PRESENT PERFECT - How long have you...? (*)

(*) Essential Grammar in Use - Raymond Murphy

Jill is on holiday in Ireland. She is there now. She arrived in Ireland on Monday. Today is Thursday.
How long has she been in Ireland?
She has been in Ireland since Monday.
She has been in Ireland for three days.

Examples: They have been married for five years.
How long have you been married?
How long have you known her?
I´ve known her for a long time.
How long has she lived in London?
How long have you had your car?

Exercise: Complete the sentences:
Jill is in hospital. She´s been in hospital ................... Monday.
I know Sarah. I´ve known her ................... a long time.
Linda and Frank have been married .................... 1989.
Brian has been ill ........................ the last few days.
We´ve lived there ........................ the past ten years.
Catherine has worked for a bank .................... for five years.
Alan´s got a headache ................... he got up this morning.
I´ve learned English ......................... two years.

Exercise: Ask questions with How long...?

Jill is on holiday. How long has she been on holiday?
Mike and Judy are in Brazil. How long ..........................................?
I know Margaret. How long............ you .......................?
Diana is learning Italian. How long ...........................................?
My brother lives in Canada. ............................................................?
I´m a teacher. .............................................................?
It is raining. .............................................................?

Exercise: Make sentences:
(they/married/for ten years) They have been married for ten years.
(She/live in Wales/all her life) ...................................................................
(They/on holiday/since Sunday) ...................................................................
(The sun/shine/all day) ...................................................................
(She/wait/for ten minutes) ....................................................................
(He/have a beard/since he was 20) ....................................................................

Exercise: write for or since:

Jill has been in Ireland since Monday.
Jill has been in Ireland for three days.
My aunt has lived in Australia ...................... 15 years.
Margaret is in her office. She has been there ...................... 7 o´clock.
India has been an independent country .......................... 1947.
The bus is late. We´ve been waiting ...................... 20 minutes.
Nobody lives in those houses. They have been empty .................... many years.
Mike has been ill ............... a long time. He has been in hospital ................. March.

Exercise: Complete the sentences with for or since:
Jill is in Ireland now. She arrived there three days ago. She has been there for three days.
Jack is here. He arrived here on Tuesday. He has .........................................................................
It´s raining. It started an hour ago. It´s been .....................................................................................
I know Sue. I first met Sue twi years ago. I´ve ..................................................................................
I have a camera. I bought it in 1989. I´ve ..........................................................................................
They are married. They got married six months ago. They´ve .......................................................
Liz is studying medicine at university. She started three years ago. She has ..............................
Dave plays the piano. He started when he was seven years old. Dave has .................................

Exercise:Write sentences about yourself using since or for:

I´ve lived.................................................................................................
I´ve been ...............................................................................................
I´ve been learning ................................................................................
I´ve known ............................................................................................
I´ve had ................................................................................................

HAVE YOU EVER...? (*)

(*) Essential Grammar in Use - Raymond Murphy

Nós usamos o present perfect (have been / have had / have played etc...) quando falamos sobre um tempo que começa no passado e vem até hoje - por exemplo, a vida de uma pessoa.

Have you been to France? (in your life) - No, I haven´t.
I´ve been to Canada but I haven´t been to the United States.
Mary is an interesting person. She has had many different jobs and has lived in many places.
I´ve seen that woman before but I can´t remember where.
How many times has Brazil won the World Cup?
Have you read this book? Yes, I´ve read it twice.



Present Perfect + ever (in questions) and never:

Has Ann ever been to Australia? Yes, once.
Have you ever played golf? Yes, I often play golf.
My mother has never travelled by air.
I´ve never ridden a horse.
Who is that man? I don´t know. I´ve never seen him before.

Exercise: Ask questions beginning Have you ever...?
(London) : Have you ever been to London?
(play golf): .......................................................?
(Australia): .......................................................?
(lose/yourpassport): .......................................................?
(fly/in a helicopter): ........................................................?
(eat/Chinese food): .........................................................?
(New York): .........................................................?
(drive/a bus): .........................................................?
(break/your leg): ..........................................................?

Talk about you:
Helen has never been to New York. I ....................................................
Helen has never been to Australia. I.....................................................
Helen has never eaten Chinese food. I ....................................................
Helen has never driven a bus. I ....................................................
Helen has never played golf. I ....................................................
Helen has never losst her passport. I .....................................................
Helen has never flown in a helicopter. I ....................................................
Helen has never broken her leg. I .....................................................

Talk about John:
(have/many different jobs) He ..................................................
(travel/all over the world) He ..................................................
(do/a lot of interesting things) He ..................................................
(be/married three times) He ..................................................
(write/ten books) He ..................................................
(meet/a lot of interesting people) He ..................................................

I´ve just... I´ve already... I haven´t ...yet (*)

(*) Essential Grammar in Use - Raymond Murphy

Just = a short time ago

A: Are Jane and David here?
B: Yes, they´ve just arrived.

A: Are you hungry?
B: No, I´ve just had dinner.

A: Is Tom here?
B: Ni, I´m afraid he has just gone.

Already = before you expected / before I expected

A: What time are Diane and Paul coming?
B: They´ve already arrived. (before you expected.)

It´s only nine o´clock and Ann has already gone to bed. (before I expected.)

A: John, this is Mary.
B: Yes, I know. We´ve already met.

Yet = until now (you can use yet in negative sentences and questions. Yet is usually at the end.)

Yet in negative sentences:

A: Are Diane and Paul here?
B: No, they haven´t arrived yet. (but B expects Diane and Paul to arrive soon.)

A: Does John know that you´re going away?
B: No, I haven´t told him yet. (but B is going to tell him soon.)

Margaret has bought a new dress but she hasn´t worn it yet.

Yet in questions:

A: Have Diane and Paul arrived yet?
B: No, not yet. We are still waiting for them.

A: Has Linda started her new job yet?
B: No, she starts next week.

A: This is my new dress.
B: Oh, it´s nice. Have you worn it yet?

Exercise: Complete the sentences. Use already + present perfect.

What time is Paul arriving.
He´s already arrived.

Do Sue and Bill want to see the film?
No, they .................................................it.

Don´t forget to phone Tom.
I ............................................................ him.

When is Mary going away?
She .............................................................

Do you want to read the newspaper?
I ............................................................. it.

When does Linda start her new job?
She ........................................................ it.


Exercise: - Write questions with yet.

You friend has got a new job. Perhaps she has started it. You ask her:
Have you started your new job yet?

Your friend has some new neighbours. Perhaps he has met them You ask him:
................. you ...........................................................................................................

Your friend must write a letter. Perhaps she has written it now. You ask her:
....................................................................................................................................

Tom was trying to sell his car. Perhaps he has sold it now. You ask a friend about Tom:
....................................................................................................................................


Exercise: - Complete the sentences. Write about yourself:

I´ve never ridden a horse.
I´ve been to London many times.
I´ve just ....................................................................................
I´ve ........................................................................................... (once/twice/a few times/many times)
I haven´t ............................................................................. yet.
I´ve never ...............................................................................
I´ve .................................... since ...........................................
I´ve .................................... for ................................................


Exercise: - complete de sentences (positive or negative)

Do you like London?
I don´t know. I haven´t been there.

Do you want the newspaper or can I have it.
You can have it. I .......................................... it.

Are you enjoying your new job?
I .................................... yet. My first day is next Monday.

Is Sylvia married?
Yes, she ........................................ married for five years.

What time is Paul going out? (he/already/go)
...........................................................................................

New York is my favorite city. (how many times/you/there)
Is it? ..................................................................................

What are you doing this weekend? (I/not/decide/yet)
I don´t know. ......................................................................

Are you hungry (I/just/eat)
No, ......................................................................................

My favorite film is Cleo´s Dream. ................................it four times.

Liz is from Edimburgh. She ......................................... there all her life.

PRESENT PERFECT com JUST *

* English Structure Practice - Gordon Drummond

What has Peter just done?
He has just opened the window.
(He opened hte window just now.)

you - begin the execise
What have you just done?
We´ve just started the exercise.

Peter - light a cigarette
What has Peter just done?
He´s just lit a cigarette.

Sally - post the letters
What has Sally just done?
She´s just posted the letters.

Mary - wake up
What has Mary just done?
...............................................................

the ship - sail
What has the ship just done?
...............................................................

Anne - meet Lucy
What has Anne just done?
...............................................................

Mr Smith - get up
What ............ Mr Smith ........................?
................................................................

Bob - ring John up
What .............. Bob .................................?
....................................................................

the pilot - take off
What ................ the pilot .............................?
........................................................................

Harry - borrow a pen
What .............................................................?
........................................................................

Susan - say goodbye
What .............................................................?
........................................................................

Mary - get into a taxi
What ..............................................................?
........................................................................

you - look at Number 9
...........................................................................?
...........................................................................

Bill - put on his coat
...........................................................................?
............................................................................

John - buy a newspaper
............................................................................?
.............................................................................

John - have a cup of tea

Jim - shake hands with Bob

the passengers - embark

the chairman - speak

Mrs Harvey - lay the table

Susan - bring back my books

the secretary - type the letter

the guide - close the museum

the children - hide from Jane

Betty - put out her cigarette

Mary - tear up John´s letters

the teacher - give a dictation

the postman - deliver a parcel

the cricketer - hit the ball

Jimmy - get rid of his old car

the doctor - feel John´s pulse

the student - finished the novel

the judge - take away Sheila´s driving licence

PRESENT PERFECT COM "RECENTLY" *

* - English Structure Practice - Gordon Drummond

Have you sold any pictures recently?
No, I haven´t sold any recently.

When was the last time you sold any?
I sold some two months ago.

"Recently" pode ser usado com outros tempos de verbo além do Present Perfect.

Ex.: Bob came back from New York very recently.
He said he had recently been to Australia.

"Recently" pode ser substituído por "lately".

Has Bob watched any TV plays recently? (10 days)
No, he hasn´t watched any recently.
When was the last time he watched one?
He watched one ten days ago.

Have the fishermen caught anything recently? (an hour)
No, they haven´t caugt anything recently.
When was the last time they caught anything?
They caught something an hour ago.

Has Jim read a newspaper recently? (a week)
....................................................................................................
When was the last time he read a newspaper?
....................................................................................................

Has Sue done any shopping recently? (5 days)
....................................................................................................
When was the last time she did any shopping?
....................................................................................................

Has Philip bought anything recently? (3 days)
....................................................................................................
When was the last time he bought anything?
....................................................................................................

Have the men had a holiday recently? (a year)
.....................................................................................................
When was the last time they had a holiday?
.....................................................................................................

Has Bob read any good books recently? (a month)
.....................................................................................................
When was the last time he read a good book?
.....................................................................................................

Has Betty telephoned anybody recently? (4 days)
......................................................................................................
When was the last time Betty telephoned anybody?
......................................................................................................

Has anybody telephoned Betty recently? (2 weeks)
.......................................................................................................
When was the last time anybody telefoned Betty?
.......................................................................................................

Has Mary been to the theatre recently? (3 weeks)
........................................................................................................
When was the last time she went to the theatre?
........................................................................................................

Has anybody given Paul any help recently? (a week)

Has David spoken to the manager recently? (a month)

Has Bob taken Jill to the cinema recently? (2 months)

Have the other students been out recently? (a week)

Has David given anybody a present recently? (2 years)

Has Richard been out to to dinner recently? (6 months)

Has Elizabeth been to any parties recently? (3 months)

Have the men asked for more money recently? (3 years)

Has Bob´s car given him any trouble recently? (a month)

Has Jim been to the hairdresser´s recently? (a long time)

Have the other students done any work recently? (a week)

Has Jim given anybody a lift in his car recently? (2 weeks)

PRESENT PERFECT - YET AND ALREADY *

* English Structure Practice - Gordon Drummond

Have you been to London yet?
No, I haven´t been to London yet.
Yes, I have already been to London.

"Yet" é usado com negativas e interrogativas neste padrão. "Already" é usado nas sentenças afirmativas.

Have you been to New York? (Miami)
No, I haven´t been to New York yet, but I´ve already been to Miami.

Has Peter done his essay? (précis)
No, he hasn´t done his essay yet, but he´s already done his précis.

Has Susan learnt how to use a computer? (adding machine)
No, she hasn´t learnt how to use a computer yet, but she´s already learnt how to use an adding machine.

Has John told Sheila? (Sally)
No, he ......................................................., but he´s ....................................... Sally.

Have they read the book? (play)
No, they .........................................................., but ........................................ seen the play.

Has David spoken to Steve? (Helen)
No, he ..............................................................., but ............................................... to Helen.

Has Jim been to Scotland? (Ireland)
No, he .............................................................., but ................................................ to Ireland.

Has Sally telephoned Harry? (David)
No, she ............................................................., but ................................................ David.

Has Susan done the shopping? (hair)
No, she ............................................................., but ................................................ her.

Has John polished his car? (wash)
No, he ..............................................................., but ................................................ it.

Have Bob and Anne met John? (Richard)
No, they ............................................................, but .............................................Richard.

Have they bought the records? (tapes)
No, they ............................................................, but .......................................................

Has John had a letter from Mary? (Sue)
No, ....................................................................., but ........................................................

Has Mary driven John´s car? (Sheila´s)
No, ....................................................................., but ........................................................

Has Peter visited Hong Kong? (Singapore)
No, ....................................................................., but ...........................................................

Have Jim and Sally seen Mr Smith? (Paul)
No, ....................................................................., but ...........................................................

Has Bob been to the local cinema? (theatre)
No, ......................................................................, but ..........................................................

Has Mary worn her new skirt? (dress)
No, ......................................................................, but ...........................................................

PRESENT PERFECT X SIMPLE PAST *

* English Structure Practice - Gordon Drummond

Compare estas duas perguntas:

Have you read a newspaper today?
Did you read a newspaper yesterday?

Have you been for a walk today?
Yes, I have.
Did you go for a walk yesterday?
No, I didn´t.

Have you done any work today?
No, I haven´t.
Did you do any work yesterday?
Yes, I did.

Have you written any letters today?
Yes, I ..................
Did you write any letters yesterday?
No, I ...................

Have you done any reading today?
No, I .......................
Did you ......................................... yesterday?
No, I

Have you learnt anything today?
Yes, I ................
Did you ....................................... yesterday?
Yes, I ................

Have you bought anything today?
Yes, I .................
............ you ..................................... yesterday?
No, I .....................

Have you been out of the house today?
No, I .....................
.............. you out of the house yesterday?
Yes, I was.

Have you watched TV today?
Yes, I ....................
........... you ................... TV yesterday?
No, I ......................

Have you done any driving today?
No, I ........................
.......... you .............. any driving yesterday?
Yes, I ....................

Have you had any cigarettes today?
Yes, I ........................
.......... you ............ any cigarettes yesterday?
No, I ..........................

Have you been swimming today?
No, I .....................
............ you .................. yesterday?
Yes, I .................

Have you seen a newspaper today?
Yes, I .........................
........... you .................. a newspaper yesterday?
Yes, I ...........................

Have you been for a walk today?
No, I ..........................
......... you ............. for a walk yesterday?
Yes, I ............

Have you spoken any English today?
Yes, I ...............................
............ you .............. any English yesterday?
Yes, I ...................

PRESENT PERFECT - MORE EXERCISES! *

* ENGLISH STRUCTURE PRACTICE - GORDON DRUMMOND

Shall we go to the market? (be)
No, I´ve been there before.
or
Yes, I´ve never been there before.

Would you like to see that film? (see)
No, I´ve seen it before.
or
Yes, I haven´t seen it before.

Shall we go to the museum? (be)
No, I´ve been there ..........................
or
Yes, I have never ...................... there .................

Shall we do this exercise? (do)
No, I´ve .........................................................
or
Yes, I´ve never .............................................

Shall we try this restaurant? (be)
No, I´ve .........................................................
or
Yes, I .............................................................

Shall we go to the next town? (be)
No, I .............................................................
or
Yes, I ..............................................................

Shall we visit the art gallery? (be)
No, I .............................................................
or
Yes, I ............................................................

Do you want to hear that record? (hear)
No, I .............................................................
or
Yes, I ............................................................

Shall we stay at the Harbour Hotel? (stay)
.......................................................................
or
.......................................................................

Would you like to try this fruit? (try)
.......................................................................
or
.......................................................................

Do you want to climb the hill today? (do)
........................................................................
or
........................................................................

Would you like to borrow this book? (read)
........................................................................
or
.........................................................................

Do you want to go on the pleasure boat? (be)
..........................................................................
or
...........................................................................

Would you like to see this Ibsen play? (see)
...........................................................................
or
...........................................................................

Would you like one of those ice-creams? (have)

Would you like to hear Tom play the guitar? (hear)

Would you like to try one of these cigarettes? (have)


Bob - Argentina (Chile)
Has Bob ever been to Argentina?
No, he hasn´t, but he has been to Chile.

they - Spanish (Italian)
Have they ever had Spanish food?
No, they haven´t, but they have had Italian food.

John - football (tennis)
Has John ever played football?
No, he hasn´t, but he has played tennis.

Bill - Paris (Rome)
Has Bill ............. been to Paris?
No, he ................, but he ...................... to Rome.

James - Turin (Milan)
Has James .......................... to Turin?
No, he ..................., but he .......................... to Milan.

Peter - Picasso (Dali)
Has Peter .................. seen a painting by Picasso?
No, he ..................., but he ............................... a painting by Dali.

Sally - Shakespeare (Ibsen)
Has Sally ........................... seen a Shakespeare play?
No, she ........................, but she .............................. a Ibsen play.

Jill - Italian food (French)
Has Jill ................................ Italian food?
No, she ..................., but ........................... French food.

Alice - tennis (table-tennis)
Has Alice .......................................................................?
No, she .........................., but she ........................................

Susan - the museum (art gallery)
Has Susan ....................................................................?
No, she ..........................., but she .......................................

Anne and Helen - Germany (Holland)
Have ................................................................................?
No, they ........................., but they .............................................

Gordon - music by Beethoven (Bach)
Has ................................................................................?
No, he .............................., but he ................................

Henry - the USA (Canada)
Has ................................................................................?
No, he .............................., but he ................................

Mrs Thomas - John (John´s brother)
Has .................................................................................?
No, she ............................., but she .................................

Helen - holiday in Germany (Austria)
Has .................................................................................?
No, she ............................., but she .....................................

Mr and Mrs Smith - Madrid (Barcelona)
Have .................................................................................?
No, they ............................, but they ......................................

Harry and Helen - Chinese food (Indian)
Have .................................................................................?
No, they ............................, but they ..................................

Pat - a bad accident (a slight accident)
Has ...................................................................................?
No, she ............................., but they ................................

THE PRESENT PERFECT *

* English Structure Practice - Gordon Drummond

O Presente perfeito é usado:
1) para se referir a uma ação ou a um estado completamente no passado onde não há indicação de tempo:

Ex.: I´ve been to Canada.
John has visited the United States.

2) para indicar uma ação ou um estado, começado no passado, que não está completado quando dele se fala:

Ex.: I have used that car for years. (I still use it.)
Tom has been ill since Monday. (He´s still ill.)

3) para se referir a um presente ou futuro resultado de uma ação ou experiência começada no passado:

Ex.: Tom has been ill. He can´t play football today.
My car has broken down. I will have to walk.

(O interesse aqui é mais no resultado do que no motivo.)

4) com alguns adjuntos adverbiais que acrescentam informação de tempo:

Ex.: John has not been to Scotland before.
Richard has just sold his car.


I have sold my car. I haven´t sold my car. Have I sold my car?
You have seen the film. You haven´t seen the film. Have you seen the film?
He has gone to Bolivia. He hasn´t gone to Bolivia. Has he gone to Bolívia?
She has done her work. She hasn´t done her work. Has she done her work?
It has been cold. It hasn´t been cold. Has it been cold?
We have had breakfast. We haven´t had breakfast. Have we had breakfast?
They have read the book. They haven´t read the book. Have they read the book?


Exercise 1)

(write a book)
Have you ever written a book?
Yes, I have. Have you?
No, I haven´t. Haven´t you?

(work in a bank)
Have you ever worked in a bank?
Yes, I have. Have you?
No, I haven´t. Haven´t you?

(go to Miami)
Have you ever been to Miami?
Yes, I have. Have you?
No, I haven´t. Haven´t you?

(go to Trinidad)
Have you ever ................... to Trinidad?
Yes, I ................ .................. you?
No, I ................ .................. you?

(ride a horse)
Have you ever ................... a horse?
Yes, I ................ .................. you?
No, I ................. ................. you?

(drink vodka)
Have you ever .................. vodka?
Yes, I ................ .................. you?
No, I ................ ................. you?

(play golf)
Have you .................................... golf?
Yes, I ................... ..................... you?
No, I .................... ..................... you?

(go to New York)
Have you .................................... to New York?
Yes, I ................. ..................... you?
No, I .................. ..................... you?

(visit Ireland)
Have .............................................. Ireland?
Yes, I ...............
No, I ..................

(do any cooking)
Have ............................................. any cooking?
Yes, I .................... ....................... you?
No, I ..................... ....................... you?

(have a pet)
Have ............................................... a pet?
Yes, I ......................... ..................... you?
No, I ......................... ..................... you?

(go to Canada)
........................................................ to Canada?
Yes, ....................... ...................... you?
No, ........................ ...................... you?

(be in the army)
........................................................ in the army?
Yes, ....................... ....................................?
No, ........................ ....................................?

(do any skiing)
............................................................................
................................ .......................................?
................................ ......................................?

(use a computer)
..............................................................................
................................. .....................................?
................................. .....................................?

(go to China)
.............................................................................
.................................. .......................................?
................................... ......................................?

(have a bad cold)
............................................................................
.................................. ......................................?
................................... ......................................?

(sail a boat)
.............................................................................
..................................... ....................................?
..................................... ....................................?

(drive a racing car)
.............................................................................
...................................... ...................................?
...................................... ..................................?

(be in a TV studio)
...............................................................................
.................................... ......................................?
.................................... ......................................?

(hear the opera "Carmen")
................................................................................
..................................... ......................................?
..................................... ......................................?

(have any driving lessons)
(be married)
(see a painting by Picasso)
(spend a holiday in Bermuda)
(attend a political meeting)
(read any of Shakespeare´s plays)

Past Continuous - More exercises!

Was Betty lying in bed all morning? (at 11)
Well, she was still lying in bed at 11 o´clock.

Were the girls doing nothing the whole evening? (at 9)
Well, they were certainly doing nothing at 9 o´clock.

Was Tom working all evening? (at 8)
Well, he was ........................ at 8 o´clock.

Was Sheila ironing all the afternoon? (at 3)
Well, she was .......................... at 3 o´clock.

Was Paul travelling the whole day? (at 5)
Well, he was certainly ........................... at 5 o´clock.

Was Tom playing tennis all morning? (at 11:30)
Well, he was .................................. tennis at 11:30.

Were they watching the film all the time? (at 9)
Well, they ........................................... the film at 9 o´clock.

Was Bob looking for Joe the whole day? (at 5)
Well, he ................................ for Joe at 5 o´clock.

Were the boys playing golf all day yesterday? (at 4)
Well, they..................................................... at 4 o´clock.

Was Jim writing the book all last month (on the 25th)
Well, he ................................................ on the 25th.

Was Paul playing cards the entire evening? (at 10)
Well, he .................................................. at 10 o´clock.

Was Gordon reading his newspaper all afternoon? (at tea-time)
Well, ............................................................................. at tea-time.

Were they building that school all last year? (in October)
Well, .................................................................... in October.

Was Joe preparing for his exam all last week? (on Thursday)
Well, .............................................................................................

Was Tom working for that firm all last month? (on the 27th)
Well, ...............................................................................................

Was Bob planning his trip the entire day? (at dinner-time)
Well, ...............................................................................................

Was Sally learning English the whole of last year? (in November)
Well, .....................................................................................................


What was Bob doing during the meeting? (notes)
He was taking notes during the meeting.

What were you doing when the phone rang? (bath)
I was having a bath when the phone rang.

What was Susan doing while John was in Canada? (Jim)
She was going out with Jim while John was in Canada.

What were you doing while I was out? (newspaper)
I was ..................... the newspaper while you were out.

What was Mary doing when her friends called? (baby)
She was .............................. the baby when her friends called.

What was Sally doing when George telephoned? (dressed)
She was .............................. dressed when George telephoned.

What was the manager doing during the morning? (letters)
He ............................................ letters during the morning.

What was Mrs Jones doing when her husband got in. (guests)
She ............................................... guests when her husband got in.

What were the others doing when Bob came doinstairs? (chat)
They ....................................................... Bob came downstairs.

What was the salesman doing during the afternoon? (retailers)
He ....................................................................................................

What was Richard doing while Susan was packing? (air tickets)
He .......................................................................................................

What were the children doing when Tom opened the door? (noise)
They ......................................................................................................

What were the employers doing during the strike? (negotiations)
They .....................................................................................................

What was Helen doing when Tom asked her to go out? (housework)
She ..........................................................................................................

What was John doing while Mary was at the doctor´s? (eye-test)
He .......................................................................................................

What were Mr and Mrs Brown doing during their holiday? (Europe)
They .......................................................................................................

What was Susan doing when Jim arrived outside her room? (make-up)
She ................................................................................................................

What was Jim trying to do when the car in front accelerated? (overtake)
He .................................................................................................................

PAST CONTINUOUS *

* English Structure Practice - Gordon Drummond

1) O passado contínuo é usado para indicar:
a) uma ação em progresso num tempo passado declarado ou implícito.
b) uma ação no passado que começou antes e ainda está em progresso quando outra ação no
passado começou.

Ex.: Paul was working when Susan telephoned.
John was watching TV when Mary came in.
The boys went to the library while the girls were preparing lunch.
Mary wrote some letters while the children were having their afternoon nap.

c) duas ações ocorrendo simultaneamente no passado.

Ex.: I was singing while Peter was dancing.
Tom was working while Sue was relaxing.

d) discurso indireto:

Ex.: John said: "I´m coming".
John said (that) he was coming.

Nem todos os verbos podem ser usados em tempos contínuos.

What were you doing at 8 pm last night?
I was reading a book.

What was John doing at 1 pm yesterday?
He was having lunch.

What were you doing at 9 pm last night?
We were going to the cinema.


Exercise 1:

The children weren´t swimming at 4 pm. (tea)
Weren´t they?
No, they weren´t.
What were they doing?
They were having a cup of tea.

I wasn´t studying at 9:30 last night (TV)
Weren´t you?
No, I wasn´t.
What were you doing at 9:30 last night?
I was watching TV.

I wasn´t typing at 11 am. (lesson)
................ you?
No, I ................
What .......... you ............... at 11 am?
I was studying my lesson.

Mary wasn´t cooking at midday. (friends)
............... she?
No, she ................
What was she doing at midday?
She was talking to her friends.

We weren´t having a meal at 7 pm. (rest)
................ you?
No, we ................
What ................ you ................ at 7 pm?
We .................................................................

The girls weren´t working at 9 pm. (TV)
................ they?
No, they ................
What ................ they ................ at 9 pm?
They ..............................................................

I wasn´t having dinner at 8 pm. (newspaper)
................ you?
No, I ................
What .................. you ................ at 8 pm?
I .....................................................................

You weren´t listening to me earlier. (window)
.................. I?
No, you .................
What ................ I ............... earlier?
You ...................................................................

Jim wasn´t writing a letter at 6 pm. (novel)
................ he?
No, he ................
What ................ he ............... at 6 pm?
He ....................................................................

I wasn´t getting dressed at 8 am (sleep)
................ you?
No, I .........................
What .............. you ................. at 8 am?
I ........................................................................

John wasn´t helping Mary after lunch. (garden)
.................... he?
No, he ....................
What ................. he ................... after lunch?
He ........................................................................

I wasn´t going into the town at 2 pm. (tennis)
........................ you?
No, I ........................
What ....................... you ................... at 2 pm?
I ..........................................................................

Peter wasn´t having lunch at 1 pm. (coffee)
.................... he?
No, he .......................
What ................... he .................... at 1 pm?
He .....................................................................

They weren´t going to class at 9 am. (breakfast)
..................... they?
No, they ......................
What ............... they ................... at 9 am?
They ...................................................................

David wasn´t driving to work at 10 am. (suitcase)
....................... he?
No, he ......................
What ................... he .................. at 10 am.
He ............................................................................

Richard wasn´t speaking to Helen at 10 pm. (radio)
....................... he?
No, he .........................
What ................. he ....................... at 10 pm?
He ..................................................................................

The boys weren´t watching the match at 3 pm. (beer)
..................... they?
No, they .......................
What ................ they ...................... at 3 pm?
They .................................................................................

THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS X THE PAST CONTINUOUS *

(* English Structure Practice - Gordon Drummond)

Ex.: John was living in Mexico.
John was living in Mexico, but he´s not living there now.

Mary wasn´t waiting for Peter.
Mary wasn´t waiting for Peter, but she´s waiting for him now.

Paul wasn´t having fun.
Paul wasn´t having fun, but he ................................................ now.

I was reading that novel.
I was reading that novel, but I ......... not ...................................... now.

Harry was enjoying himself.
Harry ............................. himself, but he .......... not ............................ himself now.

They weren´t learning a lot.
They ........................... a lot, but they ........................................ a lot now.

You weren´t paying attention.
....................................................., but .......................................................now.

Rosemary was writing a letter.
....................................................., but ....................................................... now.

Sheila wasn´t living in Canada.
.............................................................................................................................

Harold was carrying some luggage.
.............................................................................................................................

Paul was taking a computer course.
.............................................................................................................................

John wasn´t thinking about his job.

Mr and Mrs Smith were having a meal.

Betty wasn´t listening to Mr Hammond.

Paul was trying to repair his scooter.

All the workers were planning to leave.

Those two firms weren´t making a profit.

PRESENT CONTINUOUS - EXERCISE 4 *

(* English Structure Practice - Gordon Drummond)

To practice using always, continually and constantly to indicate an incessant action.

Ex.: Does the car break down? (always)
Yes, it is always breaking down.

Does Barbara speak to herself? (constantly)
Yes, She´s constantly speaking to herself.

Do the other students ask for help (continually)
Yes, they are continually asking for help.

Does John smoke? (always)
Yes, he is always .......................

Does Jim watch TV? (always)
Yes, he is always .......................... TV.

Do the girls laugh? (always)
Yes, they ......... always ......................

Does Tom work late? (constantly)
Yes, he ........... constantly ................. late.

Does Steve complain? (constantly)
Yes, he ........... constantly ........................

Does Rcihard tell lies? (always)
Yes, he ......... always ...................... lies.

Does Sheila hurt herself? (always)
Yes, she .................................. herself.

Does Henry have accidents? (always)
Yes, he ................................... accidents.

Do the boys miss meals? (continually)

Does Tom get into trouble? (constantly)

Does Susan interrupt you? (continually)

Does Betty listen to pop music? (always)

Does Gordon make mistakes? (continually)

Does Barbara fall downstairs? (constantly)

Does Jane talk about herself? (constantly)

Does Betty argue with people? (continually)

Does Robert say the wrong thing? (constantly)

Does Sally change her boyfriend? (always)

Does Helen find fault with John? (continually)

Does Jean split coffee down her dress? (always)

PRESENT CONTINUOUS - EXERCISE 3 *

(* English Structure Practice - Gordon Drummond)

Ex.: Paul´s a teacher.
What is he doing now?
He´s teaching now.

Sue´s a journalist.
What is she doing now?
She´s writing an article now.

Jean´s a typist.
What is she ...................... now?
She´ ...................................... now.

Betty´s a dancer.
What ........ she ....................... now?
She´ ........................................... now.

Len´s a bus driver.
What ....... he ............................ now?
He´ .................................................now.

Sue´s a tennis player.
................................................. now?
She´ .............................................now

Jim and Bob are teachers.
..........................................................?
They´ ...................................................

David´s an author. (write)
...........................................................?
.............................................................

Paul´s a dentist (extract)
..........................................................?
...........................................................

Gordon´s a salesman. (sell)
.........................................................?
...........................................................

Betty´s a housewife. (clean)
..........................................................?
..........................................................

Michael´s a doctor. (examine)
..........................................................?
...........................................................

Sheila´s a secretary. (answer the phone)
..........................................................?
.......................................................................

Mary and Jim are tourists. (visit the museum)
...........................................................?
..........................................................

THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS - EXERCISE 2 *

(* English Structure Practice - Gordon Drummond)

Ex.: Susan (sleep - read)
Is Susan sleeping?
No, she isn´t. She´s reading.

Paul (read - write)
Is Paul reading?
No, he isn´t. He´s writing.

Don (type - dictate)
Is Don .......................................?
No, he isn´t. He´s .........................

Susan (speak - listen)
Is Susan ..................................?
No, she isn´t. She´s ..............................

Paul (get dressed - wash)
....... Paul ..................... dressed?
No, he ..................... He´..........................

Bob (watch TV - have a meal)
....... Bob ...................... TV?
No, he ................... He´ ...............................

Mr Brown (shave - have a shower)
......................................................................
No, ...............................................................

Gordon (have a rest - go to work)
.....................................................................
No, ..............................................................

Sally and Betty (get up - go to bed)
.....................................................................
.....................................................................

John and Adrian (play golf - tennis)
.....................................................................
.....................................................................

Bob (do his work - look out of the window)
........................................................................
........................................................................

Richard (have a cup of tea - a cup of coffee)

John (go to the supermarket - department store)

Susan (go to the shops - come back from the shops)

THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS - EXERCISE *

(* English Structure Practice - Gordon Drummond)


Ex.: Mary - learn English
What´s Mary doing?
She´s learning English.

John - have a drink
What is John doing?
He´s having a drink.

they - come to class
What are they doing?
They are coming to class.

you - learn English
What are you ...................?
I am ........................ English.

Sally - speak to Peter
What is ..................................?
She´................................. to Peter.

they - go into the hotel
What are ..............................?
They ................................ into the hotel.

Susan - study
What ...................................?
She` .........................................

Paul - watch TV
.................................................?
He´ ...........................................

the girls - play a record
.................................................?
They .........................................

Paul - help Beth
.................................................?
He´ ...........................................

the men - dance
.................................................?
They ........................................

the man - look at Anne
.................................................?
..................................................

Sally - sleep
.................................................?
..................................................

the women - wash clothes

the woman - clean the room

Alice - do homework

the child - play

the children - make a noise

Harry - read a book

Bob - take a walk

Mary - have a swim

the boys - do nothing

they - listen to the radio

PRESENTE CONTÍNUO - PRESENT CONTINUOUS *

(* English Structure Practice - Gordon Drummond)

O Presente Contínuo expressa:

- uma ação temporária em progresso no momento presente;
- um acordo futuro.

Ex.: I am visiting Mexico next week.
She is leaving for New York tomorrow.

- uma atividade temporária ocorrendo não exatamente neste momento.

Ex.: They are building a new school over there.
We are having central heating installed.

- a repetição constante de um evento (com always ou um adjunto adverbial similar)

Ex.: Mary is always smoking.
John is continually making mistakes.

I am learning English now.
You are having a lesson now.
He is watching TV now.
She is working in Paris now.
It is raining hard now.
We are studying here now.
They are writing letters now.

PASSADO SIMPLES (SIMPLE PAST) *

(* English Structure Practice - Gordon Drummond)

Paul - last night (cinema)
What did Paul do last night?
He went to the cinema.

you - last night
What did you do last night?
I visited some friends.

Bob - last night (bar)
What .......... Bob............... last night?
He .............................. to a bar.

you - last night
What ........ you .................................?
I .........................................................

Mary - on the beach (sunbathe)
What .................................................?
............................................................

you - on the beach
What .................................................
...........................................................

Tom - at the station (ticket)
...........................................................
...........................................................

you - at the station
...........................................................
...........................................................

Jim - at the office (work)
...........................................................
...........................................................

you - at the office
...........................................................
...........................................................

Susan - after tea (bath)
...........................................................
...........................................................

you - after tea

Joe - last Friday (go racing)

you - last Friday

John - at the club (dinner)

you - at the club

Anne - during the lesson (sleep)

you - during the lesson

John - last Saturday (tennis)

you - last Saturday

Mary - at the party (talk)

you - at the party

PASSADO SIMPLES NEGATIVO - SIMPLE PAST NEGATIVE *

(* English Structure Practice - Gordon Drummond)

NEGATIVE STATEMENT NEGATIVE QUESTION

I didn´t buy it yesterday. Didn´t I buy it yesterday?
You didn´t work yesterday. Didn´t you work yesterday?
He didn´t stay long yesterday. Didn´t he stay long yesterday?
She didn´t know that yesterday. Didn´t she know that yesterday?
It didn´t bite you yesterday. Didn´t it bite you yesterday?
We didn´t go yesterday. Didn´t we go yesterday?
They didn´t come yesterday? Didn´t they come yesterday?

Note: didn´t = did not

Bill and Bob took some cake. (bread)
They didn´t take any bread.
Didn´t they take any bread?
No, they didn´t.

George went into de bedroom. (lounge)
He didn´t go into the lounge.
Didn´t he go into the lounge?
No, he didn´t.

Peter saw Jim outside the cinema. (chemist´s)
He didn´t see him outside the chemist´s.

I sat on the chair. (sofa)
I .......... ............... on the sofa.
..................................................?
..................................................

Peter found his wallet. (money)
He .......... ............... his money.
..........................................................?
..........................................................

Jill broke her watch. (necklace)
She .................................................
........................................................?
........................................................

Jim wanted to see the zoo. (park)
He .....................................................
............................................................?
............................................................

Philip chose a Ferrari. (Cadillac)
He .....................................................
...........................................................?
...........................................................

Peter repeated the word. (sentence)
He .........................................................
...............................................................?
...............................................................

Mr Smith loved his secretary. (wife)
...............................................................
...............................................................?
...............................................................

Alice sent Paul a postcard. (letter)
............................................................
............................................................?
............................................................

Jack visited Betty last night. (Mary)
...............................................................
...............................................................?
...............................................................

I advised Bob to buy a car. (scooter)
...............................................................
...............................................................?
...............................................................

John stood up when Mary came in. (Sue)
.......................................................................
........................................................................?
........................................................................

The men built a hotel. (block of flats)
.......................................................................
.......................................................................?
......................................................................

John asked Peter a question. (for help)
.......................................................................
.......................................................................?
.......................................................................

The girls enjoyed the party. (ride home)
........................................................................
........................................................................?
........................................................................

The dog followed Jim into the shop. (bank)
...........................................................................
...........................................................................?
...........................................................................

John wore a suit to the concert. (the dance)
............................................................................
............................................................................?
............................................................................

Sally lost her glasses at the theatre. (ring)
............................................................................
............................................................................?
............................................................................

I told Tom to remain a bachelor. (get married.)
...................................................................................
...................................................................................?
...................................................................................

Paul understood the first question. (the second)
....................................................................................
....................................................................................?
....................................................................................

Dick waited for me outside my room. (in the hall)
......................................................................................
......................................................................................?
......................................................................................

PASSADO SIMPLES (SIMPLE PAST) *

(* English Structure Practice - Gordon Drummond)

Sally´s always catching colds. (last week)
- Did she catch a cold last week?
- Yes, she did. She caught a cold last week.

I write some letters every day. (yesterday)
- Did you write any letters yesterday?
- Yes, I did. I wrote some letters yesterday.

Jane teaches English. (last year)
- .......... Jane ............... English last year?
- Yes, she did. She ............... English last year.

I know John (before he came here)
- .......... you ............... John before he came here?
- Yes, I did. I ............... John before he came here.

Peter often sees Mary. (last night)
- ................................................. last night?
- Yes, he did. ............................................. last night.

Mary uses the phone. (a minute ago)
- ................................................ a minute ago?
- Yes, she did. ......................................... a minute ago.

Joe has a cup of tea (this morning)
- ............................................................ this morning?
- Yes, he did. .......................................................................

John finishes work early (yesterday)
- ........................................................... yesterday?
- Yes, he did. .......................................................................

Anne often calls on Susan. (last week)
- .......................................................... last week?
- Yes, .................. .................................................................

Peter usually sleeps well (last night)
- ......................................................... last night?
- Yes, ................. ..................................................................

I usually leave before Bob. (last Friday)
- ........................................................ last Friday?
- .........., .............. .................................................................

Sally feels all right. (yesterday)
- ....................................................... yesterday?
- .........., ............... ................................................................

Betty has a nap before dinner. (yesterday)
- ............................................................................................
- ........., .............. ..................................................................

That firm sells thirty cars a week. (last week)
- ............................................................................................
- .........., ............... ................................................................

Bob lends Jim some money every week. (last week)
- ............................................................................................
- .........., ............... ................................................................

Michael often looks in his dictionary. (just now)
- ............................................................................................
- .........., ............... ................................................................

Mary rings us up when she wants to talk. (yesterday)
- ............................................................................................
- .........., ............... ................................................................

Sue cleans the rooms every morning. (yesterday morning.)
- .....................................................................................................
- .........., ............... .........................................................................

Paul often comes at 9 o´clock. (the day before yesterday)
- .....................................................................................................
- .........., ............... .........................................................................

Mr White lets Helen stay out late every night. (last night)
- .....................................................................................................
- .........., ............... .........................................................................

I usually stay at the best hotels. (last time you went abroad)
- .......................................................................................................
- .........., ............... ...........................................................................

I pay my bills at the end of the month. (the end of last month)
- ..........................................................................................................
- ........., ............... ...............................................................................

PASSADO SIMPLES (SIMPLE PAST) *

(* English Structure Practice - Gordon Drummond)

Mary went to Panama.
Did Mary go to Panama?
Yes, she did.

Mary arrived on Monday.
Did Mary arrive on Monday?
Yes, she did.

Mary saw Paul in London.
Did Mary see Paul in London?
Yes, she did.

Mary had a cigarette.
........ Mary ............... a cigarette?
Yes, she ...............

Mary looked at George.
........ Mary ............... at George?
Yes, she ...............

Mary came to class late.
..................................................
..................................................

Mary went dancing last night.
..................................................
..................................................

Mary got a present from Sandra.

Mary wrote a letter before class.

Mary knew Jim before he came here.

Mary forgot to ask the man his name.

Mary put on a coat before going out.

Mary spoke to Anne in the TV room.

Mary had dinner very late last night.

Mary read the letter before breakfast.

Mary took a business mangement course.

Mary ran down the road to catch the bus.

Mary made a lot of unnecessary mistakes.

Mary gave Jim some help with his homework.

Mary learnt some English before coming here.

Mary bought something for her flat yestarday.

Mary caught a cold after swimming in the sea.

Mary remembered to bring her books yesterday.

PASSADO SIMPLES (SIMPLE PAST) *

(* English Structure Practice - Gordon Drummond)

I do my homework.
I did my homework
Did you do your homework?
Yes, I did my homework.

I have a car.
I had a car.
Did you have a car?
Yes, I had a car.

I go to New York.
I went to New York.
Did you go to New York?
Yes, I went to New York.

I see Peter.
I .......... Peter.
...... you .......... Peter?
Yes, I .......... Peter.

I get a present.
I .......... a present.
...... you .......... a present?
Yes, I .......... a present.

I know John.
I .......... John.
...... you .......... John?
Yes, I .......... John.

I speak to Mary.
I ............ to Mary.
........ you ............ to Mary?
Yes, I ............ to Mary?

I read the book.
I ............ the book.
........ you ............ the book?
Yes, I ............ the book.

I write a letter.
I ............ a letter.
........ you ............ a letter?
Yes, I ............ a letter.

I put on my coat.
I ............ on my coat.
........ you ............ on your coat?
Yes, I ............ on my coat.

I eat at 1 pm.
I ............... at 1 pm.
.......... you ............... at 1 pm?
Yes, I ............... at 1 pm.

I begin at 9 am.
I ............... at 9 am.
........ you ............... at 9 am?
Yes, I ............... at 9 am.

I swim in the sea.
I ............... in the sea.
....... you ............... in the sea?
Yes, I ............... in the sea.

I run for the bus.
I ............... for the bus.
........ you ............... for the bus?
Yes, ..................................................

I forget his name.
I ............... his name.
........ you ..........................................
Yes, ..................................................

I give her a pen.
I ............... her a pen.
..........................................................
..........................................................

I bring my books.
I .......................................................
..........................................................
..........................................................

I buy some shoes.
..........................................................
..........................................................
..........................................................

I catch a cold.

I teach Susan.

I sell my car.

I feel well.

I take a train.

I keep a pet.

I shake hands.

I leave early.

I stand up.

I meet Mary.

I wear a suit.

I sleep well.

I hold a party.

I tear my coat.

I sit down.

I say "Hello".

I choose a gift.

I lend her a pen.

I find the money.

I spend a lot.

I let the cat go.

I lose my watch.

I think about her.

I tell her to come.

I learn the words.

I understand him.

I send a letter.

I break a window.

I build a wall.

I throw it away.

PASSADO SIMPLES (PAST SIMPLE)*

(* English Structure Practice - Gordon Drummond)

O passado simples é usado para indicar ações ou estados passados. Advérbios de tempo passado acompanham frequentemente este tempo.

Ex.: - Peter saw the film last night.
I came to this country three weeks ago.
Steve was here for a month last year.
The two men were promoted in July.
Mary stayed in Canada during the summer.
Harry got up when Sally came in.
I set the table while Anne got (was getting) the meal ready.
I drank all the milk in one gulp.

Afirmativa Interrogativa
I worked well yesterday. Did I work well yesterday?
You studied yesterday. Did you study yesterday?
He wanted a drink yesterday. Did he want a drink yesterday?
She used the car yesterday. Did she use the car yesterday?
It rained yesterday. Did it rain yesterday?
We needed John yesterday. Did we need John yesterday?
They played tennins yesterday. Did they play tennis yesterday?

Exercise:

I use a pen. I used a pen. Did you use a pen? Yes, I did.
I cook dinner. I cooked dinner. Did you cook dinner? Yes, I did.
I wait for John. I waited for John. Did you wait for John? Yes, I did.
I look at Mary. I ............. at Mary. ...................... at Mary? Yes, I ......
I smoke. I ............. ........................ ? Yes, I ......
I need a stamp. I ............. a stamp. ........................ a stamp? Yes, I ......
I expect to go. I ............. to go. ........................ to go? Yes, I ......
I dance well. I ............. well. ........................ well? Yes, I ......
I start the car. I ............. the car. ........................ the car? Yes, I ......
I stop going. I ............. going. ........................ going? Yes, I ......
I walk to work. I ............. to work. ........................ to work? Yes, I ......
I watch TV. I ............. TV. ....................... TV? Yes, I ......
I work at home. I .............. at home. ....................... at home? Yes, I ......
I like the film. I .............. the film. ....................... the film? Yes, I ......
I ask questions. I .............. questions. ....................... questions? Yes, I ......
I help myself. I .............. myself. ....................... yourself? Yes, I ......
I finish my work. I .............. my work. ....................... my work? Yes, I ......
I reach the end. I .............. the end. ....................... the end? Yes, I ......
I prefer to stay. I .............. to stay. ....................... to stay\/ Yes, I ......
I receive a card. I .............. a card. ....................... a card? Yes, I ......
I thank him. I .............. him. ...................... him? Yes, I ......
I remember her. I .............. her. ...................... her? Yes, I ......
I touch her hand. I .............. her hand. ...................... her hand. Yes, I ......
I wash my face. I .............. my face. ...................... your face? Yes, I ......
I try to open it. I .............. to open it. ...................... to open it? Yes, I ......
I lock the door. I .............. the door. ...................... the door? Yes, I ......
I answer the card. I .............. the card. ..................... the card? Yes, I ......
I notice her. I .............. her. ..................... her? Yes, I ......
I intend to go. I .............. to go. ...................... to go? Yes, I ......
I clean the room. I .............. the room. ...................... the room? Yes, I ......
I enjoy coming. I .............. coming. ...................... coming? Yes, I ......
I follow Susan. I .............. Susan. ...................... Susan? Yes, I ......
I trust Henry. I ............. Henry. ...................... Henry? Yes, I ......
I turn on the tap. I ............. the tap. ...................... the tap? Yes, I ......
I relax after work. I ............. after work. ..................... after work? Yes, I ......
I stay at the hotel. I ............. at the hotel. ..................... at the hotel? Yes, I ......
I call at his house. I ............. at his house. ..................... at his house? Yes, I ......
I post the letters. I ............. the letters. ..................... post the letters? Yes, I ......
I repeat the word. I ............. the word. ..................... repeat the word? Yes, I ......