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Verb Tenses and Passives

Tamy Chapman, Nicole Jacobs, and Brad Gilpin

This is the first course in the Learn English: Advanced Grammar and Punctuation specialty. In this course, you will review the verb tenses that you learned in beginning English classes and learn about a few tenses you may not know very well. In all, you'll cover all 12 of the English verb tenses and passive verb forms. Most importantly, you'll learn how to blend these tenses, which is what native speakers frequently do. This course is vital to your becoming a more fluent English speaker.

Please note that the free version of this class gives you access to all of the instructional videos and handouts. The peer feedback and quizzes are only available in the paid version.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Simple, Progressive, and Perfect Verb Tenses Review

In the first week of this course, you will get to know your classmates and review the verb tenses of English that you have probably learned before. It's always important to review and make sure your foundation is solid before learning new grammar. Use this week to fill in any gaps you have in your understanding of nine verb tenses of English.

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Covers fundamental grammar concepts, including verb tenses and passive forms, which are essential for English language fluency

Instructed by seasoned instructors Tamy Chapman, Nicole Jacobs, and Brad Gilpin, who bring extensive expertise in English grammar and language instruction

Emphasizes blending verb tenses, a crucial skill for achieving native-like fluency in English speech and writing

Provides a comprehensive overview of all 12 English verb tenses and passive forms, offering a thorough foundation in English grammar

Introduces less commonly taught verb tenses, such as Perfect Progressive and Passive Modals, expanding learners' grammatical knowledge

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Reviews summary

Advanced english verb tenses and passives

According to learners, this course provides a largely positive experience for those seeking to master advanced English grammar, particularly verb tenses and passive forms. Students frequently praise the clear explanations provided by the instructor, which help make complex concepts understandable. Many found the course highly beneficial for improving fluency in both writing and speaking. While the coverage of all 12 tenses and passives is appreciated, some reviewers noted that the blending of tenses can be a challenging concept requiring careful study. A recurring point highlighted is that the free version offers limited practice opportunities, with key quizzes and peer feedback only available in the paid tier.

Covers all 12 tenses and passives.

"I appreciate the thorough coverage of all 12 verb tenses."

"Learning about the perfect progressive tenses was new and helpful."

"The course provides a solid foundation by reviewing and then expanding on verb forms."

"The passive voice section is very well done."

Instructor simplifies complex topics.

"The instructor is wonderful and explains everything well."

"I really enjoyed the teaching style of the instructor; very engaging."

"Thank you to the instructor for making this potentially dry topic interesting."

Helps enhance speaking and writing.

"This course has significantly improved my understanding and use of verb tenses, which helps my fluency."

"I feel more confident using different verb forms correctly in writing after this course."

"Learning about blending tenses is crucial for sounding more natural."

"Applying what I learned about passives has made my sentences more varied."

Grammar concepts are explained clearly.

"The instructor explains all the concepts very clearly and in simple terms..."

"Explanations are simple to grasp and easy to understand."

"I appreciate how clearly the instructor breaks down the grammar rules."

"The material is presented in a very understandable way, making complex tenses accessible."

Blending can be difficult to master.

"The section on blending tenses is the most challenging, requiring extra effort."

"Understanding how to blend tenses felt a bit complex at first."

"Week 4 on blending tenses requires significant practice to internalize."

"While explained well, the practical application of blending tenses is tricky."

Paid version needed for full practice.

"It is regrettable that I cannot get the full experience in the free version as the quizzes are locked."

"Access to quizzes and assignments is essential for practice, only available in the paid tier."

"I wish there were more practice exercises available without paying."

"The lack of peer feedback in the free version is a disadvantage."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Verb Tenses and Passives with these activities:

Review Basic Grammar Concepts

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Refresh your understanding of basic grammar concepts to strengthen your foundation for verb tense usage.

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Review online resources or textbooks that cover grammar basics.
Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding.

Read 'English Grammar in Use' by Raymond Murphy

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Review a comprehensive grammar reference book to reinforce your understanding of verb tenses and other grammar concepts.

View Basic Grammar in Use Book with Answers and... on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book 'English Grammar in Use'.
Read and study the chapters related to verb tenses.
Complete the exercises and quizzes in the book to test your understanding.

Follow Online Tutorials on Verb Tenses

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Seek out online tutorials that provide clear explanations and examples of verb tense usage.

Browse courses on Verb Tenses

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Search for reputable online platforms or YouTube channels that offer verb tense tutorials.
Follow along with the tutorials, taking notes and practicing the examples.
Complete any quizzes or exercises provided in the tutorials.

Four other activities

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Engage in Peer Discussions

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Collaborate with peers to discuss verb tense usage and provide feedback on each other's work.

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Join online forums or study groups dedicated to English grammar.
Participate in discussions, asking questions and offering insights.
Exchange written work with peers for constructive criticism.

Verb Tense Exercises

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Practice blending different verb tenses to improve fluency in speaking and writing.

Browse courses on Verb Tenses

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Complete online exercises that focus on blending verb tenses.
Practice writing sentences that use multiple verb tenses.
Record yourself speaking and listen for errors in verb tense usage.

Attend a Workshop on Verb Tenses

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Enroll in an in-person or online workshop led by an expert to gain a deeper understanding of verb tense usage.

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Research and find reputable workshops that focus on verb tenses.
Register for the workshop and attend all sessions.
Actively participate in the workshop activities and discussions.

Write a Blog Post on Verb Tenses

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Summarize your understanding of verb tenses and share your insights with the online community.

Browse courses on Blogging

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Choose a specific aspect of verb tense usage that you want to focus on.
Research and gather information from reliable sources.
Write a clear and concise blog post that explains your findings.
Publish your blog post on an appropriate platform.

Career center

Learners who complete Verb Tenses and Passives will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Proofreader

A Proofreader examines written material to find and correct errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. As a Proofreader, your responsibilities include reviewing written materials, such as articles, books, and websites, to identify and correct any errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Verb Tenses and Passives may be particularly useful in this role, as it helps you to develop a strong understanding of grammar and punctuation, which is essential for success as a Proofreader.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates and edits technical documentation, such as manuals, instructions, and reports. As a Technical Writer, your responsibilities include gathering information from subject-matter experts, writing and editing technical documentation, and ensuring that the documentation is clear, accurate, and easy to understand. Verb Tenses and Passives may be particularly useful in this role, as it helps you to develop strong writing skills and a deep understanding of grammar and punctuation, which are essential for success as a Technical Writer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Copywriter

A Copywriter creates and writes marketing and advertising copy for a variety of media, such as websites, brochures, and social media. As a Copywriter, your responsibilities may include researching and gathering information, writing and editing copy, and working with clients to ensure that the copy is clear, concise, and persuasive. Verb Tenses and Passives may be particularly useful in this role, as it will help you to develop strong writing skills and a deep understanding of grammar and punctuation, which are essential for success as a Copywriter.

See salaries and explore the career path for Copywriter

Speechwriter

A Speechwriter prepares speeches for public figures, such as politicians, business leaders, and celebrities. As a Speechwriter, your responsibilities may include researching and gathering information, writing and editing speeches, and ensuring that the speeches are clear, concise, and persuasive. Verb Tenses and Passives may be particularly useful in this role, as it will help you to develop strong writing skills and a deep understanding of grammar and punctuation, which are essential for success as a Speechwriter.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speechwriter

Editor

An Editor reviews, corrects, and modifies written material for clarity, consistency, and grammatical accuracy. As an Editor, your responsibilities include reviewing written materials, such as articles, books, and websites, to ensure that they are free of errors and that they conform to the desired style and tone. Verb Tenses and Passives may be particularly useful in this role, as it will help you to ensure that your written work is clear, correct, and concise.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

Writer

A Writer creates and develops written content, such as articles, books, and website content. As a Writer, your responsibilities include researching and gathering information, writing and editing content, and ensuring that the content is clear, concise, and engaging. Verb Tenses and Passives may be particularly useful in this role, as it will help you to develop strong writing skills and a deep understanding of grammar and punctuation, which are essential for success as a Writer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Content Writer

A Content Writer creates and writes content for websites, blogs, and other online platforms. As a Content Writer, your responsibilities may include researching and gathering information, writing and editing content, and working with clients to ensure that the content is clear, concise, and engaging. Verb Tenses and Passives may be particularly useful in this role, as it will help you to develop strong writing skills and a deep understanding of grammar and punctuation, which are essential for success as a Content Writer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Writer

Journalist

A Journalist researches, writes, and reports on news and current events. As a Journalist, your responsibilities may include gathering information from sources, writing and editing news articles, and ensuring that the articles are accurate, fair, and unbiased. Verb Tenses and Passives may be particularly useful in this role, as it will help you to develop strong writing skills and a deep understanding of grammar and punctuation, which are essential for success as a Journalist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Freelance Writer

A Freelance Writer creates and develops written content, such as articles, blog posts, and website copy, for clients. As a Freelance Writer, your responsibilities may include working with clients to develop content ideas, researching and gathering information, writing and editing content, and ensuring that the content meets the client's needs. Verb Tenses and Passives may be particularly useful in this role, as it can help you to develop a strong understanding of grammar and punctuation, which is essential for success as a Freelance Writer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Freelance Writer

Screenwriter

A Screenwriter writes and develops screenplays for movies and television shows. As a Screenwriter, your responsibilities may include researching and gathering information, writing and editing screenplays, and working with directors and producers to bring your screenplays to life. Verb Tenses and Passives may be useful in this role, as it will help you to develop strong writing skills and a deep understanding of grammar and punctuation, which are essential for success as a Screenwriter.

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English Teacher

An English Teacher educates students on the English language, its grammar, and its various forms, both written and spoken. As an English Teacher, your responsibilities include working with students both one-on-one and in group settings, developing lesson plans, and grading students' work. Verb Tenses and Passives may be particularly useful in this role, as the ability to effectively teach verb tenses and passive forms is key to helping students gain proficiency in the language.

See salaries and explore the career path for English Teacher

Translator

A Translator converts written or spoken material from one language to another. As a Translator, your responsibilities may include translating documents, interpreting spoken conversations, and working with clients to ensure that the translation is accurate and culturally sensitive. Verb Tenses and Passives may be useful in this role, as it will help you to develop a strong understanding of grammar and punctuation, which is essential for success as a Translator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Translator

Blogger

A Blogger creates and writes content for a blog, which is a website or online journal. As a Blogger, your responsibilities may include researching and gathering information, writing and editing blog posts, and working with readers to build a community around your blog. Verb Tenses and Passives may be useful in this role, as it can help you to develop strong writing skills and a deep understanding of grammar and punctuation, which is essential for success as a Blogger.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blogger

Poet

A Poet writes and publishes poems, which are short works of literature that use language in a creative way. As a Poet, your responsibilities may include writing and editing poems, working with publishers to get your poems published, and performing your poems at readings and other events. Verb Tenses and Passives may be useful in this role, as it can help you to develop a strong understanding of grammar and punctuation, which is essential for success as a Poet.

See salaries and explore the career path for Poet

Novelist

A Novelist writes and publishes novels, which are long fictional stories. As a Novelist, your responsibilities may include researching and gathering information, writing and editing novels, and working with publishers to get your novels published. Verb Tenses and Passives may be useful in this role, as it will help you to develop strong writing skills and a deep understanding of grammar and punctuation, which are essential for success as a Novelist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Novelist

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Verb Tenses and Passives.

English Grammar in Use Book with Answers OeBV...

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Provides a comprehensive overview of English grammar, with clear explanations and plenty of practice exercises. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their understanding of English grammar and usage.

Verb Tenses and Passives

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Advanced english verb tenses and passives

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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