Lesson 1

2. Modal Auxiliary Verbs: they are used with ordinary verbs to express ideas, such as ability, possibility,
probability, permission, intention, obligation, advice etc. Modal auxiliaries generally show present and
near future. To use them in interrogative form, we move them to the beginning to a sentence. To use
them in negative form, we use the word not after them.

They are: can, could, may, might, must, will, would, shall and should.

Usages of Modal Auxiliary Verbs

Can & Could:

1. Ability: can shows present ability while could shows past ability. The short form of cannot is can’t,
and the short form of could not is couldn’t. Cannot can also be spelt can not.
e.g. Sir Idrees can speak English fluently. He can’t swim in the ocean.
When he was young, he could run fast. I couldn’t call you due to low reception.

2. Possibility: can shows present possibility while could shows both present and past possibility.
e.g. This room can hold thirty students comfortably. If you don’t study, you could fail.
I could give you some money if you had asked.

3. Request: could is more formal than can when we make a request.

e.g. Can you help me left this table? Could you bring me a glass of water, please?

4. Permission: could is more polite or formal than can when we ask for permission.
Note: Only can is used to give or refuse permission.
e.g. “Can we go home now?” “No, you can’t.” “Could I sit here?” “Yes, you can.”

May & Might:

1. Possibility: may is stronger than might when they show possibility. The short form of may not is
mayn’t, and the short form of might not is mightn’t.
e.g. It may rain tonight. (There’s around 50 % chance that it will rain tonight.)
It might rain tonight. (There’s around 30 % chance that it will rain tonight.)

2. Permission: may is more polite or formal than might when we ask for permission.
Note: Only may is used to give or refuse permission.
e.g. “May we use your office?” “Yes, you may.” “Might I borrow your car?” “No, you may not.”

3. Suggestion: might is more polite than may when we make a suggestion.

e.g. May I suggest that you consider the matter seriously?
You might use the Internet if you need more information.
Lesson 2

Will:
1. Future Occurrences: will is used to show what will happen in the future. The short form of will not is
won’t. Will can be shortened with subject pronouns as ’ll.
e.g. The new class will start next Saturday.
She’ll arrive at 6:00 p.m. I hope she won’t be late.

2. Willingness: will is used to show that someone is willing or ready to do something.

e.g. Mr. Haqyar will pay us the salary.
The baby won’t eat anything.

3. Possibility: will is used to show what is possible.

e.g. This car will hold five people comfortably.
This phone will cost you more than what you expected.

4. Offer/Invitation: will is used to offer something to someone, or to invite them to do something.

e.g. Will you have some more tea?
Won’t you have a seat?

5. Inference: will is used to say that you think something is true.

e.g. That will be Dad coming home now.

Shall:
1. Future Occurrences: shall is used to show what will happen in the future when its subject is first
person. The short form of shall not is shan’t.
e.g. I shall be away next week.
We shall finish this book by Wednesday.

2. Suggestion: shall is used to make a suggestion, or ask a question that you want the other person to
decide about.
e.g. Shall I open the window?
What shall I get for dinner?

Must:
1. Strong Obligation: must is used when you have to do something because it is necessary or important,
or because of a law or order. The short form of must not is mustn’t. The first t in the short form is silent.
e.g. It’s getting late. I really must go.
Accidents must be reported to the safety officer.
All passengers must wear seat belts.
2. Inference: must is used to say that you think something is very likely to be true.
e.g. There must be something wrong with the engine.
She must be nearly 90 years old now.
He must have some problem.

3. Suggestion: must is used to suggest that someone should do something, especially because you think
they will enjoy it, or you think it is a good idea.
e.g. You must come and stay with us in Jalalabad some time.
We must do this again. I’ve enjoyed it thoroughly.
You must try these chicken pieces. They are really tasty.
Lesson 3

Would:
1. Imagination: would is used when we talk about the result of a possible or imagined situation or
event. The short form of would not is wouldn’t. Would can be shortened with subject pronouns as ’d.
e.g. He would like this gift.
He’d be affected by cancer if he doesn’t quit smoking.

2. Request: would is used to ask someone politely to do something.

e.g. Would you shut the window, please?
Would you mind waiting outside?

3. Offer/Invitation: would is used to offer something to someone or invite them somewhere politely.
e.g. Would you some coffee?
Would you like to come with us?

Should:
1. Mild Obligation: should is used to show obligation. It is less strong than must. The short form of
should not is shouldn’t.
e.g. Passengers should proceed to gate 12.
Children shouldn’t play in the street.

2. Advice: should is used to give or ask for advice.

e.g. You should stay in bed until you feel better.
Should I trust him?
You should listen to elders.

3. Expectation: should is used to say that you expect something to happen or be true.
e.g. Keep calling him. He should be home by now.
It should be a nice day tomorrow.
We should win the match.

4. Possibility: should is used to talk about something that may possibly happen or be true.
e.g. With his talent, he should get a good job.
If you should need any help, you can call me.
Lessons 1, 2 and 3 Practice
Fill in the blanks using MUST, MUSTN’T, SHOULD, SHOULDN’T, MIGHT, CAN, CAN’T.

1. Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Rahman _________________ be good players. They have won several
matches!

2. I’m not sure where my wife is at the moment. She _________________ be at her dance class.

3. It _________________ rain today. It’s getting cloudy already.

4. Jerry _________________ be working today. He never works on Sundays.

5. You _________________ be 18 to see that film.

6. You _________________ hear this story. It’s very funny.

7. Dad _________________ go and see a doctor. His cough is getting worse all the time.

8. You don’t have to shout. I _________________ hear you very well.

9. It _________________ be him. I saw him a week ago, and he didn’t look like that.

10. You look pretty tired. I think you _________________ go to bed early tonight.

11. Let me look. I _________________ be able to help you.

12. “Children, you _________________ cross the street if the lights are red!”

13. You _________________ sit so near the TV. It’s bad for your eyes.

14. I’m sorry but I _________________ give you a lift because my car is broken.

15. I _________________ stop and talk to you now. I have to get to the library.

16. You really _________________ go to the Louvre if you’re in Paris. It’s wonderful.

17. John doesn’t need a calculator. He _________________ do sums in his head.

18. I don’t know where Kelly is. She _________________ be at her sister’s.

19. You have passed all your tests. You _________________ be very pleased with yourself.

20. You _________________ smoke in your car, especially if there are children sitting in the back.
Lesson 4

Semi Modal Auxiliaries: they have similar grammatical usage as modal auxiliaries.
They are: ought to, have to, have got to, be going to, be supposed to, used to, had better, would rather
etc.

Ought to: ought to has similar usages as should. The short form of ought not is oughtn’t. In short
answers and in nonassertive sentences, to can be left out.

1. Mild Obligation: ought to is used to show obligation. It is less strong than must.
e.g. I ought to go now.
You oughtn’t (to) stay out late at night.

2. Advice: ought to is used to say that someone should do something because it is the best or most
sensible thing to do.
e.g. You really ought to quit smoking.
You ought to meet him. He’s really nice.

3. Expectation: ought to is used to show what the expected situation is.

e.g. Sir Shapoor ought to be here soon. He left home at 5 a.m.
They ought to win. They are trained hard enough.

Have to & have got to: have to and have got to have the same meaning except that have got to is more
often used in spoken English. For third person singular, has to and has got to are used. Their negative
forms are don’t have to and doesn’t have to.
If you have to do something, you must do it because it is necessary or because someone makes you do
it.
e.g. I have to be at the hospital at 4 o’clock. = I have got to be at the hospital at 4 o’clock.
We don’t have to rush. There’s plenty of time.

Note: have got to and can be shortened to got to (gotta) in informal English.
e.g. I have got to go now. = I got to go now.

Be going to: it is used to talk about what will happen in the future or what one intends to do. Going to
can be shortened to gonna in informal English.
e.g. The weather is cloudy. It is going to rain later.
I’m gonna tell Dad what you just said.

Be supposed to:
1. Rule/law: it is used to say what someone should or should not do, especially because of rules or what
someone in authority has said.
e.g. We are supposed to check out the hotel by 11 o’clock.
I’m not supposed to tell anyone.
2. Expectation: it is used to say what is expected or intended to happen.
e.g. The new laws are supposed to prevent crime.
You are supposed to come to the party.

3. Unexpected Situation: it is used to say what was expected to happen, especially when it did not
happen. Here, we use the past form of be supposed to.
e.g. The meeting was supposed to take place on Tuesday.
Sir Noorulhaq was not supposed to be in this room.

Used to: if something used to happen or used to exist, it happened or existed in the past, but does not
happen or exist now. Its negative form is didn’t use to.
e.g. He used to go to our school.
You didn’t use to like okra when you were a child.
There used to be a large car park near our house.

Had better: it is used to warn/advise someone (including ourselves) strongly in order to avoid a
problem or danger. It is more urgent than should.
The negative form of had better is had better not. Had better is followed by the root form of a verb (i.e.
a verb without to).
e.g. We had better stay in when it is snowing. We had better to stay in when it is snowing.
You had better not come late to class.
You had better stay away from my car.

Would rather: it is used to show preference. It is also followed by the root form of a verb.
e.g. He would rather remain single than marry that quarrelsome lady.
He would rather to remain single than marry that quarrelsome lady.
I would rather stay home than go out in this hot weather.
Would you rather have tea or coffee?
Lesson 4 Practice 1
Complete these sentences with used to or didn’t use to.
1. What did you _______ throw away?
2. We _______ throw things away.
3. We _______ keep things we might want later.
4. I _______________ enjoy getting up early, but I do now.
5. I _______________ be worried about the environment, but I am now.
6. I _______________ be afraid of flying, but I’m not anymore.
7. I _______________ know how to use a computer, but I do now.
8. I _______________ play the guitar, but I do now.
9. I _______________ ride a bike, but I don’t any more.
10. I _______________ collect stamps, but I don’t any more.

Lesson 4 Practice 2
Fill in the blanks with rather or better. This grammar exercise tests your ability to use would rather and
had better correctly.
1. You'd _________________ turn that music down before dad gets angry.

2. I'd _________________ go by train. It is cheaper than the car.

3. It is 8 o'clock. I'd _________________ put the kids to bed.

4. You'd _________________ mend your ways. If you don't there will be trouble.

5. 'Can I read your letters?' 'You'd _________________ not'

6. 'Can I come tomorrow?' 'I'd _________________ you didn't.'

7. You'd _________________ not call him names.

8. I'd _________________ you didn't talk to her again.

9. You'd _________________ get your vaccinations if you are going abroad.

10. She'd _________________ be on time or else there will be trouble.

11. I'd _________________ you helped me with the housework.

12. You'd _________________ pay me back.

Lesson 5 Questions

Yes/No Questions: Yes/No questions are those questions that are normally answered using yes or
no. We generally use the same verb in the answer which is used in the question. We use a comma or a
period after the words yes and no.
e.g. Are you nervous about your exams? Yes. /Yes, I am. /Yes. I’m very nervous.
Can you speak Arabic? No. /No, I can’t. /No. I can’t speak Arabic.
Is this your phone? Yes. /Yes, it is. /Yes. It is mine.

WH/Information Questions: they are asked using WH question words and answered by giving
information rather than using yes or no.
WH question words are: who, whom, whose, what, which, when, where, why and how.

Question Word Usage Example

Who People (as subject & object) Who is talking to you? Who are you talking to?
Whom People (as object) Whom are you talking to?
Whose Possession and relation Whose pen is this? Whose brother are you?
What Things and activities What is in your hand? What are you doing?
Which Choice Which car would like to buy?
When Time When did you come from Kabul?
Where Place Where would you like to go for lunch?
Why Reason and purpose Why are you crying? Why did you do that?
How Method, quality, quantity etc. How can I do it? How far is it to Kabul?

Structures for Information Questions: We generally use the following structure:

Question Word + Helping Verb + Subject + Main Verb + Rest of Sentence
e.g. When will you graduate? Who did you ask for help?

Note: For who and what, we use the following structure when they function as subjects.
Question Word + Main Verb + Rest of Sentence
e.g. Who is coming for dinner? What happened?

Intonation Questions: intonation questions are basically yes/no questions which have the structure
of a statement but the tone of a question. They are used to show surprise.
e.g. You are going to Paris?
He failed the test?
She is resigning?
Lesson 6

Tag Questions: a tag question is a short yes/no question that is added to the end of a statement for
confirmation or agreement.
A tag question used for confirmation uses a rising intonation, while a tag question used for agreement
uses a falling intonation. A comma is used to separate the main clause from the tag clause.

e.g. Khalid is very stubborn, isn’t he? He can’t speak Pashaee, can he?
Main clause Tag clause Main clause Tag clause

Rules:
1. Main clause and tag clause should be opposite in form (if main clause is positive, tag clause
should be negative and vice versa).
e.g. He is a multilingual, isn’t he? He is a multilingual, is he?
She shouldn’t go, should she? She shouldn’t go, shouldn’t she?

Words such as, never, seldom, rarely, hardly (ever), scarcely, nobody/no one, nothing,
nowhere, neither, unless etc… are themselves negative, so the tag questions for the statements
containing any of the words mentioned above should be positive.
e.g. She never breaks a promise, does she?
I went nowhere yesterday, did I?

2. A tag question is normally added to the end of a statement not a question.

e.g. Is he a basketball player, isn’t he?

3. We use the same verbs, same pronouns and same tenses in both main clause and tag clause.
e.g. He was at the meeting, wasn’t he?
He was at the meeting, isn’t he?
He was at the meeting, wasn’t she?
He was at the meeting, didn’t he?
Note: since simple present and simple past affirmative statements have no helping verbs, we use to do
verbs in tag clauses (except to be verbs which are used themselves in tag clauses).
e.g. You know him very well, don’t you?
She had a great time, didn’t she?

4. We use pronouns in a tag clause not nouns.

e.g. Ahmad will help you, won’t he?
Ahmad will help you, won’t Ahmad?

5. We commonly use the short form of a negative verb in tag clause. To use full form, subject has
to be placed between the verb and the word not, which is a formal style.
e.g. He is such a loser, isn’t he? He is such a loser, is he not? He is such a loser, is not he?
Note: since am not has no short form, instead we use aren’t or ain’t for the subject I in a tag clause.
e.g. After all I am your best friend, aren’t/ain’t I?

6. Demonstrative pronouns are not used in tag clauses. Instead, we use subject pronouns.
e.g. This is your responsibility, isn’t it?
Those are some beautiful cars, aren’t they?

7. Indefinite pronouns are not used in tag clauses. Instead, we use subject pronouns. For pronouns
referring to things, we use it, while for pronouns referring to people, we use they.
e.g. Something is wrong with him, isn’t it?
Somebody must call the police, mustn’t they?
Someone is waiting for you in the office, aren’t they?

8. For an imperative statement, the tag clauses are: will you, won’t you, can’t you etc.
e.g. Open the door, can’t you?
Shut up, will you?

Lesson 6 Practice
Add a tag ending to the following statements.
1. Sir Idress is at Mia Aslam Plaza, ________________?
2. You are a teacher, ________________?
3. We aren’t late for the class, ________________?
4. Sir Israr shouldn’t worry about the new curriculum, ________________?
5. Khalid can’t buy a used laptop, ________________?
6. We should keep studying English, ________________?
7. He will make friends soon, ________________?
8. They can’t find a house, ________________?
9. They won’t go back to Kabul, ________________?
10. I am not going to see that movie, ________________?
11. They don’t know me well, ________________?
12. She doesn’t know how to drive, ________________?
13. The manager was absent today, ________________?
14. You don’t have problems with math, ________________?
15. The rent doesn’t include electricity bill, ________________?
16. The ceiling doesn’t leak, ________________?
17. Go home and take some rest, ________________?
18. Everything is fair in love and war, ________________?
19. These books belong to me, ________________?
20. They were here a few minutes ago, ________________?
Lesson 7 The Simple Present Tense Structure: basic form of a verb (+ s/es)

Forms of the Simple Present Tense

I work. The verb after third person singular has a
We work. final s/es.
You work.
They work. es is used with the verbs that end in sh, ch,
He works. x, s, z and o.
She works.
It works.
I do not work. We add do not or does not before the main
We do not work. verb to change a statement to negative
You do not work. form. Does not is used for third person
They do not work. singular and do not is used for other
He does not work. subjects. There is no s in third person
She does not work. singular verb in a negative statement.
It does not work. don’t = do not
doesn’t = does not
“Do I work?” “Yes, you do. /No, you don’t.” We add do or does at the beginning of a
“Do we work?” “Yes, you do. /No, you don’t.” statement to change it to interrogative
“Do you work?” “Yes, I do. /No, I don’t.” form. Does is used for third person singular
“Do they work?” “Yes, they do. /No, they don’t.” and do is used for other subjects. There is no
“Does he work?” “Yes, he does. /No, he doesn’t.” s in third person singular verb in an
“Does she work?” “Yes, she does. /No, she doesn’t.” interrogative sentence.
“Does it work?” “Yes, it does. /No, it doesn’t.”
“Don’t I work?” “Yes, you do. /No, you don’t.” We use negative interrogative sentences for
“Do we not work?” “Yes, you do. /No, you don’t.” confirmation or agreement. We mostly use
“Don’t you work?” “Yes, I do. /No, I don’t.” the short form (don’t/doesn’t) in a negative
“Do they not work?” “Yes, they do. /No, they don’t.” question. However, for a more formal use,
“Doesn’t he work?” “Yes, he does. /No, he doesn’t.” we use the full form, but the subject has to
“Does she not work?” “Yes, she does. /No, she doesn’t.” be placed between the (auxiliary) verb and
“Doesn’t it work?” “Yes, it does. /No, it doesn’t.” the subject.

I am ready. I’m = I am
We are ready. We’re = We are
You are ready. You’re = You are
They are ready. They’re = They are
He is ready. He’s = He is
She is ready. She’s = She is
It is ready. It’s = It is
I am not ready. Sentences containing a be verb are changed
We are not ready. to negative form by adding the word not
You are not ready. after them.
They are not ready. isn't = is not
He is not ready. aren’t = are not
She is not ready.
It is not ready.
“Am I ready?” “Yes, you are. /No, you are not.” To change a sentence containing a be verb
“Are we ready?” “Yes, you are. /No, you are not.” to interrogative form, we move the be verb
“Are you ready?” “Yes, I am. /No, I am not.” to the beginning of the sentence.
“Are they ready?” “Yes, they are. /No, they are not.”
“Is he ready?” “Yes, he is. /No, he is not.”
“Is she ready?” “Yes, she is./No, she is not.”
“Is it ready?” “Yes, it is./No, it is not.”
“Am I not ready?” “Yes, you are. /No, you are not.”
“Aren’t we ready?” “Yes, you are. /No, you are not.”
“Are you not ready?” “Yes, I am. /No, I am not.”
“Aren’t they ready?” “Yes, they are. /No, they are not.”
“Is he not ready?” “Yes, he is. /No, he is not.”
“Isn’t she ready?” “Yes, she is. /No, she is not.”
“Is it not ready?” “Yes, it is. /No, it is not.”

Usages of the Simple Present Tense

I get up at 5:00 every morning. The simple present is used to express regular and
I always eat egg for breakfast. habitual activities.
Water consists of hydrogen and oxygen. The simple present is used to express general
The world is round. truth.
Classes begin next week. The simple present can also express future time in
Ajmal’s plane arrives at 6:10 pm next Friday. a sentence concerning events that are on a
definite schedule. These sentences usually contain
future time words. Only a few verbs are used in
this way such as, open, close, begin, start, end,
finish, arrive, leave, come, return etc.
President M. Ashraf Ghani Visits Jalalabad City In news headlines, the simple present expresses a
past activity.
As police enter the room, they see a dead body. The simple present can be used to narrate a past
story or event to make the story more vivid.
Lesson 8 The Present Continuous/Progressive Tense

Structure: is/am/are + present participle form of verb

Forms of the Present Continuous/Progressive Tense

I am working. I’m = I am
We are working. We’re = We are
You are working. You’re = You are
They are working. They’re = They are
He is working. He’s = He is
She is working. She’s = She is
It is working. It’s = It is
I am not working. To change a statement to negative form, we
We are not working. add the word not after be verbs.
You are not working.
They are not working. isn't = is not
He is not working. aren’t = are not
She is not working.
It is not working.
“Am I working?” “Yes, you are. /No, you aren’t.” To change sentences to interrogative form,
“Are we working?” “Yes, you are. /No, you aren’t.” we move be verbs to the beginning of the
“Are you working?” “Yes, I am. /No, I am not.” sentences.
“Are they working?” “Yes, they are. /No, they aren’t.”
“Is he working?” “Yes, he is. /No, he isn’t.”
“Is she working?” “Yes, she is. /No, she isn’t.”
“Is it working?” “Yes, it is. /No, it isn’t.”
“Am I not working?” “Yes, you are. /No, you aren’t.”
“Aren’t we working?” “Yes, you are. /No, you aren’t.”
“Are you not working?” “Yes, I am. /No, I am not.”
“Aren’t they working?” “Yes, they are. /No, they aren’t.”
“Is he not working?” “Yes, he is. /No, he isn’t.”
“Isn’t she working?” “Yes, she is. /No, she isn’t.”
“Is it not working?” “Yes, it is. /No, it isn’t.”

Usages of the Present Continuous/Progressive Tense

I am reading my grammar book right now. The present continuous expresses an activity that
I need an umbrella because it is raining. is in progress (is occurring, is happening) right
now.
I am taking five courses this semester. The present progressive expresses a temporary
I am working on a new project these days. activity that began in the past, is continuing at
present and will probably end at some time in the
future.
My Dad has an appointment with a doctor. He is The present progressive maybe used to express
seeing the doctor next Tuesday. future time when the idea of the sentence
Sameer has already made his plans. He is leaving concerns a planned event or definite intention.
at noon tomorrow.
 A future meaning for the present progressive
tense is indicated either by future time words in
the sentence or by the context.

Note: stative verbs are not used in progressive tenses. Instead, we use the simple present tense even if
the activity is currently in progress.
e.g. I need a pen right now. I am needing a pen right now.

Spelling of -ing
END OF VERB  -ING FORM
Rule A consonant + -e  drop the -e and add -ing
1 smile  smiling
write  writing
One-Syllable Verbs

make  making
Rule One vowel + one consonant  double the consonant (except x) and add -ing
2 sit  sitting
run  running
stop  stopping
Rule A consonant + -ie  change -ie to -y and add -ing
3 die  dying
tie  tying
vie  vying
Two-Syllable Verbs
Ending in Stressed

One vowel + one consonant  double the consonant (except x) and add -ing
Syllable

begin  beginning
refer  referring
prefer  preferring

Lessons 7 & 8 Practice

Use the verbs in parentheses in simple present or present continuous form.

1. You (not / like) _________________________________ chocolate.

2. She (not / study) _________________________________ at the moment.
3. We often (go) _________________________________ to the cinema.
4. He usually (not / do) _________________________________ his homework.
5. They (not / eat) _________________________________ rice every day.
6. We (not / study) _________________________________ every night.
7. (You / like) _________________________________ spicy food?
8. (He / go) _________________________________ to Daronta often?
9. (He / eat) _________________________________ now?
10. We (go) _________________________________ to the museum this weekend.
11. They (study) _________________________________ now.
12. I (clean) _________________________________ the kitchen every day.
13. She (work) _________________________________ every Sunday.
14. We (not / sleep) _________________________________ now.
15. He (not / go) _________________________________ to the park very often.
16. It (rain) _________________________________ a lot here.
17. I (go) _________________________________ on holiday tomorrow.
18. How long (she / stay) _________________________________ in Kabul?
19. I often (read) _________________________________ at night.
20. We (not / drink) _________________________________ much milkshake.
Lesson 9 The Simple Past Tense Structure: past form of a verb

Forms of the Simple Present Tense

I worked.
We worked.
You worked.
They worked.
He worked.
She worked.
It worked.
I did not work.
We did not work. We add did not before the main verb to
You did not work. change a statement to negative form. We use
They did not work. the base form of a verb when the word did is
He did not work. used.
She did not work. didn’t = did not
It did not work.
“Did I work?” “Yes, you did. /No, you didn’t.”
“Did we work?” “Yes, you did. /No, you didn’t.” We add did at the beginning of a statement
“Did you work?” “Yes, I did. /No, I didn’t.” to change it to interrogative form.
“Did they work?” “Yes, they did. /No, they didn’t.”
“Did he work?” “Yes, he did. /No, he didn’t.”
“Did she work?” “Yes, she did. /No, she didn’t.”
“Did it work?” “Yes, it did. /No, it didn’t.”
“Did I not work?” “Yes, you did. /No, you didn’t.”
“Didn’t we work?” “Yes, you did. /No, you didn’t.”
“Did you not work?” “Yes, I did. /No, I didn’t.”
“Didn’t they work?” “Yes, they did. /No, they didn’t.”
“Did he not work?” “Yes, he did. /No, he didn’t.”
“Didn’t she work?” “Yes, she did. /No, she didn’t.”
“Did it not work?” “Yes, it did. /No, it didn’t.”

I was ready.
We were ready.
You were ready.
They were ready.
He was ready.
She was ready.
It was ready.
I was not ready. Sentences containing a be verb are changed
We were not ready. to negative form by adding the word not
You were not ready. after them.
They were not ready. wasn't = was not
He was not ready. weren’t = were not
She was not ready.
It was not ready.
“Was I ready?” “Yes, you are. /No, you are not.” To change a sentence containing a be verb to
“Were we ready?” “Yes, you are. /No, you are not.” interrogative form, we move the be verb to
“Were you ready?” “Yes, I am. /No, I am not.” the beginning of the sentence.
“Were they ready?” “Yes, they are. /No, they are not.”
“Was he ready?” “Yes, he is. /No, he is not.”
“Was she ready?” “Yes, she is. /No, she is not.”
“Is it ready?” “Yes, it is. /No, it is not.”
“Wasn’t I ready?” “Yes, you are. /No, you are not.”
“Were we not ready?” “Yes, you are. /No, you are not.”
“Weren’t you ready?” “Yes, I am. /No, I am not.”
“Were they not ready?” “Yes, they are. /No, they are not.”
“Wasn’t he ready?” “Yes, he is. /No, he is not.”
“Was she not ready?” “Yes, she is. /No, she is not.”
“Isn’t it ready?” “Yes, it is. /No, it is not.”

Usages of the Simple Past Tense

The simple past is used to talk about activities or
It rained yesterday. situations that began and ended in the past. The
Arzoo cooked dinner last night. time is usually specific. Most simple past verbs
take -ed at the end.
Sir Musawer Rahmani went to class early. Some verbs have irregular past tense forms.
Sir Murad Adil came to the office late.
I got up at 5:00 every morning during summer. The simple past is used to express past regular
I always ate egg for breakfast when I was a child. and habitual activities.

Spelling of -ed
END OF VERB  -ED FORM
Rule 1 A consonant + -e  add only -d
One-Syllable Verbs

smile  smiled
hope  hoped
like  liked
Rule 2 One vowel + one consonant  double the consonant (except x) and add -ed
mar  marred
plan  planned
stop  stopped
Verbs Ending in -y Two-Syllable Verbs
Ending in Stressed

One vowel + one consonant  double the consonant (except x) and add -ed
Syllable

admit  admitted
refer  referred
prefer  preferred

A consonant + -y  change -y to -i and add -ed

Following a
Consonant

try  tried
study  studied
like  liked
worry  worried
Lesson 10 The Past Continuous/Progressive Tense

Structure: was/were + present participle form of verb

Forms of the Past Continuous/Progressive Tense

I was working.
We were working.
You were working.
They were working.
He was working.
She was working.
It was working.
I was not working. To change a statement to negative
We were not working. form, we add the word not after be
You were not working. verbs.
They were not working.
He was not working. wasn't = was not
She was not working. weren’t = were not
It was not working.
“Was I working?” “Yes, you were. /No, you weren’t.” To change sentences to interrogative
“Were we working?” “Yes, you were. /No, you weren’t.” form, we move be verbs to the
“Were you working?” “Yes, I was. /No, I wasn’t.” beginning of the sentences.
“Were they working?” “Yes, they were. /No, they weren’t.”
“Was he working?” “Yes, he was. /No, he wasn’t.”
“Was she working?” “Yes, she was. /No, she wasn’t.”
“Was it working?” “Yes, it was. /No, it wasn’t.”
“Was I not working?” “Yes, you were. /No, you weren’t.”
“Weren’t we working?” “Yes, you were. /No, you weren’t.”
“Were you not working?” “Yes, I was. /No, I wasn’t.”
“Weren’t they working?” “Yes, they were. /No, they weren’t.”
“Was he not working?” “Yes, he was. /No, he wasn’t.”
“Wasn’t she working?” “Yes, she was. /No, she wasn’t.”
“Was it not working?” “Yes, it was. /No, it wasn’t.”

Usages of the Past Continuous/Progressive Tense

I was reading my grammar book last. The past continuous expresses an activity that was
I needed an umbrella because it was raining. in progress (was occurring, was happening) at
some time in the past.
While I was studying in one room, my brother Sometimes the past progressive is used when two
was having a party in the guest room. actions were in progress simultaneously.
While we were discussing an issue, Sir Imran was
giving information to some students.
The past progressive expresses an activity that
Laila was standing under a tree when it began to was in progress when another action happened.
rain. Both actions occurred in the past, but one action
 While I was walking down the street, someone began earlier and was in progress when the other
called me. action occurred.

when = at that time

while = during that time
Laila stood under a tree when it began to rain. If a sentence contains when and has the simple
When I dropped my cup, the coffee spilled on my past in both clauses, the action in the when-clause
lap. happens first.
Lessons 9 & 10 Practice
Use the verbs in parentheses in simple past or past continuous form.

1. He __________________ (sleep) when the doorbell __________________ (ring).

2. We __________________ (eat) dinner at 8 p.m. last night (we started eating at 7:30).
3. Yesterday I __________________ (go) to the post office, __________________ (buy) some fruit at the
supermarket and __________________ (read) a book in the park in the afternoon.

4. We __________________ (watch) TV when we __________________ (hear) a loud noise.

5. Sumaya __________________ (be) in the garden when her brother __________________ (arrive).

6. A: What __________________ (you / do) at 3 p.m. yesterday?

B: I __________________ (clean) my house.

7. Last year I __________________ (visit) Herat and Kandahar.

8. They __________________ (have) dinner when the police __________________ (come) to the door.

9. He __________________ (work) in the garden when he __________________ (find) the money.

10. Humaira __________________ (study) at 11 p.m. last night.

11. I __________________ (walk) along the road when I __________________ (meet) an old friend.

12. It __________________ (be) a day in winter. Snow __________________ (fall), children

__________________ (make) snowmen and people __________________ (do) their Eid shopping.

13. My ex-roommate __________________ (be) so annoying! He __________________ (always / miss)

the bus and __________________ (arrive) late.

14. When I __________________ (call) Juweria, she __________________ (work).

15. Why __________________ (you / cry) when I __________________ (arrive)?

16. When he __________________ (get) home, we started to eat dinner.

17. At 10 a.m. yesterday I __________________ (sit) on a bus.

18. I __________________ (enjoy) my book so much that I __________________ (not / notice) the train
had stopped.
19. Dawood __________________ (not / sleep) when I __________________ (arrive), he
__________________ (study)!

20. Mr. Rahmani __________________ (not / work) in the garden at 10 p.m. last night.
Lesson 11 The Simple Future Tense
Structure: will/be going to + base form of the verb

Forms of the Simple Future Tense

I will work.
We will work.
You will work.
They will work.
He will work.
She will work.
It will work.
I will not work. We add not after will to change a
We will not work. statement to negative form.
You will not work.
They will not work. won’t = will not
He will not work.
She will not work.
It will not work.
“Will I work?” “Yes, you will. /No, you won’t.” We move the word will to the
“Will we work?” “Yes, you will. /No, you won’t.” beginning of a sentence when
“Will you work?” “Yes, I will. /No, I won’t.” changing it to interrogative form.
“Will they work?” “Yes, they will. /No, they won’t.”
“Will he work?” “Yes, he will. /No, he won’t.”
“Will she work?” “Yes, she will. /No, she won’t.”
“Will it work?” “Yes, it does. /No, it won’t.”
“Will I not work?” “Yes, you will. /No, you won’t.”
“Won’t we work?” “Yes, you will. /No, you won’t.”
“Will you not work?” “Yes, I will. /No, I won’t.”
“Won’t they work?” “Yes, they will. /No, they won’t.”
“Will he not work?” “Yes, he will. /No, he won’t.”
“Won’t she work?” “Yes, she will. /No, she won’t.”
“Will it not work?” “Yes, it does. /No, it won’t.”

I’m going to be ready. I’m = I am

We’re going to be ready. We’re = We are
You’re going to be ready. You’re = You are
They’re going to be ready. They’re = They are
He’s going to be ready. He’s = He is
She’s going to be ready. She’s = She is
It’s going to be ready. It’s = It is
I’m not going to be ready. Sentences containing be going to
We aren’t going to be ready. are changed to negative form by
You aren’t going to be ready. adding the word not after the be
They aren’t going to be ready. verb.
He isn’t going to be ready. isn't = is not
She isn’t going to be ready. aren’t = are not
It isn’t going to be ready.
“Am I going to be ready?” “Yes, you are. /No, you are not.” To change a sentence containing
“Are we going to be ready?” “Yes, you are. /No, you are not.” be going to to interrogative form,
“Are you going to be ready?” “Yes, I am. /No, I am not.” we move the be verb to the
“Are they going to be ready?” “Yes, they are. /No, they are not.” beginning of the sentence.
“Is he going to be ready?” “Yes, he is. /No, he is not.”
“Is she going to be ready?” “Yes, she is. /No, she is not.”
“Is it going to be ready?” “Yes, it is. /No, it is not.”
“Am I not going to be ready?” “Yes, you are. /No, you are not.”
“Aren’t we going to be ready?” “Yes, you are. /No, you are not.”
“Are you not going to be ready?” “Yes, I am. /No, I am not.”
“Aren’t they going to be ready?” “Yes, they are. /No, they are not.”
“Is he not going to be ready?” “Yes, he is. /No, he is not.”
“Isn’t she going to be ready?” “Yes, she is. /No, she is not.”
“Is it not going to be ready?” “Yes, it is. /No, it is not.”

Usages of the Simple Future Tense

I will leave at 9 tomorrow morning. The simple future expresses something that will
Basheer is going to be in his office after his happen at some time in the future.
dentist appointment.
It will rain tonight. The simple future expresses predictions about the
It is going to be sunny tomorrow. future.

Be going to vs. Will

He is going to succeed because he works hard. Be going to and will mean the same when they
He will succeed because he works hard. are used to make predictions about the future.
I bought some wood because I am going to build Be going to (but not will) is used to express a
a bookcase for my apartment. prior plan (i.e. a plan made before the moment of
speaking).
The chair is too heavy for you to carry alone. I will Will (but not be going to) is used to express a
help you. decision the speaker makes at the moment of
speaking. The speaker decides or volunteers to
do something. He did not have a prior plan or
intention.
I will buy you a bicycle if you get the first position Will (but not be going to) is used to make a
at school. promise.
He’s going to get admission in engineering Be going to commonly shows near future, while
faculty next month. will shows either near future or a remote one.
He’ll get admission in engineering faculty next
month.
He’ll marry his dream girl someday.
He won’t resign (he will refuse to resign). The negative form of will showing intention
He is not going to resign (he does not have the shows refusal, while the negative form of be
intention to resign). going to showing intention means this speaker
does not intend to do something.
The elevator is going to break down (it is making Be going to shows that there are signs that
strange noises). something will happen. Will shows that the
The elevator will break down (maybe because it speaker assumes that something will happen.
is overloaded most often).
Lesson 12 The Future Continuous Tense
Structure: will/be going to + be + present participle form of the verb

Forms of the Future Continuous Tense

I will be working.
We will be working.
You will be working.
They will be working.
He will be working.
She will be working.
It will be working.
I will not be working. We add not after will to change
We will not be working. a statement to negative form.
You will not be working.
They will not be working. won’t = will not
He will not be working.
She will not be working.
It will not be working.
“Will I be working?” “Yes, you will. /No, you won’t.” We move the word will to the
“Will we be working?” “Yes, you will. /No, you won’t.” beginning of a sentence when
“Will you be working?” “Yes, I will. /No, I won’t.” changing it to interrogative
“Will they be working?” “Yes, they will. /No, they won’t.” form.
“Will he be working?” “Yes, he will. /No, he won’t.”
“Will she be working?” “Yes, she will. /No, she won’t.”
“Will it be working?” “Yes, it does. /No, it won’t.”
“Will I not be working?” “Yes, you will. /No, you won’t.”
“Won’t we be working?” “Yes, you will. /No, you won’t.”
“Will you not be working?” “Yes, I will. /No, I won’t.”
“Won’t they be working?” “Yes, they will. /No, they won’t.”
“Will he not be working?” “Yes, he will. /No, he won’t.”
“Won’t she be working?” “Yes, she will. /No, she won’t.”
“Will it not be working?” “Yes, it does. /No, it won’t.”

I’m going to be working. I’m = I am

We’re going to be working. We’re = We are
You’re going to be working. You’re = You are
They’re going to be working. They’re = They are
He’s going to be working. He’s = He is
She’s going to be working. She’s = She is
It’s going to be working. It’s = It is
I’m not going to be working. Sentences containing be going
We aren’t going to be working. to are changed to negative form
You aren’t going to be working. by adding the word not after
They aren’t going to be working. the be verb.
He isn’t going to be working. isn't = is not
She isn’t going to be working. aren’t = are not
It isn’t going to be working.
“Am I going to be working?” “Yes, you are. /No, you are not.” To change a sentence
“Are we going to be working?” “Yes, you are. /No, you are not.” containing be going to to
“Are you going to be working?” “Yes, I am. /No, I am not.” interrogative form, we move
“Are they going to be working?” “Yes, they are. /No, they are not.” the be verb to the beginning of
“Is he going to be working?” “Yes, he is. /No, he is not.” the sentence.
“Is she going to be working?” “Yes, she is. /No, she is not.”
“Is it going to be ready?” “Yes, it is. /No, it is not.”
“Am I not going to be working?” “Yes, you are. /No, you are not.”
“Aren’t we going to be working?” “Yes, you are. /No, you are not.”
“Are you not going to be working?” “Yes, I am. /No, I am not.”
“Aren’t they going to be working?” “Yes, they are. /No, they are not.”
“Is he not going to be working?” “Yes, he is. /No, he is not.”
“Isn’t she going to be working?” “Yes, she is. /No, she is not.”
“Is it not going to be ready?” “Yes, it is. /No, it is not.”

Usages of the Future Continuous/Progressive Tense

I will begin to study at seven. You will come at The future progressive expresses an activity that
eight. I will be studying when you come. will be in progress at a time in the future.

Don’t call me at nine because I won’t be home.

I’m going to be studying at the library.
Don’t call him at this time. He will be sleeping The future progressive expresses what is expected
now. to be in progress right now.
Lessons 11 & 12 Practice
Complete the sentences with the best form.

1. Shall I say hello to Saima? I ____________ to her today.

a) write b) be writing c) will be writing

2. Can I help you? I ____________ you that blouse.

a) will be showing b) will show c) won't show

3. Good Lord! The engine has stopped. - No problem. Bilal ____________ a look at it.

a) is having b) will have c) will be having

4. Why don't you have dinner with us? I ____________ anyway.

a) will be cooking b) cook c) am cooking

5. This time next week we ____________ round the Aegean Sea.

a) will sail b) sail c) will be sailing

6. If you take three books, you ____________ one book free.

a) are going to get b) will get c) are getting

7. I ____________ my work before they arrive.

a) will be finishing b) finish c) will finish

8. By the end of this century everyone ____________ English.

a) will be speaking b) speaks c) is going to speak