Verb Tense, Mood, And Voice

what are certain situations in which the present perfect tense is used almost exclusively rather than past simple tense?

For instance, when "since" is used to convey that a subject has engaged in an action "from the time of" or "from the time when," the present perfect tense or, as we will discuss soon, the past perfect tense is strongly preferred. She has worked with a vocal coach ever since her early years as a singer. The subject is no longer in her early years as a singer. However, she continues to work with a vocal coach, an action that began in years past and continues into the present.

simple past tense vs present perfect tense

In a sentence meant to convey simply that an action was completed in the past, the use of the simple past tense makes sense. In a sentence meant to convey that an event began in the past and continues into the present or that a past event has consequences that continue to exist in the present, the use of the present perfect tense makes sense.

present perfect tense is not required when "since" means "because."

Since he is the cutest dog in the park, I want to pet him.

what is the present perfect tense?

The present perfect tense is used in describing events in ways that connect the past to the present. One way in which the present perfect can connect the past to the present is by indicating that an event that began in the past continues to go on in the present. Another way is by indicating that an event that happened in the past continues to affect the present. Present perfect tense = "have" or "has" + past participle. I have lived here for five years. Since 1904, the Explorers' Club has served as a meeting point and unifying force for explorers and scientists worldwide. She has won the gold medal in the school spelling bee twice.

how does the subjunctive mood influence the mandatory selection of conditional mood in a sentence?

Version (1): If the movie were as good as the trailer, it will be very popular. Version (2): If the movie were as good as the trailer, it should be very popular. Version (3): If the movie were as good as the trailer, it would be very popular. In all three versions, the dependent clause that states the condition, "if the movie were as good as the trailer," is in the subjunctive mood, that's because of "were". the subjunctive mood indicates that what's being discussed is hypothetical. When we have a hypothetical situation, we need to use the conditional mood in the main clause. hence, 3rd version is correct.

what is a conditional sentence?

is a sentence that includes a dependent clause about a condition, which clause often begins with "if," and a main clause about the result of that condition. -- If it rains tomorrow, we will stay home and read. -- The song writer would have had a great career had he not become addicted to drugs.

Don't Be Thrown Off By Verb Voice Traps! all about the meaning.

Be careful not to be tempted into choosing an incorrect Sentence Correction answer choice just because it uses the active voice and, therefore, sounds a little more "normal" than other choices. Version (1): In the end, the more skilled candidate was elected by the citizens to the office of governor, an electoral outcome that boded well for the prospects of the state. Version (2): In the end, the citizens elected the more skilled candidate to the office of governor, resulting in an electoral outcome that boded well for the prospects of the state. the active voice construction of the clause in Version (2) might sound a little more "normal," or "right," than the slightly less concise but still correct passive voice wording of the clause Version (1). But consider the fact that the closing modifier in Version (2) is illogical, since the citizens who elected the more skilled candidate didn't "result in an outcome." The citizens' election of the more skilled candidate was an outcome, as is conveyed by Version (1).

when to use "was" vs "had" in conditional mood?

In sentences that describe hypothetical situations in which the condition existed in the past, the hypothetical conditions are often described via the use of "had," or "could have." If "was" is used, the condition is not hypothetical, it may have actually existed. If they had been more skilled in navigation, they would have arrived sooner. (hypothetical situation, described via the use of "had been" and the conditional "would ... have arrived") If this book was actually written in the 1600s, then the author was ahead of her time. (possibly actual situation, described via the use of the indicative "was ... written" and "was") my note; using of "was" should be in situations that we are not sure about the past event. the event is not completely hypothetical. we need to do some digging to confirm that hypothacy. admittedly, it is a bit difficult to distinguish the tone of the sentence in writing.

what are the types of continuous tense?

Present Continuous Tense The children are playing outside. (The action is temporarily ongoing.) The dog is running on the beach. (The action is temporarily ongoing.) The sun is setting over the Pacific Ocean. (The event is temporarily ongoing.) Past Continuous Tense The children were playing outside yesterday. (Action was ongoing but has ended.) The plane was flying over Paris one hour ago. (Event was ongoing but has ended.) Last night, the sun was setting over the ocean. (Event was ongoing but has ended.) Future Continuous Tense The children will be playing outside tomorrow. (An ongoing future action) The plane will be flying over Madrid in about five hours. (An ongoing future event) Astronomers will be studying the comet as it passes through the inner solar system. (An ongoing future action)

summary of simple future tense and future tense in the past

So, we have three possibilities that we have to keep straight: - The simple future, as in: John will complete the job within a week. or John is going to complete the job within a week. - The future in the past (used for discussing events that were in the future in the past and are now in the past or in the future), as in: John said that he would complete the job within a week. or John said that he was going to complete the job within a week. - The (considered acceptable by some people) simple future in a statement made in the past about future events (sometimes but not always used for discussing events that were in the future in the past and are still in the future), as in: John said that he will complete the job next week. or John said he is going to complete the job next week.

Using "Would" When Discussing A Habitual Action

When Lou Gehrig had time off from playing baseball, he would go boating on Long Island Sound. Before he got into building companies, Jirka Rysavy would spend long periods of time alone in the mountains. Notice what's being expressed by these sentences. The verbs "would go" and "would spend" don't refer to actions that were expected to happen in the future in the past. They refer to actions in which the subjects engaged habitually in the past. The first example expresses that Lou Gehrig habitually went boating. The second example expresses that Jirka Rysavy habitually spent long periods of time alone in the mountains.

how can you use "might" and "could" in a conditional mood?

- "might" + present perfect - "could" + present perfect If the runner up had prepared a little more for the audition, he might have gotten the part. Had they been less concerned about appearances and more concerned about their performance, they could have won. The climbers might have been able to reach the summit had the sunny weather continued for just a few more hours.

Must know (part 2) for subjunctive mood

1- In many cases, the subjunctive forms of verbs look just like the indicative forms. So, when answering Sentence Correction questions, we have to be concerned with the subjunctive only in cases such that subjunctive forms of the verbs used are different from indicative forms of the verbs used. 2- The subjunctive form of the verb "to be" used in command sentences is always "be." Other verbs used in command sentences will be expressed in their unconjugated form. -- The general requires that you be at your command post from midnight to 8 a.m. Incorrect: The general requires you be at your command post from midnight to 8 a.m. Incorrect: The general requires that you should be at your command post from midnight to 8 a.m. 3- Certain expressions followed by "that" should be followed by the command subjunctive.

There are two common situations in which the use of the past perfect is not necessary. list them.

1- The first is when "before" is used in the sentence; -- Kim inspected the airplane's engine before she sat in the cockpit. -- Cody brushed his teeth before he went to the dentist. 2- the second is when "after" is used. -- Freddie purchased the sailboat after he learned to sail. -- The stock's value rose after the company's disgraced CEO resigned. The word "before" makes the time sequences clear in these sentences, so we would not be required to say: Kim had inspected the airplane's engine before she sat in the cockpit. Cody had brushed his teeth before he went to the dentist. The use of the past perfect tense in the above variations is unnecessary, and the resulting sentences do not quite make sense.

Must know (part 1) for subjunctive mood

1- The subjunctive mood is used in statements that describe hypothetical or conditional situations, dreams, wishes, desires, or doubts. It is also used in specific command situations, such as in making a request or suggestion. 2- "If" clauses that describe hypothetical situations must use the subjunctive mood. The past subjunctive form of the verb "to be" is "were," and "were" is often used in sentences about hypothetical situations. -- If Sheri were to arrive early, the surprise would be ruined. -- Bankruptcy could be avoided if the city were to manage its finances better. 3- Another form of the subjunctive that can appear in a Sentence Correction question is formed via the combination of "were" and an infinitive. 4- To determine whether the indicative or the subjunctive should be used when we see "if," "as if," or "as though," we have to consider the context carefully. -- If the solar panels were ten percent larger, the system would generate enough power to completely cover the needs of the household.

what are some types of verb moods?

1- indicative; used for stating facts, assertions, and observations. -- The flowers smell good. -- Tomorrow, we will go to the beach. 2- imperative (uncommon on gmat) The imperative mood form of a verb is the infinitive of the verb without "to." So, for instance, the imperative form of "to take" is "take." -- Take a bath. ("Take" is the imperative form of "to take.") -- Don't throw away that letter. ("Do" is the imperative form of "to do.") 3- subjunctive 4-conditional.

Must know (part 3) for subjunctive mood

4- If we see in a Sentence Correction question one of the verbs or expressions commonly followed by the command subjunctive, we shouldn't assume that that verb or expression has to be followed by the command subjunctive. In such cases, we have to go beyond noticing whether the command subjunctive is used to evaluating each sentence version to determine whether that version makes sense. 5- Certain expressions followed by "that" should be followed by the command subjunctive. -- It is crucial that the battery remain cool. -- It is essential that the story not be released until after it has been confirmed. -- It is recommended that one learn to swim before engaging in certain water sports. 6- If we see in a Sentence Correction question one of the verbs or expressions commonly followed by the command subjunctive, we shouldn't assume that that verb or expression has to be followed by the command subjunctive. In such cases, we have to go beyond noticing whether the command subjunctive is used to evaluating each sentence version to determine whether that version makes sense. -- The judge commanded the company to cease making the claim. -- The guide advised the travelers to make their packs as light as possible.

what is the relation between indicative mood and Conditional sentences about conditions and consequences that may be actual in the present or future. ?

A conditional sentence about a condition and a consequence that may be actual in the present or future uses the indicative mood in both the dependent clause about the condition and the main clause about the consequence. -- If coconut oil becomes warm, it melts. Both "becomes" and "melts" are in the indicative mood, and the present tense. -- If that boat is repaired, it will be seaworthy. "Is repaired" is in the present tense, and "will be" is in the simple future tense, and both verbs are in the indicative mood.

list verbs that are often followed by the command subjunctive.

Advise Ask Command Decree Demand Desire Determine Dictate Insist Mandate Order Pray Prefer Propose Recommend Request Require Stipulate Suggest Urge

Sometimes sentences about past events refer to events that were in the future when the past events mentioned in the sentences occurred.....

At the rally, the candidate said that he would take campaign donations only from individuals. Even though the student was unfamiliar with the concepts, she knew that she would understand them eventually. The cast was going to have a party after the final show.

explain the difference in meanings in each sentence simple future tense: By Monday, he will have a week to complete the assignment. future perfect tense; By Monday, he will have had a week to complete the assignment.

By Monday, he will have a week to complete the assignment. Here, when Monday comes, the person will have a week to complete the assignment. Notice that neither the Monday mentioned nor the person's having a week to complete the assignment has occurred, but we are expecting both events to occur. By Monday, he will have had a week to complete the assignment. In this sentence, we see that by a future Monday, the person "he" will have had a week to complete an assignment. In other words, the Monday will mark a week's time that he had to work on the assignment.

which version is accurate? Version (1): Having seen his beautiful creations, it was predicted that the choreographer will become well known by the end of the decade. Version (2): Having seen his beautiful creations, many predicted that the choreographer would become well known by the end of the decade.

If we are careful, we see that Version (1) doesn't work and Version (2) does, because the opening modifier, "having seen his beautiful creations" doesn't logically modify "it" in Version (1) and does logically modify "many" in Version (2). At the same time, we can see how someone who quickly reads the two versions could see "predicted" and the future tense "will become" in Version (1) and decide that, since the future tense should be used with a prediction, Version (1) is the correct version.

very important to remember that it is not always necessary to use perfect past tense instead of simple past tense. but sometimes when we have two past verbs in the sentence, it is important to have a perfect past tense indicating which action happened before the other

Let's consider; -- The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius had provided his son Commodus with a quality education. The fact that Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius and his son Commodus lived many years ago does not mean that we must use the past perfect tense. All we need is the simple past tense: -- The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius provided his son Commodus with a quality education. however; -- Even though Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius had provided his son Commodus with a quality education, Commodus was one of the worst emperors Rome had to endure. Here we see that we have two past events with one event in the deeper past. In other words, Marcus provided his son Commodus with a quality education before Commodus was one of the worst emperors Rome had to endure. So, in this case, the use of the past perfect "had provided" is required for making the sequence of events clear.

remember that when the proper usage of active vs passive voice is unclear, the incorrect sentence correction has to include another reason to be incorrect.

Publishing houses rejected J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone over ten times before one finally green-lighted it. The above sentence would work better if the first clause were to use the passive voice rather than the active voice, because if the passive voice were used, the emphasis would be on J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, the more important element of the story, rather than on the less important publishing houses. All the same, there's nothing clearly wrong with the sentence. So, in order for the sentence to be clearly wrong, it needs another issue, as in: Incorrect: While full of amazing images, publishing houses rejected J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone over ten times before one finally green-lighted it. Now the version is clearly wrong. Not only is the active voice not the optimal voice to use in this case but also, the opening modifier is misplaced. By flipping the object and the subject and using the passive voice, we can create a correct version: While full of amazing images, J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was rejected over ten times by publishing houses before one finally green-lighted it. Now, we have a version in which the opening modifier modifies the book and that concisely conveys that the book was rejected over ten times.

how do you form a conditional mood?

The conditional mood is formed by combining "would" with simple present, present continuous, present perfect, or present perfect continuous verbs. If I knew how to speak French, I would move to Paris. ("would" + present) If they could see us now, they would be laughing. ("would" + present continuous) If the fruit had been outside, it would have frozen. ("would" + present perfect) Had the method actually worked, people would have been using it. ("would" + present perfect continuous)

what type of conditional sentence is the conditional mood used in?

The conditional mood is used in conditional sentences about conditions and results that are merely hypothetical. If it were possible to fly by flapping one's arms, I would get home faster. If Ashanti had arrived early, the surprise would have been ruined.

what is a continuous tense?

The continuous tenses, sometimes called "the progressive tenses," are used in discussing events that are continuous or are, were, or will be in progress. The purpose of these tenses is to bring the reader's attention to the temporarily ongoing nature of an action.

what is a future perfect tense?

The future perfect tense = "will" + "have" + past participle. It is used to describe a future event that will be completed before another future event or before a specific time in the future. I will have worked for 35 years by the time I retire. I will have traveled to 86 countries before this trip is over.

describe the use cases of Past Continuous Tense

The past continuous tense is used to describe an action or event that was ongoing but has ended. The children were playing outside yesterday. (Action was ongoing but has ended.) The plane was flying over Paris one hour ago. (Event was ongoing but has ended.) This tense can also be used to describe an event that was occurring in the background when a more notable event occurred. The woman was washing clothes when the police arrived. The dog was chewing his bone when the kids came running into the room. The plane was flying over Colombia when the pilot decided to descend quickly.

what is a past perfect tense?

The past perfect tense = "had" + the past participle of a verb and is used in describing a past action that occurred before another past action. - The tour guide directed the boat toward a location where whales had surfaced. - She skipped the popcorn at the movies because she had eaten a big supper. - The mayor had done surprisingly little to address city residents' call for the reclamation of brownfields and was not reelected for a second term.

describe a situation in which it is considered acceptable to use the simple future tense in sentences about the past.

The photographer said that he will make the proofs available next week. In the scenario described by the above example, the prediction, that he will make the proofs available, was made in the past, but the time period during which he is expected to make them available is in the future, "next week." So, according to some people, and conceivably some GMAT question writers, it is acceptable to use the simple future tense in a sentence about the past, if the prediction made in the past is about events expected to occur in a time period that is after the time in which the statement is being made.

what are the two main types of conditional sentence?

There are two main types of conditional sentences: - Conditional sentences about conditions and consequences that may be actual in the present or future. --- If coconut oil becomes warm, it melts. --- If that boat is repaired, it will be seaworthy. - Conditional sentences about conditions and consequences that are hypothetical. (this is where we use conditional mood) --- If it were possible to fly by flapping one's arms, I would get home faster.

what is a subjunctive mood?

This verb mood is used for statements that lack certainty, such as those that describe hypothetical or conditional situations, dreams, wishes, desires, or doubts. It is also used in certain types of sentences that involve commands, requests, or suggestions. conditional situation; -- If I were a millionaire, I would buy my dream house. -- You act as if getting laid off were the end of the world. command situation: -- I demand that you be respectful at dinner tonight. -- I insist that he respect me at dinner tonight.

how does the indicative mood influence the mandatory selection of conditional mood in a sentence?

Version (1): If she wears normal clothes and sunglasses, she will go unrecognized. Version (2): If she wears normal clothes and sunglasses, she may go unrecognized. Version (3): If she wears normal clothes and sunglasses, she would go unrecognized. Now the dependent clause, "if she wears normal clothes and sunglasses," is in the indicative mood, and these sentences are about the actual rather than about the hypothetical. Therefore, the main clauses should use the indicative mood as well. So, Version (1), which uses the simple future "she will," is correct. Version (2), which uses the present tense "may go," is also correct. On the other hand, Version (3), which uses the conditional "would go," is incorrect.

what are the main types of verb voices? and explain the difference between them

active voice: When the subject of a clause performs the action, the corresponding verb is in the active voice. -- S V DO (Direct Object) The dog caught the ball. passive voice: When the subject of a sentence has an action being done to it, the corresponding verb is in the passive voice. The passive voice is composed of a form of "to be" followed by the past participle of the main verb. -- S V O (Object) The ball was caught by the dog. So, what's the difference? The two sentences are different because they are focused on different things. The focus of the first sentence is on the dog, and what the dog did. The focus of the second sentence is on the ball and what happened to the ball, and the second puts the dog more into the background than it was in the first sentence.

which version is correct? Over a two year period, the company saved thousands of dollars by using more efficient light bulbs. Over a two year period, the company has saved thousands of dollars by using more efficient light bulbs.

both are correct. simple past is used to describe events that began and ended in the past. present perfect is used to express that there is a connection between the past and the present. Over a two year period, the company saved thousands of dollars by using more efficient light bulbs. The above sentence conveys that the action "saved" began and ended in the past. Over a two year period, the company has saved thousands of dollars by using more efficient light bulbs. This version conveys that the savings have continued up to the present moment.

how can you determine whether to use the past, present, or future continuous tense?

carefully look to the clues provided in the sentence. When Natalia visited Easter Island, she (was studying/is studying/will be studying) Rapa Nui culture. Notice the use of the past tense "visited." Thus, the sentence must be describing events that occurred in the past. Therefore, the correct verb is the past continuous "was studying." When Natalia visited Easter Island, she was studying Rapa Nui culture.

how to choose a correct answer between active vs passive voice choices on the gmat?

choose active when; - conciseness is better: sentences are more concise and convey their meanings more clearly when they are written in active voice than when they are written in passive voice. choose passive when: 1 - redraw attention: the passive voice is preferred over the active voice because the passive voice helps to draw attention to the more important noun in the sentence. --- The results of the groundbreaking research were released to the public this morning by university officials. is better than --- University officials released the results of the groundbreaking research to the public this morning. 2- nature force: when the doer of the action is an event or force of nature. --- The entire village was wiped out by the tsunami. 3- when the doer of an action is unidentified in a sentence, --- Traditionally, stories are divided into three parts: beginning, middle, and end. 4- when stating a general truth --- Rules are made to be broken. 5- The passive voice is often used in sentences about the ingredients or contents of something, which use phrases such as "made of," "made up of," "composed of," and "filled with," preceded by a form of the verb "to be." We use the passive voice in these cases to keep the emphasis on the whole rather than on its parts. --- The house was filled with love. --- Cakes are made of flour, sugar, butter, and baking soda.

Determining Whether To Use A Non-Continuous Or Continuous Tense

considering context clues. Version (1): When razorfish sense the presence of a predator, they hide in the sandy substrate of the seabed. (correct) Version (2): When razorfish sense the presence of a predator, they are hiding in the sandy substrate of the seabed. (incorrect) When stating simple facts, such as "dogs bark" or "John plays tennis" the simple present is the correct tense to use. Jinus plays tennis. Jinus is playing tennis. Both sentences make sense, but they convey two different meanings. In the first, the simple present "plays" is used to convey that, in general, Jinus plays tennis. In the second, the present continuous "is playing" indicates that Jinus is actually playing tennis at this time.

perfect continuous tenses

the present perfect tense and the present perfect continuous tense: That eagle has flown overhead many times. That eagle has been flying overhead for the last twenty minutes. the past perfect with the past perfect continuous: John told us that some people had waited all day. By the time we got in line, some people had been waiting for hours. the future perfect with the future perfect continuous: When the runners complete the race, they will have run over 40 kilometers. When the runners approach the finish line, they will have been running for hours.