Verb tense and mood

Conditional mood compare and contrast

(1) If the movie were as good as the trailer, it will be very popular. (Incorrect, the conditional mood which is about hypotheticals requires the subjunctive "would".) (2) If the movie were as good as the trailer, it should be very popular. (Incorrect, the conditional mood which is about hypotheticals requires the subjunctive "would".) (3) If the movie were as good as the trailer, it would be very popular. (Correct, this correctly uses "would" to note that this is a hypothetical.) Big idea here is that when given a hypothetical set off with "If" + "Were" you also need to use "would"

Conditional sentences about actual event compare and contrast

If she wears normal clothes and sunglasses, she will go unrecognized. (Correct indicative non-would use) : If she wears normal clothes and sunglasses, she may go unrecognized. (Correct indicative non-would use) : If she wears normal clothes and sunglasses, she would go unrecognized. (Incorrect, this suggests that it is hypothetical that in wearing normal clothes/sunglasses she would go unrecognized, could only use would here if "were" were used in the first sentence, which would indicate a hypothetical.)

Common error when choosing between two answer choices that only differ between the use of active vs. passive voice.

Often times because choosing between active vs. passive voice is not explicitly clear, the GMAT will make one of the choices explicitly wrong by using a misplaced modifier. Correct: A scientist who once worked for NASA, Barbara Brennan now directs energetic flows to help people to heal. Incorrect: A scientist who once worked for NASA, energetic flows are now directed by Barbara Brennan to help people to heal.

What tense do you use to indicate a future action from the present?

Simple future, not present progressive. Example: Right: Quentin WILL MEET Harvey for lunch tomorrow. Wrong: Quentin IS MEETING Harvey for lunch tomorrow.

Simple past

The simple past tense is used to describe events that occurred - and ended - in the past. Most past tense verbs are created by adding an "-ed" to the end. Ex: He finished his paper just before the deadline. (The action has ended) Ex: Last year, attendance at the festival exceeded expectations. (The event has ended)

Eternal Present

This is the idea that when discussing events of literary works they are PRESENT tense.

What tense do you use when you have a structure of "preposition" + "the past X amount of time"

You can use EITHER the present perfect or the simple past. But which one to use depends on the meaning you are trying to convey. Ex: Over the past year, Lydia has visited Mexico, Thailand and Cuba. (Use of the present perfects conveys that the traveling in some form continues into the future) Ex without past perfect: Last year, Lydia visited Mexico, Thailand and Cuba. (Implies no connection to the present and purely that Lydia at a point in time in the past visited those countries.)

If clauses was vs. were

"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. Easy way to remember this is with the term: If I WERE a rich man (not if I was) Note: Words like "Would" help indicate the sentence is hypothetical in nature. Hypothetical examples: Ex: You act as if getting laid off were the end of the world. (The world is not ending it's purely hypothetical.) Ex: She looked at me as though I were a monster. (Not a monster, but hypothetically as if) Ex: If he were an experienced pilot, he would be aware that landing in such conditions is challenging. (Not actually a pilot, but if he were) It's important to note, however, that not every clause that uses "if," "as if," or "as though" demands the use of the subjunctive mood. Non-hypothetical if examples: Ex: If Johan was in class today, I'm sure he took notes we could borrow. (Either Johan was or wasn't there, it's not hypothetical, the author of the sentence just does not know.) Ex: The rabbit was acting as if it was hungry. (The rabbit is either hungry or not hungry, it is not hypothetical) Ex: : If our representative was there that day, he can report what occurred. (The representative was NOT there.) Big idea for non-hypothetical is that if the situation does actually exist, but the author just does not know it, then it's not a hypothetical.

Non-hypothetical if-then sentence constructions

An if clause that also has a "then" or the then is implied, may not be hypothetical (i.e. use of were is not needed). The helping verbs would and should should NEVER go in the if part of the sentence, according to the GMAT! (1) General rule with no uncertainty: IF Sophie EATS pizza, THEN she BECOMES ill. IF Present, THEN Present. The if in this case is equivalent to whenever. (2) General Rule with some uncertainty IF Sophie EATS pizza, THEN she MAY BECOME ill. IF Present, THEN Can or May. (3) Particular Case (in the future) with no uncertainty IF Sophie EATS pizza tomorrow, THEN she WILL BECOME ill. IF Present, THEN Future. (4) Unlikely Case (in the future) IF Sophie ATE pizza tomorrow, THEN she WOULD BECOME ill. IF Hypothetical Subjunctive, THEN Conditional. Here, the writer thinks that Sophie is unlikely to eat pizza tomorrow. The Conditional Tense (would) shows the hypothetical result of an unlikely or untrue condition. (5) Case That Never Happened (in the past) IF Sophie HAD EATEN pizza yesterday, THEN

Clauses with "were" and an infinitive

Another form of the subjunctive that can appear in a Sentence Correction question is formed via the combination of "were" and an infinitive. Ex: If Sheri were to arrive early, the surprise would be ruined. Ex: If the owner of the building were to decide to fix it up, the entire neighborhood would benefit.

Tense sequence when a sentence reports on or says something about something said?

Avoid mixing the present with the conditional (would) and instead use either: (1) Present + Future (2) Past + Conditional Example: What the scientist said: "The supercollider IS ready, it DID not COST too much, and it WILL PROVIDE new insights into the workings of the universe." A sentence reporting on what the scientist said: "The scientist ANNOUNCED (simple past) that the supercollider WAS (simple past) ready, that it HAD (past perfect) not COST too much, and that it WOULD PROVIDE (conditional) new insights into the workings of the universe."

What is the general form for the command subjunctive?

Bossy Verb + THAT+ subject + Command Subjunctive Note: Not all "bossy" verbs take command subjunctive, and as a native speaker will need to "feel it out". Examples: Correct: We PROPOSE THAT the school board DISBAND. (remove the s from the verb with command subjunctive) Wrong: We PROPOSE the school board DISBAND. (That is not optional.) Wrong: We PROPOSE THAT the school board DISBANDS. (Need to remove s from the verb) Wrong: We PROPOSE THAT the school board IS TO DISBAND. (Using "is to" is incorrect) Wrong: We PROPOSE THAT the school board WILL DISBAND. (Using "will" is incorrect) Wrong: We PROPOSE THAT the school board SHOULD DISBAND. (Using "should" is incorrect)

Conditional mood (Conditional sentences about conditions and results that are hypothetical)

Conditional mood if formed by the use of "would/might/could" + with a simple present, present continuous, present perfect (start in the past, continuing into present), or present perfect continuous verbs.. Ex: If it were possible to fly by flapping one's arms, I would get home faster. Present = "I would move to Paris" Present continuous = "They would be laughing" Present perfect = "It would have frozen" Present perfect continuous = "Would have been using it"

"to be" + "going to" + base verb construction used for what

Future events are planned or are likely to occur. Ex: I am going to go to the beach later today. (The action has not yet begun and is planned) Ex: Sarah is going to start taking French lessons. (The action has not yet begun and is planned) Ex: Because oil producing countries have agreed to increase output, commodity prices are going to decline. (The action has not yet begun and is planned)

Future in the past

Future in the past are sentences that are based in the past, and within the past the future is being discussed. Ex: At the rally, the candidate said (past) that he would(future) take campaign donations only from individuals. (Candidate said in the PAST that in the future he would do xyz) Future in the past is denoted by using the past tense of: (1) "will" which is "would" (2) "to be" which is "was going to" Contrasting future vs. future in the past Future: They are convinced that they will find gold. Future in the past: They were convinced that they would find gold. Future: He is going to speak after dinner. Future in the past: He was going to speak after dinner. Note: There are exceptions where simple past can work, need to use judgement, but by and large this is something to keep a lookout for. The exception is if a someone makes a prediction about something that is STILL IN THE FUTURE. (Ex: The photographer said that he will make the proofs available next week. (Photographer predicts that he can do it next week))

Tenses where a future event is conditional on an event happening

Generally these are structured in such a way that the conditional event happening is conveyed in present tense, and the future even happening is conveyed in the future tense. Generally these are associated with connecting words such as: Once, as soon as, as long as, until, when, after, before Ex: Once Dylan achieves a 700 on the GMAT, he will apply to a great school. (Conditional event is associated with present tense verb achieves, and future vent is associated with future tense verb will) Ex: The team will keep working until the problem is solved. Note: If the two clauses are separated by end then this concept generally isn't applicable.

Command sentence and subjunctive

In certain command situations, we must use what is referred to as the command subjunctive, which consists of the base form of the verb, which is the infinitive of the verb without "to." -use the command subjunctive of "to be", which is "be," rather than the conjugated form of "to be," which is "are": Correct Ex: I demand you to be respectful at dinner tonight. Incorrect Ex: I demand that you are respectful at dinner tonight. A command verb followed by the verb "that" is an indicator that you need to use the command subjunctive form. Correct: Ex: I insist that he respect me at dinner tonight. Incorrect: Ex: I insist that he respects me at dinner tonight. Incorrect interpretation of command subjunctive example: While people often suggest that non-human Earth creatures be incapable of experiencing emotions similar to those experienced by humans, logic, observation, and study results indicate otherwise. (THIS IS INCORRECT, you should use are. Incorrect because this sentence is not "commanding" anything, so although it's in a format of "suggest" + that the context of the sentence is not a subjunctive command format).

Command subjunctive expressions that require the use of "to be"

It is best (that) It is crucial (that) It is desirable (that) It is essential (that) It is imperative (that) It is important (that) It is recommended (that) It is urgent (that) It is vital (that) Ex: It is crucial that the battery remain cool.

GMAT trick involving things far in the past and past perfect tense

Often times the GMAT will prey on the fact that people incorrectly use the past perfect for things that occurred a long time ago. Do not assume that the past perfect "had" + participle is required just because it was a long time ago. Incorrect example: In the ancient oceans of primordial Earth, Megalodon had been king of the food chain. (This should just say "was")

What tense is used for something in the past that impacts or continues into the future, and what helping verbs are associated?

PRESENT PERFECT, and structured with: "Has/Have" + "past participle" Ex: Has been Ex: Has lived

Using the word "since" to mean "from the time of" or "from the time when", what tense do you use?

PRESENT perfect ("Has/Have" + past participles) OR PAST perfect ("Had" + past participle) Ex: Since the day she met Bernard, she has been happier than ever. (I.e.: you could replace since with "from the time when" so past perfect/present perfect) Note: Not required when since means "because" Ex: Since he is the cutest dog in the park, I want to pet him. (i.e. You could replace since with because)

Present tense

PRESENTLY occurring, used to describe things currently happening or discussing facts or truths that remain true over time. Also used to describe events in literary works. Ex: The red heart is a universal symbol of love. Ex: Sara loves going to the beach. Ex: The dogs enjoy walking on the beach. Ex: Pigs don't like too much direct sunlight on their sensitive skin. Ex: In Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, the Monk is a fat, gluttonous character.

Summary of perfect tenses

Past perfect = Two events in the past and one happens before the other. "Had" + past participle Present perfect = Starts in the past and continues on into the present. "Has/Have" + past participle Future perfect = Two events in the future and one starts before the other. "Will" + "Have" + past participle

Contrasting "simple past", "future in the past", "simple past in a statement made in the past, about future events"

Simple past: John will/is going to complete the job within a week. (Said in the past about the past) Future in the past: John said that he would/was going to complete the job within a week. (Said in the past, about the then future) Simple future in a statement made in the past about future events: John said that he will/is going to complete the job next week. (Said in the past, about the still currently future)

Continuous/Progressive tenses

The continuous tenses, sometimes called "the progressive tenses," are used in discussing events that are continuous or are, were, or will be in progress. Present continuous = Temporarily ongoing in the present. "To be" verb form + "present participle" Ex: The Children are running outside. Ex: The sun is setting over the Pacific Ocean. Past continuous = An event that was ongoing but has since ended. Ex: The children were playing outside. Ex: The sun was setting over the Pacific Ocean. Also used for an event that was happening in the background while something else more notable occurred. Ex: The woman was washing clothes when the police arrived. Future continuous = An event or action that will be ongoing but has not yet occurred. Ex: The children will be playing outside tomorrow.

Comparing future in the past and simple past in a statement made in the past about future events

The following would both be correct: (1) Our guide said that he will be available to go whitewater rafting next week. (Simple past is appropriate because this is said in the past about something that is still in the future) (1) Our guide said that he would be available to go whitewater rafting next week. (Future in the past is appropriate because this is said in the past about something that is still in the future) Note that the above are both acceptable. At the very least something said in the past about the future should AT LEAST be in the "future in the past" tense, but if the future event is still in the future then it's appropriate to use simple past as well.

Future tense

The future tense is used when discussing events that have not yet occurred but will occur in the future. Ex: The little boy will go to kindergarten next year. (The action has not yet begun) Ex: John and Rebecca will be at the movies tonight.(The action has not yet begun) Ex: Dylan will eat his dinner a bit later.(The action has not yet begun) "will" + verb is the standard form for future tense

Use of "Would" for habitual actions

The helping verb "Would" is used to describe habitual actions. Correct examples: Ex: Each time Dylan studied for the GMAT, he WOULD drink a cup of coffee. Ex: When Lou Gehrig had time off from playing baseball, he WOULD go boating on Long Island Sound. Incorrect example: Yesterday, a group of eco-friendly businesses would hold a festival to promote the services that they provide. (Incorrect because the sentence has nothing to do with a habitual action, or a future in the past situation.) The use of would here is used to explain past HABITUAL actions. (Note: This is different from a case of future in the past.)

Difference between present perfect vs. simple past

The present perfect implies a connection with the past and the present, either directly or directly. Whereas the simply past simply denotes an event in the past and implies nothing about its impact on the present. Ex: Over a two year period, the company saved thousands of dollars by using more efficient light bulbs. (Saved money in the past but nothing is said about the present) Ex: Over a two year period, the company has saved thousands of dollars by using more efficient light bulbs. (The savings happened in the past and continue into the present)

Active verb voice

The subject of an active voice clause performs the action. Both active and passive forms are correct. Don't be biased against the passive voice. Don't use voice alone to eliminate answers. GMAT question creators like to throw in passive voice answers that may seem less concise, and at the same time have a shorter active voice version with an error. If you have to guess, then take the passive version. Active: Ex: The dog caught the ball. (The dog performed the action of catching the ball.) Ex: The suspect denied all of the charged. (The suspect did the denying.) Passive: Ex: The ball was caught by the dog. (The ball didn't perform the action, the dog did.) Ex: All of the charges were denied by the suspect. (The charges didn't performed the action, the suspect did, but charges is the main subject.)

Future perfect tense

The use of the future perfect tense conveys that an event that has not yet happened will be completed before another event that has not yet happened or before a specific time in the future. structure: "will" + "have" + past participle Examples: I will have studied 1,000 hours by the time I score a 700 on the GMAT. (Both studying and achieving the score are in the future, and the use of the future perfect denotes a sequence of study -> then score.)

Conditional sentences about conditions and results that may be in actual in the present or future

These sentences use the indicative instead of the subjunctive. Indicative = Am, is, are was Subjunctive = be, were Ex: If that boat is repaired, it will be seaworthy. Ex: If coconut oil becomes warm, it melts. (Remember subjunctive would be to become and melt, but we use indicative, not subjunctive.)

Present perfect tense

Used in describing events in ways that connect the past with the present. Either an action or event starts in the past and continues into the future, OR something that started in the past has an impact or effect currently. Ex: Indicating an event began in the past and continues into the present, or affects the present in some way. Structure: "has"/"have" + past participle Ex: I have lived here for five years. (I starting living there 5 years ago and still do) Ex: Since 1904, the explorers club has served as a meeting point for explorers. (Club started in 1904 and continues to be a meeting point today) Ex: Has has been to Istanbul twice. (He was there and may go again) 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.

past perfect tense

Used to represent something in the path that happened before something else in the past. Also used when the sentence mentions that an action happened and completed at some specific point/date in the past. Form = had + past participle Past perfect examples Ex: The tour guide directed the boat toward a location where whales had surfaced. (The whales surfaced before the tour guide directed the boat) Ex: By late evening on Election Day, it had become clear that the upstart candidate would soon be the president of the country. (Election day was a specific time in the past where an event had already happened) Non-past perfect contrast By 1910, many people from all walks of life were using electric cars. (You don't use past perfect here because people were in the process of using cars during the time 1910 rolled around, it didn't end before that.) If you CAN use the simple past instead of the past perfect then use the simple past, the GMAT prefers simplicity if possible. This statement is true for all of the perfect tenses.

Using words that clearly denote sequence of events such as "before", "after" or "until"

When you use words that clearly denote the sequence of time or events such as before or after you may not need to use the past perfect (remember which conveys that something happened before something else in the past). Generally, but not always, two clauses that are linked by "and" or "but" do not require the use of the past perfect tense. Ex: Kim inspected the airplane's engine before she sat in the cockpit. (It's clear that first Kim inspected the engine, and then sat in the cockpit. It would be redundant to use "had inspected" since the use of "before" clearly denotes the sequence of events.) Freddie purchased the sailboat after he learned to sail. (First Freddie learned, then he bought. Using "had learned" would be either redundant, confusing, or both.) Evy McDonald developed a method for solving the problem in 1988, but, even in 2018, few people were aware of the method's existence. (The years "1988" and "2018" clearly describe the sequence of events, so "had developed" is not needed.)

Strategy for determine the correct tense of sentences

You must look at the context of sentences, and tenses of other verbs in sentences to determine correct tense. (Ex: looking at things like years, identifying the tenses of other verbs, the meaning trying to be portrayed by the sentence). Ex: When they finish their homework, they (tidied, tidy, will tidy) their rooms, otherwise they don't get dessert after dinner. (In looking at this sentence we know we can reasonably narrow down to either tidy or will tidy, since this definitely isn't a past event. To confirm that the answer is tidy you can note the use of don't vs. won't , since don't is used that means that this is a present tense situation.) Ex: While many people insist that a full moon negatively affects human behavior, a belief that (dated, dates, will date) that dates back to antiquity. (Although you may instinctively think to use the past tense since this sentence is discussing something "back to antiquity", this is actually present tense because this "belief" is one that currently exists as suggested by the "While many people insist".

What tense do you use for general definitions?

You use the simple present, not past or present progressive. Example: Right: Cherenkov radiation is light that particles EMIT when they TRAVEL faster than the effective speed of light in any medium. (Simple present is correct for a general definition such as the definition of Cherenkov radiation.) Wrong: Cherenkov radiation is light that particles ARE EMITTING when they ARE TRAVELING faster than the effective speed of light in any medium. Wrong: Cherenkov radiation is light that particles EMITTED when they TRAVELED faster than the effective speed of light in any medium.