1. 10th Edition, © 2011, Cengage Learning
Chapter 9
Verb Tenses and Parts
10th Edition, © 2011, Cengage Learning

2. Primary Tenses of Verbs
Present-Tense Verbs
Express current or habitual action
This is the tense you see in a dictionary.
Past-Tense Verbs
Show completed action
This tense is generally formed by adding d or ed to the present tense of regular verbs.
Future-Tense Verbs
Show action that is expected to occur at a later time
This tense is formed by adding will or shall to the present tense of the verb.
Chapter 9, Guffey-Seefer, Business English, 10e, Copyright 2011 Cengage Learning, All Rights Reserved

3. Primary Tenses of Verbs
Halle works in the Marketing Department. (Present tense)
She worked late yesterday (Past tense)
She will work on that project next week. (Future tense)
Chapter 9, Guffey-Seefer, Business English, 10e, Copyright 2011 Cengage Learning, All Rights Reserved

4. Challenges Using Primary Tenses
Third-person singular verbs require an -s ending. This -s ending is not added to other singular verbs (I and you).
I enjoy tackling challenging projects.
You enjoy taking long walks after dinner.
He enjoys playing baseball with his son.
Brianna enjoys skiing in the winter.
Our dog enjoys eating our leftovers.
Chapter 9, Guffey-Seefer, Business English, 10e, Copyright 2011 Cengage Learning, All Rights Reserved

5. Challenges Using Primary Tenses
Use present-tense verbs to express “timeless” facts, even if the verbs occur with other past-tense verbs.
What is (not was) the name of the person who called me yesterday?
Some verbs change form, especially verbs ending in y and verbs for which the final consonant is doubled.
Sonia hurried (not hurryed) to catch the train.
What important events occurred (not occured) last year?
Chapter 9, Guffey-Seefer, Business English, 10e, Copyright 2011 Cengage Learning, All Rights Reserved

6. Present and Past Participles
To be able to use verbs correctly, you must recognize present and past participles. Both participles form verb phrases.
Helper(s) + Main Verb = Verb Phrase
Chapter 9, Guffey-Seefer, Business English, 10e, Copyright 2011 Cengage Learning, All Rights Reserved

7.  Present Participle
The present participle of a verb is formed by adding ing to the present part of the verb.
When used in a sentence, the present participle is generally preceded by some form of the helping verb be (am, is, are, was, were, be, been).
The contract is lying on the desk.
We are analyzing both proposals.
Chapter 9, Guffey-Seefer, Business English, 10e, Copyright 2011 Cengage Learning, All Rights Reserved

8.  Past Participle
The past participle of a regular verb is usually formed by adding a d or t sound to the present part of the verb.
Past-participle verb phrases include the helpers has, had, or have (and sometimes could, would, and should).
She has worked for many businesses.
We have built a home in West Gate.
Lee should have seen the red light.
Chapter 9, Guffey-Seefer, Business English, 10e, Copyright 2011 Cengage Learning, All Rights Reserved

9. Irregular Verbs
Regular verbs form the past tense with the addition of a d or ed (work, worked).
Irregular verbs, however, form the past tense and past participle in a variety of ways.
Learn the list of irregular verbs shown in your text by using the pattern shown on the next slide.
Chapter 9, Guffey-Seefer, Business English, 10e, Copyright 2011 Cengage Learning, All Rights Reserved

10. Pattern for Learning Irregular Verbs
Present tense:
Today I begin.
Past tense:
Yesterday I began.
Future tense:
Tomorrow I will begin.
Present participle:
Today I am beginning.
Past participle:
In the past I have begun.
Chapter 9, Guffey-Seefer, Business English, 10e, Copyright 2011 Cengage Learning, All Rights Reserved

11. Lie-Lay Pay special attention to the irregular verbs lie and lay.
Present
Past
Past Participle
Present Participle
lie (to rest)
lay
lain
lying
lay (to place)
laid
laying
Chapter 9, Guffey-Seefer, Business English, 10e, Copyright 2011 Cengage Learning, All Rights Reserved

12. The Progressive Verb Tenses
Present-Progressive Tense Verbs
Express ongoing actions that are happening presently
He is planning the program now.
Past-Progressive Tense Verbs
Express ongoing actions that occurred in the past, usually as another action was taking place
He was planning the program before he was replaced.
Future-Progressive Tense Verbs
Express ongoing actions that will take place in the future
He will be planning another program next week.
Chapter 9, Guffey-Seefer, Business English, 10e, Copyright 2011 Cengage Learning, All Rights Reserved

13. The Perfect Verb Tenses
Present-Perfect Tense Verbs
Express actions that began in the past and have continued to the present
She has offered to work late.
Past-Perfect Tense Verbs
Express an action finished before another action in the past
We had called before he left.
Future-Perfect Tense Verbs
Express actions that will be completed before other future actions
Newscasts will have announced projected winners before we have voted.
Chapter 9, Guffey-Seefer, Business English, 10e, Copyright 2011 Cengage Learning, All Rights Reserved