Time expressions

1
Time expressions


just

=now, very soon, or very recently





Eg: He isnt at home just now. (now).
We are just coming. (very soon)
Give me just a minute/second/moment! (very soon)
She saw them just now (very recently).


yet

=until now (usually used in interrogative and negative sentences)





Eg: Are you ready? Not yet, wait a minute!
We havent finished yet (until now).
I havent seen them yet.


already

1) before the present time





Eg: I know that story! They have already told me everything!
PAST PRESENT FUTURE
Until now
PAST PRESENT FUTURE
PAST PRESENT FUTURE
Time expressions


2
They keep on saying that they have already said it twice!
I have already seen this movie

2) earlier than the time expected






Eg: I have already finished the homework for next week!
Are you already there? The meeting is going to begin in an hour!



for

=used to show a period of time (from start to end)






Eg: She will be on holiday for a few days.
I have been studying English for two years.
Im going to the gym for two hours.


since

=from a particular time in the past (starting time of the action) until now.





Time expected
PAST PRESENT FUTURE
PAST PRESENT FUTURE
PAST PRESENT FUTURE
a
b
precise time
in the past
Time expressions


3

Eg: I have known him since he was ten.
They have been working since 9 am.
We havent seen them since Christmas.

ago

=back in past





Eg: You are late. They left 5 minutes ago.
He lived in London 10 years ago and then he moved to Australia.

ever

=at any time (past, present and future situations)

Eg: Have you ever been to Australia?
I dont think you have ever visited this place.
If ever you come in Paris, call me!

as ever =in the same way as always
Eg: As ever, I dont understand jokes.

forever =for all time
Eg: I dont want to live there forever.

ever since =continually since that time
Eg: Ever since I went to the gym, I have lost weight.

never

=not at any time

Eg: I think you have never visited this place.
I have never been to Asia.
Its never too late to study a foreign language.
PAST PRESENT FUTURE