Last week we learnt about the difference between the past simple and the present perfect, and how to use these two tenses in emails. Now, we are going to focus on the time chunks and vocabulary you can use with these tenses.
Let’s now look at some of the time words and chunks you can use with the past simple.
Task 1: Sort these time chunks into the table below.
|
afterwards
ago
at one time
during that time
during this time
|
eventually
formerly
immediately
in 2005
in March
last quarter
|
last year
next
once
originally
so far
subsequently
|
then
this quarter
this week
this year
year-to-date
yesterday
|
|
Past (finished) time chunks
|
Present (unfinished) time chunks
|
|
|
|
Here are some examples to help you:
Past simple time vocabulary:
At one time I worked for Deloitte and Touche.
I met Tim Cook once.
When I discovered the problem, I immediately called my boss.
Present time vocabulary:
During this time there has been a 2% increase in sales.
I have attended a conference all this week.
Sales have not incerased much this year.
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*2014/12/12更新
Task 1 Feedback: Past simple vs present perfect time vocabulary
Task 1: Compare your completed table with mine below.
|
finished time chunks
|
unfinished time chunks
|
|
|
afterwards
ago
at one time
during that time
eventually
formerly
immediately
in 2005
|
in March
last quarter
last year
next
once
originally
subsequently
then
yesterday
|
during this time
so far
this quarter
this week
this year
year-to-date
|
* In 2005 always means past time. For the year you are in, use this year.
* In March always means past time. For the month you are in, use this month.
* Year-to-date means from January 1st to now.
