24
Past Progressive can also indicate an action that is interrupted by a specific time in the past. (Not an action that
started or stopped in the past - that is simple past - but an action that is INTERRUPTED!)
- Yesterday at 8 pm, I was watching a movie. (Translation: I started watching a movie earlier than
8, and was still watching the movie at 8 – therefore, Past Progressive.) - Yesterday at 8 pm, I watched a movie. (Translation: I started watching the movie AT 8 - therefore,
Simple Past.)
Past Progressive is formed with a “to be” verb plus a gerund (ing) word.
Example: I was talking
You were talking
She was talking
He was talking
They were talking
We were talking
ETS typically won’t test the differences between simple past and past progressive (meaning they won’t give
you the past progressive and expect you to change it to simple past - unless of course the two verb forms are not
parallel), so keep it simple:
just know that these two past tense verb forms occur in the PAST and should not
be confused with any of the trickier past tenses, future tenses, or present tenses.
#3: Future Tense
Future Tense is used when a specific action occurs in the FUTURE.
The two types of easy future tenses ETS tests are the simple future and future progressive.
Simple Future: Indicates a voluntary action (I will lend you my dress), a prediction (Tomorrow, it will snow),
or a specific planned action (I will study for the test tomorrow night).
The simple future is partnered with the simple present when introduced by when, as soon as, until, after, before,
and while.
- When the bell rings, we will go play on the playground.
- They will go to the mall as soon as they get their paycheck.
The future tense is formed with “will” or “shall” plus the infinitive form of the verb.
Example: I will dance
You will dance
He will dance
She will dance
They will dance
We will dance