Tense and Aspect for Effect

Reference

Common mistakes

1. I wonder if you can help me, please. → I was wondering if you could help me.
   past for a softer request
2. He is rude today — it's not like him. → He's being rude today.
   temporary behaviour → being
3. Scientists have found water on Mars last month. → Scientists found water on Mars last month.
   a past time → past simple
4. You always lose your keys! (irritated) → You're always losing your keys!
   always + continuous for irritation

Tense and Aspect for Effect — Exercises

Choose the best form

Circle the correct answer.

1. Storytelling: "So yesterday I _____ into the café and guess who's there?" (walk / had walked / will walk)
2. Politest: "_____ if you could lend me your notes." (I was wondering / I wonder / I want)
3. Waiter: "_____ you want to see the dessert menu?" (Did / Do will / Had)
4. "You're _____ leaving the door open!" (irritated) (always / ever / yet)
5. "She's _____ very quiet today — is she OK?" (being / been / be)
6. News: "Police _____ a man in connection with the robbery." (have arrested / arrested yesterday at / had arrested)
7. "The arrest _____ at 6 am on Tuesday." (took place / has taken place / is taking place)
8. Commentary: "And Silva _____ — it's a goal!" (shoots / shot / has shot)

Complete the sentence

Write the verb in brackets in the form that gives the effect described.

1. I   if I could change my booking. (wonder, polite)
2. He   really difficult today — he's not usually like this. (be)
3. You're always   my charger! (borrow, irritation)
4. Astronomers   a new planet. (discover, news headline fact)
5. They   it in March using a giant telescope. (spot, detail)
6. So I   the door and there's a fox in the kitchen! (open, story)

Tense and Aspect for Effect — Answer Key

Choose the best form

1. walk — Historic present for vivid storytelling.
2. I was wondering — Past continuous = most tentative.
3. Did — Past form for a polite present offer.
4. always — always + continuous = irritation.
5. being — Temporary behaviour → being.
6. have arrested — Present perfect announces news.
7. took place — A time is given → past simple.
8. shoots — Live commentary → present simple.

Complete the sentence

1. was wondering
2. 's being
3. borrowing
4. have discovered
5. spotted
6. open