Elapsed time in the English language

past tense form of the verb is called, pointing to the commission of certain actions in the past.

Collectively, the past tense form in English made to integrate the concept of Past Tenses.This article will examine the three main time, which differ in duration and quality.Thus, there is uncertainty past (Past Indefinite or Simple), long (Past Continuous) and perfect (Past Perfect) times.

Form Past Simple

Form Past Simple - is the most common and frequently used the past tense in English.This is - most of the time to express any action that occurred some time ago.Very often, it competes with the present perfect time (Present Perfect), which, despite belonging to the present, translates verbs in the past tense.We must not forget that perfect moment is only suitable when the effect of the past affects the present.If the events are not related to the present, use the Past Simple.

This being formed is very simple.If the verb is correct, simply add the ending -ed, if the wrong - the correct form is in a standard table of irregular verbs:

We played the piano three days ago;I forgot my hat at home.

to use the issue of forming the auxiliary verb did:

Did you play the piano yesterday?

also used to deny the auxiliary verb, but a negation particle not:

She did not watch TV.

Thus, Past Simple should be used if the action happened in the past and has no relation to this.The words that foreshadow the use of temporary forms of the verb - yesterday (yesterday), 8 years ago (8 years ago), in 1989 (in 1989) and so on.

Form Past Continuous

Past Continuous - this time, which represents a long-term effect in the past.In other words, it is used when it comes to specific points on the action in the process.For example, She was playing the guitar yesterday at 10 pm The example shows that the Past Continuous is formed by an additional verb to be in the past tense of the verb and the ending -ing.If the proposal is interrogative, the auxiliary verb should be moved to the top if negative, is added to it not:

Were you playing the piano yesterday at 10 pm?No, I was not doing this at that time.

In addition, the elapsed time is used in English to refer to the action, which once took place at a particular moment was interrupted by another momentary action.For example, We were looking through the magazine when he called.

Times Past Perfect and Past Perfect Continuous

These times are called perfect, and perfect long elapsed time respectively.To their form, must be proficient in the knowledge of forms of verbs.Elapsed time in the English language is entirely based on this knowledge.So, for the Past Perfect need an additional verb have / has had in the form and the second participle of the main verb.The latter can be found in the table of irregular verbs or form by adding the familiar end -ed.

It should be remembered that the simple perfect tense is used to express the action that has already been completed to a particular moment.In turn, Past Perfect Continuous use in situations where an action has begun until a certain point in the past, lasted for some time.Past Perfect Continuous is formed with the help of the form had been, to which is added the main verb ending -ing.

In general, the elapsed time in the English language is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance.It is very important to all to understand and practice in various exercises that the best way to demonstrate the above rules into practice.