taste, smell c) with the verbs feel, taste and smell when they
and sound to make up passivals, as they show denote voluntary actions:
permanent characteristics of the subject: What on earth are you doing there?
This silk feels soft; I think it wears well. I’m feeling this cloth; I don’t like it
This juice tastes sour; I can’t drink it. because it feels too rough.
These roses smell wonderful. I’m tasting the soup; I think it needs some
Your offer sounds tempting to me. more salt.
(passivals are specific English constructions
made up of one of the four verbs above +
adjective)
9. verbs of emotions, of likes and dislikes: like, 9. a) hope = with a more polite and tentative
dislike, love, hate, hope, forgive, refuse, meaning:
care, prefer, want, bear, stand: I am hoping that you will be in charge.
b) love = to be crazy about
I hope to see him there. Set me listen to this tune; I am loving it.

10. in sports commentaries, for quicker actions: 10. in sports commentaries, for longer actions:
John passes to Paul, and Paul shoots and it’s Oxford are drawing a head of Cambridge
a goal! now; they’re rowing marvellously. The latter
are looking a little disorganized...
11. with the expressions Here comes..., and 11.
There goes..., called instantaneous present:
Look, here comes Nick!
There goes our bus; we’ll have to wait for the No corresponding value
next.
12. in newspaper headlines, preferred to Past 12.
Tense, due to its brevity, as a way of announcing
recent events; this use has something of the
dramatic quality of the ‘instantaneous present’: No corresponding value
 Bank manager dies.
13. with present events which happen at the 13.
moment of speaking when we beg, offer, or
accept smth; it is called event present:
We accept your offer on some terms.
We regret that we cannot do it for you. No corresponding value
I pronounce you man and wife.
I beg your pardon.
I beg you to think it over.
14. in practical usage, in expressions like: 14.
It’s a long time since
It’s a long time since we heard from Sean.
It’s five years since they moved away.

the negative is NOT used after these No corresponding value

expressions.
Typical mistake:
 It’s a long time since I didn’t call them
on.

1.1. SPECIAL USES OF SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE AND CONTINUOUS PRESENT TENSE

SIMPLE PRESENT PRESENT CONTINUOUS

used for FUTURE
1) in – if clauses (type I) 1) when talking about future actions which are
- time clauses (when, as soon as, the already decided (previous decision), or which we
moment…., after, before…) are deciding as we talk:
We’ll be glad if he arrives tomorrow. a) in making plans:
Are you going to take him on when he leaves We’re going to London next month (It is
school? already decided and carefully planned)
- discussions about We’re doing up the house in May (we have
- official programmes already decided and made the plan).
- timetables b) future arrangements: (two people/ parts
The plane takes off at 515. (later as compared to agreeing on this and previously deciding this
NOW) together)
We are dining with the Smiths on Friday.
NB (the invitation has been given and accepted).
We spend two days in Paris and three days in We’re spending next weekend at the seaside
Rome. (official timetable – the agency (it has been arranged with the hotel
programme) representatives).
We are spending two days in Paris and three The Browns are coming to dinner. (we)
days in Rome. (personal planning) (* Not The Browns will come to dinner.)
* typical mistake (with intention): c) intentions
* I see John tomorrow. I’m seeing John tomorrow
d) a decision made a few moments before:
I think I’m going to bed because I have a
busy day tomorrow.
(* The right tense is future for a decision made at
the moment of speaking: I think I’ll go to bed.)
2) with verbs of movement(come, go, leave, 2) with verbs of movement: the speaker’s
start): a square action, i.e. the action is sure to intention, i.e. he may change his mind, or the
take place no matter what. action may not take place:
We leave early tomorrow. (we are sure to We are leaving early tomorrow.(This is what
leave no matter the circumstances). we intend to do, but we may not).
3) after I bet and I hope: 3)
I bet you don’t get up before sunrise
tomorrow. No corresponding value
I hope they have a nice time in Paris next
week.
used for PRESENT PERFECT
 in expressions I hear  after I hear
I understand I understand
I’m told I’m told
I hear you’re looking for a job. to express intentions:
I understand they move out next month. I hear he is going to China.

used for PAST TENSE

- in narratives (story telling) - for “background” situations in present – tense
So he comes into the pub and orders a beer; narratives.
he catches sight of me and comes to my table… So I’m sitting at my desk, working on the
design, when this guy comes in and starts
shouting at me as he is walking up and down the
room.

1.2. INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES

Exercise 1. Explain the differences between Simple Present and Present Continuous using them in
minimal contexts.

Exercise 2. Comment on the special uses of Simple Present and Present Continuous giving
examples of your own.

Exercise 3. Comment on the types of modality expressed by Simple Present and Present
Continuous.

Exercise 4. Give eight examples alternating habitual and temporary actions.

Exercise 5. Use verbs of perception, of mental activity and of likes and dislikes in sentences of your
own.

Exercise 6. Use Simple Present and Present Continuous in the following sentences:

1. He (to be) my best friend and (to help) me a lot when I (to be) in need.
2. I (to have) a terrible stomach ache and I cannot eat anything. In fact, I rarely (to eat) anything
after 7 o’clock in the evening, that is why I (not to get) fat.
3. He (to be) already in the bathroom and (to have) a shower; the others (to prepare) everything
for the party.
4. You (to be) so stupid to answer him back!
 5. Will you call up later, please? Mum (to cook) the dinner, dad (to repair) my bike, and I (to
help) my little brother to get dressed. He always (to get) dressed very slowly and this (to get)
on my nerves.
6. You can’t talk to them now; they (to have) breakfast.
7. He rarely (to lend) any money because he (not to have) a big salary.
8. My younger brother (to read) till late at night, but now he is very tired and (to watch)
television, though he (not to like) it.
9. It (to seem) to me that things (to change) for the better.
10. I’m sure he (to deserve) this reward because he (to be) a diligent boy.

Exercise 7. Translate into English using Present Simple or Present Continuous:

1. Se pare că tatăl tău are dreptate. Sunt de acord cu el că Jenny e o fată deşteaptă şi munceste
din greu. De aceea cred că merită această răsplată.
2. De obicei merg cu autobuzul, când este frig si plouă tare.
3. Semestrul acesta stau la cămin, deoarece nu am bani ca să închiriez o cameră.
4. Este atât de plicticos! De fapt, e unul din acei oameni care dau vina pe alţii, deşi ei sunt cei
vinovati. Şi nici nu e prea isteţ.
5. Sună telefonul şi n-am timp să vorbesc acum. Dacă este Jeremy, spune-i că sunt în baie şi
spăl.
6. Doar ştii că cine se aseamănă se adună, nu?
7. Mă tem că mă crede un prost. Recunosc că într-un fel are dreptate, dar spune-i că îl implor să
înţeleagă bunele noastre intenţii.
8. Nu putem trece pe la voi acum. Tata scrie un reportaj, mama face curat în toată casa, Andreea
rezolvă probleme la matematică, iar eu îmi recapitulez ultimele lecţii pentru examenul de
mâine.
9. Tare mai eşti neîndemânatic! Mai mult, întotdeauna te gândeşti la altceva când vorbesc cu
tine.
10. Îmi place mătasea asta pentru că este moale la pipăit.

2. USES AND MEANINGS OF SIMPLE AND CONTINUOUS PAST TENSE

SIMPLE PAST TENSE PAST TENSE CONTINUOUS

1. for an action which started and was 1. for an action which was in full progress and
completed at/round a given past moment (no incomplete at/round a given past moment
interest is taken in the development of the (stress is laid on the development of the action):
action): I was reading an interesting article at 6
I talked/ did not/ didn’t talked to him at 6 o’clock yesterday.
o’clock yesterday. I was writing letters by 5 o’clock yesterday.
I wrote the letter by 5 o’clock the day before
yesterday.
2. for an action which started and was 2. for a temporary action within a past
completed within a past interval: interval:
I went to school by bus twice that week. I was walking to my office that week/those
days
3. for repeated past actions, to express 3. with repeated actions which form a
frequency, with adverbs of frequency like every temporary ‘background’ for the main action:
day, every afternoon etc.
 I got up early every morning. At that time when our aunt came to stay
 It is often clearer to use the used to + verb with us, I was working hard to support my
for state and habit in the past: younger brothers, and I was doing a lot of
They used to get up early in the morning. overtime work.
habit in the past
She used to have long hair when she was a
child. past state
 Would is also used to describe a habit in the
past (esp. in telling stories):
They got married and he would care for her a
lot. He would wait for her every day after work
...
He would sit for hours watching the ships
pass by.
4. a) for an action that took place at a definite 5. a) for actions in full progress in the past,
time in the past, with the adverbs: with adverbs like:
- yesterday - this time + yesterday/ two weeks ago/
- the day before yesterday last year
- the other day - all day long yesterday
- last week - the whole week/afternoon
- two days ago. NB duration is pointed out
It rained yesterday It was raining all day long yesterday.
It rained heavily yesterday afternoon. It was ceaselessly raining the whole
b) with a sequence of past actions: afternoon.
I walked in the park a few days ago, I came b) for a past action which was in full progress
across one of my old friends and we talked a lot. but interrupted by another past action:
I was walking in the park a couple of days
ago when I came across Dan.
5. with adverbs like recently, just now (no 5. with adverbs like recently and just, stress
interest is taken in the development of the being laid on the development of the action:
action): I was explaining that to him recently, but he
I explained that to him recently. (a very short said that I was wrong.
time ago) I was just talking to him about our plans,
He left home just now. when she interfered and asked me what I was
getting at.
6. with adverbs of frequency always, ever, 6. with these adverbs of frequency to express
never, often, rarely, seldom to express repeated actions which annoyed, irritated, or
repeated actions, frequency in the past: upset the speaker:
They often chattered till late at night (when They were often chattering till late at night
they were teenagers) and I couldn’t sleep. (that got on my nerves)
7. a) with verbs of movement (come, go, leave, 7) a) with these verbs when duration is pointed
and start) when they are time-point verbs (no out (stress is laid on the development of the
interest in the development of the action): action):
Geoffrey came at six. I saw Laura when I was coming home by 6.
They left at daybreak. I saw them when they were leaving.

b) when these verbs express actions which were b) when these verbs express the speaker’s
undoubtedly completed in the past: intention:
She left early the next day. She said she was coming back in June.
(short, quickly finished actions and events.) She said she was leaving early the next day.
 (it was her intention, but she might not leave)
 Future-in-the-Past is used in formal English:
She said she would leave...
8. in narration, for sequences of past events: 8. when the author describes a certain scene as if
the actions were in progress before his eyes:
Sandy nodded to Eva, then passed through the He was staring at her being afraid that he
guests and stopped to shake hands with Paco. was giving himself away ... He was trying hard
to persuade her that her father was feeling better.
9. to express a “tentative” attitude suggesting 9. with hope, think and wonder to make a
politeness or respect: request or suggestion sound more polite, less
definite:
Did you wish to talk to me now? I was hoping you could find some books for
I wondered if you were free tonight. me today.
I thought you might come with us. I was thinking you could type this letter for
me.
I was wondering if you could come over
tonight.
to refer to past situations which still exist
(esp. in reported speech and according to the sequence of tenses rules.)
10. I’m sorry I moved away from Brasov. It was 10. Now I regret that during our stay there we
such a beautiful and clean town. were all the time thinking to leave that village.
How did you know I was here? It was the most peaceful village, and the
I asked you where you lived. people there were working hard from early
morning till night fall.

2.1. INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES

Exercise 1. Comment on the differences between Simple Past and Past Continuous and give
examples of your own.

Exercise 2. Refer to the special uses of Simple Past and Past Continuous and give examples of your
own.

Exercise 3. Use Simple Past or Past Continuous in the following sentences:

They (to come) by ten yesterday. Old Mr. James (to sit) by the fireplace, and he slowly (to get) up
from his chair to welcome them … The old man (to place) his two hands on her shoulders, (to look)
at her for a moment with extreme benevolence, then (to kiss) her … She said that an old woman (to
wait) at the gate.
… He (to answer) that they (to get) on quite well. The old man (to smile) and (to shake) his
head at her. She (to add) that she (to wish) he (to give) them a chance.
… She (to look) at everything that (to surround) her, with an eye that (to denote) clear
perception … She instantly (to rise), (to turn) towards him and (to ask) him how old his house (to be)
…
… She (not to look) very pretty, but she (to have) a neat little face. She (to wear) a very
simple evening frock with white silk. She (to turn) to her husband. A shy smile (to break) on her lips
while he (to look) at her.
… He (to smile) brightly and with a quick glance (to look) at one another. They (to stare) at
her. She obviously (to expect) them to be impressed that they (not to know) what to do …
 … she just (to finish) her beer when her husband (to return), and with a quick laugh (to say)
to her that she (to be) lovely.
Suddenly they (to hear) someone (to make) a sound. They (to turn) and (to see) and old lady
in a chair. She (to read) a letter. Then they (to realize) she (to weep). Tears (to roll) down her pale
face. She (to ask) her why she (to cry) but she (not to answer).

Exercise 4. Translate into English using Past Tense Simple and Continuous:
1. De obicei mă sculam târziu, dar zilele acelea mă sculam devreme, deoarece pictam un tablou.
Vremea era foarte frumoasă şi soarele strălucea când mă sculam dimineaţa.
2. Ne vizita întotdeauna o dată pe săptămână, dar în săptămâna aceea n-a mai venit, deoarece
lucra la o firmă şi avea multe de facut.
3. În fiecare zi venea poştaşul cu ziarele, iar eu le luam şi citeam până când simţeam că sunt/
eram obosit şi-mi este somn.
4. Dădea câte o petrecere în fiecare an de ziua ei de naştere, iar noi n-am lipsit niciodată. Ne
plăcea să mergem la petrecerile ei deoarece le pregătea foarte bine şi erau foarte reuşite.
5. Când ai sunat ieri pe la ora 5 dormeam, deoarece eram foarte obosit.
6. Am întrebat-o pe mama cine este la telefon şi mi-a spus că este Jane.
7. Atunci când am stat la bunici, mergeam la discotecă seara, iar ziua citeam romane. Ştiam că
am nevoie de ele la orele de literatură română şi engleză.
8. Trecea mereu pe la noi în drum spre casă şi sporovăia cu fratele meu cel puţin o jumătate de
oră. Mă enervau pentru că nu puteam să ascult muzică din cauza lor.
9. Stătea în picioare lângă uşă şi asculta tot ce spuneam noi, dar nu a scos o vorbă.
10. Ţinea foarte mult la ea, o ajuta la treburile din casă şi o aştepta în fiecare zi când ieşea de la
serviciu.
11. Vinerea trecută, în timp ce căutam nişte cărţi, am găsit întâmplător o carte foarte bună pe care
nu ştiam că mama o are în bibliotecă şi am citit toată seara.
12. Tocmai îi povesteam prietenei mele o întamplare plină de haz, când a trecut pe lângă noi
chiar băiatul despre care vorbeam şi am roşit deoarece şi-a dat seama că despre el este vorba.
13. A spus că pleacă foarte devreme a doua zi, dar nu-l credeam, deoarece vedeam că este foarte
obosit.
14. Dimineaţa când auzea ceasul deşteptător, iar mama ei venea sus să-i spună că este 6:30,
răspundea mereu că vrea să mai doarmă puţin.
15. Mă întrebam dacă mâine servim prânzul împreună.
16. Speram că ai putea veni după-amiază să facem lecţiile împreună.
17. M-am gândit că ar putea face Dan programul festivalului. Astfel ne va demonstra că poate
veni cu idei foarte bune.

3. USES AND MEANINGS OF SIMPLE FUTURE TENSE AND CONTINUOUS

FUTURE TENSE

SIMPLE FUTURE FUTURE CONTINUOUS (aux. to be)

1. for an action which will merely take place in 1. for an action which will be in full
the future; there is no time indicator: progress (in the next interval):
John will bring the cakes. I shall/ will be reading in the library.
2. for a future action when the time is 2. for an action which will develop in the
mentioned: future; the time is mentioned:
We shall/ will go to Greece in August/next I shall/ will be digging in the garden
summer. tomorrow.
3. for an action which will happen at a given/ 3. for an action which will be in full progress
definite moment in the future: at a given moment in the future:
We shall set off at 7 tomorrow. I shall be recording some music at 4
o’clock tomorrow.
4. for an action which will happen round a time 4. for an action which will be in full progress
point in the future (no interest is taken in the round a time point in the future:
development of the action): I shall/ will be chattering over a cup of tea
By 12 o’clock we will be already at the cottage. with my friend by 7 tomorrow. I’m looking
He will come over by 5 tomorrow. forward to it.
5. as part of a future program, as a mere 5. for an action which will be in full progress
statement: between two time points in the future:
Look me up tomorrow. I shall/ will be at the I shall/ will be flying to Iasi between 9 and
university between 9 and 12. 11 tomorrow.
Between 10 and 11 tomorrow we shall/ will sign
the contract.
6. for an action which will take place within a 6. for an action in full progress within a
certain future interval (no interest in the certain future interval:
development of the action): I shall/ will be working a lot these days/
I shall/ will look in at the museum these days. this week.
I want to see the new paintings. I’ll drop in at
John’s in the afternoon.
7. 7. with adverbs like: all day long tomorrow,
No corresponding value all the next week: (duration is pointed out)
I’ll be painting the garage all day long
tomorrow.
8. with two simultaneous actions which will 8. a) with two simultaneous future actions
merely take place in the future: in progress:
You will do the shopping and I will post the He will be watering the flowers and I will be
letters when we go out. cooking the dinner.
b) with an action in full progress interrupted
by another future action expressed by a time-
point verb:
I will be listening to Vivaldi’s “Seasons”
when you come in the afternoon.
9. to express the speaker’s intention, or will: 9. a) for an intended action which will be in
I will send Prof. D. Snelling an e-mail. (I want/ full progress within a certain future
intend to …/ I am willing to do this…) interval:
I will stay here for a week. (formal) I’ll be planting flowers the whole
afternoon.
I’ll be staying here for two more days.
b) future arrangements (formal contexts)
We’ll be dining out tomorrow.
10. to express a decision made at the moment of 10. to show that a future action has already
speaking (on-the-spot decision) been decided: (formal contexts)
I think I’ll call home right away. Prof. Jones will be delivering a speech on
finances.
11. for repeated or habitual actions, with 11. for repeated actions, to express surprise,
adverbs of frequency: admiration, annoyance:
He will read in the library three times a week. She will be going to the skating-rink twice a
 He will come and see me sometimes. week.
12. for actions which will happen as a matter of 12. to express probability and prediction:
course: They will be having modern women’s shoes
The stores will have their summer sales soon. next week.

MODAL FUTURE
- used to offer to do something Shall I help you off with your coat? (present)
for people:
- to make suggestions: What shall I do about this? (suggestion made
at present – more possible answers) – What is
the thing to be done?
SHALL - to ask for confirmation: What should I do about this? (What do you
think I should do? What is your suggestion/
recommendation)
Shall I tell him the truth? (yes/ no answer is
expected)
- to ask about what we ought to What time shall I come back from the party?
do (obligation): (= ought I to come)
You shall be punished if you do that again. (I
- to make threats: will see to that).
You shall get all the remedies prescribed if you
- to express necessity: want to feel better. (I will see to that)
You shall suffer if you keep hoping they will
- to express warnings: come back.
- to make promises: I will do my best to come the first at the
WILL competition.
(willingness/ I promise I won’t be a failure.
volition ) - to make requests (+ Will you pick me up after work? (= please
willingness) : decide whether to do that or not).
- to express invitations: Will you come to my party? (I know you can
(+ willingness) : come, but I do not know if you want to come)
NB Can you come to my party? (I know you
want to come but I do not know if it is possible/
if you are allowed).

BE GOING TO – The Near Future

1) for intentions (+ previous decision):
I’m going to talk to them about that thought. (I intend to talk/ my intention is to …)

2) for future actions which have already been decided (+ previous decision)::
We’re going to send our son to college. (we intend to do this and we have already decided)
 about things that have already been decided “be going to” and Present Progressive are
used, but not, shall/will (on-the spot-decisions)
She’s going to have a baby in summer.
She’s having a baby in summer. (but not * She’ll have ....)
 with verbs of movement (come, go, leave and start) Present Progressive is very common
in BrE:
I’m going shopping in the afternoon. (previous decision + planning)
 We’re going away for the week-end. (previous decision + planning)
BUT the be going to future is used in Am E
I am going to go away for the weekend.
3) in asking for future actions to be decided, when making offers and requests.
Compare: Are you going to lend me those two dictionaries?
(Have you already decided?) – do you intend to ….?
Will you give me those...? (Do you want to give me ..?)
(Please decide whether you lend them to me).
4) for strong resolution or determination:
I’m going to hold my opinions to the mast. (I intend to do this …. and I have already decided)
5) for promises, decisions either to do smth. definitely or to do it under certain circumstances,
together with Simple Future:
I won’t talk to her again. (promise/ I do not want to do this / I refuse to …)
I’m not going to talk.... (I have already decided and this is what I intend to)
6) in predictions, together with the future forms:
He’s going to take a difficult exam.
You’re going to love him when you see what kind of a man he is.
You’re going to be a failure.
You’ll be a failure
7) predictions about things which we see now are certain to happen, i.e. for ‘present evidence’:
The sky is cloudy; it’s going to rain. (prediction + evidence)  OBJECTIVE PREDICTION
My God! We’re going to crash!
I think it will rain later. (prediction NO evidence – only personal opinion)  SUBJECTIVE
PREDICTION.
8) for threats, being more common in Modern English than shall:
He’s going to suffer. (prediction + evidence)
He shall suffer. ( I will see to that).
 be going to is used with any tense or verb form:
- with Past Tense: I was just going to call for you. (past intention)
- with modals: She loves David. She may be going to marry him.
- with Perfect for an intention which has not been achieved:
For the past two years they’ve been going to do up the house. Now at last they are doing it up.
- with passive: The road is going to be paved.

TO BE ABOUT TO
be about to + infinitive = just going to.
I was about to leave home when the telephone rang.
 not about to (Am E) = unwilling to
I’m not about to go there myself.

3.2. INTERACTIVE ACTIVTIES

Exercise 1.Comment on the differences between Simple Future and Future Continuous.

Exercise 2. Refer to the types of modality expressed by Future Tense.

Exercise 3. Use the right form of the verbs in brackets to express futurity in the following sentences:
1. The President has a few bodyguards who (to protect) him.
2. I (not to watch) television these days because I (to be) very busy learning for my exam. I (to
go) in for this difficult exam on Wednesday.
3. There (to be) a meeting where they (to bring) up all these financial problems.
4. The wall (to keep) people out of the garden.
5. It seems it (to clear) up a little, so we (to set) off early tomorrow.
6. I (to make) some cookies till you arrive.
7. You (not to find) a cheaper restaurant than this.
8. Who (to break) the news to them?
9. I (to wait) downstairs while you are getting dressed, but I (not to wait) long.
10. You (to make) yourself understood. I’m sure you (not to make) many mistakes.
11. By 9 o’clock tomorrow I (to travel) to Bucharest. I (to arrive) there at 10:30.
12. Don’t come over in the afternoon. I (to learn) for the written paper till late at night.

Exercise 4. Give the meanings of the Future Tense in the following sentences:
1. The band will be performing somewhere.
2. This will be the place where the old church stood.
3. However carefully he may drive, he will have an accident eventually; there are holes all over
the road there.
4. Wherever I may roam, I will still be thinking of you.
5. We must get there earlier or (else) we won’t get a seat.
6. He shall never tell a soul.
7. You must move the tool box away, or the car will crash it.
8. He shall do it all by himself, whatever you may say.
9. Shall we take a few minutes’ rest?
10. We must call him back, or (else) he shall be upset.
11. The last shall be first, and the first shall be last.
12. That shall be a good sign for you.
13. You shall make a good job of that, however hard it may be.
14. Wonders will never cease.
15. Your best friend shall do you a lot of harm.
16. That will cause splitting headaches.
17. I’ll tell you what: get him look into the causes of the incident first.
18. I’ll eat my hat if he pays a penny.
19. If employers will treat workers fairly they will not go on strikes.
20. If you will focus on such a topic you will find out interesting things.

Exercise 5. Translate into English:

1. Îi voi explica de ce nu voi renunţa niciodată la această idee şi sunt sigur că mă va înţelege.
2. Vom prinde trenul de ora 12 cu condiţia să nu întârziaţi.
3. Sigur se va întâmpla ceva care îi va împiedica să facă o astfel de greşeală.
4. Mâine când vei ajunge /ajungi la mine la birou mă voi uita pe eseul tău să văd dacă ai vreo
greşeală.
5. Vom ajunge la cabană diseară pe la ora 8.
6. Probabil că săptămâna viitoare se vor găsi pantofi de damă cu numere mai mici.
7. Ce faci după amiază pe la ora 5? Voi căuta ilustraţii pentru o carte de poveşti pe care o scrie
mama.
8. Dacă ai nevoie de mine, mă găseşti în sala de lectură. Am să citesc până mai târziu.
9. În iulie vom merge în Elveţia, iar în august vom face o excursie în Venezuela.
10. Mâine voi fi foarte ocupată toată ziua voi face curăţenie în toată casa şi voi spăla.
11. Prim-ministrul urmează să se întâlnească în aprilie cu reprezentaţi ai uniunii europene.
12. La ce oră să-i spun să vină? El promite că va procesa informaţiile mâine între 9 şi 11.
13. Să-i spun că trebuie să-şi refacă proiectul?
14. Îi vei aprecia foarte mult lucrarea când o vei citi.

NEVER EVER USE FUTURE IN TIME CLAUSES AND IF CLAUSES!