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Perfect Tenses and Modals

Tamy Chapman, Emily Wong, and Brad Gilpin

This is the first course in the Learn English: Intermediate Grammar specialization. In this course, you will learn about important intermediate verb tenses, including present perfect, present perfect progressive, past perfect, and past perfect progressive. You will also learn about common modal verbs used in English. This course is designed for learners who have a basic understanding of English grammar but who want to learn more and improve their skills for everyday speaking or writing, as well as for academics. It will be a fun class with lots of entertaining and informative video lectures.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome
Welcome to the first course in the Learn English: Intermediate Grammar specialization. This course will cover the perfect verb tenses and modals. You will watch fun videos and do practice activities to help you learn this important grammar. If you have paid for the certificate for this course, you will also be able to participate in discussions and peer reviews to help you learn. To earn a certificate, you must pass several quizzes and assignments.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches present perfect verb tense, an important intermediate grammar structure
Teaches present perfect progressive and progressive verb tenses in English
Teaches past perfect and past perfect progressive verb tenses
Teaches about modal verbs, which are used to discuss abilities, possibilities, impossibilities, and preferences
Taught by three experienced instructors, Tamy Chapman, Emily Wong, and Brad Gilpin
Designed for those with basic understanding of English grammar, making it possibly suitable for high school students

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Reviews summary

Clear explanations for english perfect tenses and modals

According to learners, this course provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to English perfect tenses and modal verbs, which are often challenging topics for intermediate learners. Students particularly praise the instructor's ability to explain complex concepts simply, using helpful examples that solidify understanding. Many found the video lectures engaging and informative. The course is widely seen as excellent for reinforcing foundational knowledge and building confidence in using these structures correctly in both writing and speaking. While generally well-paced, a few learners wished for more challenging exercises or deeper dives into nuances, but overall, the feedback indicates it successfully meets its stated goal of improving intermediate grammar skills.
Generally well-paced, but some desire more challenge.
"The pace was perfect for reviewing and learning these topics. Not too fast, not too slow."
"For a true intermediate, I found the exercises a bit too easy. Could use more challenging practice."
"The course covers the basics very well, but I was hoping for a little more depth on complex usage scenarios."
"The course is a good introduction, but perhaps not sufficient if you need advanced proficiency. The exercises are good but simple."
Lectures are informative and pleasant to watch.
"The video lectures were well-structured and easy to follow. The instructor has a very pleasant teaching style."
"Enjoyed watching the videos. They were not too long and kept me engaged. Learned a lot from them."
"The videos were informative and the instructor is very charismatic. Made learning grammar enjoyable."
"Good quality videos with clear audio and visuals. The presenter is easy to listen to."
Excellent for reinforcing intermediate grammar.
"This course is a great foundation builder for anyone who wants to improve their intermediate English grammar."
"It really helped solidify my understanding of perfect tenses and modals. I feel much more confident now."
"Perfect course to reinforce perfect tenses. It covered all points clearly with great examples. Highly recommend it for intermediate learners."
"Provides a solid understanding of the key concepts. Great for reviewing and improving upon existing knowledge."
Practical examples aid in understanding usage.
"The examples used in the videos and exercises were incredibly helpful. They showed how to use the tenses in real-life situations."
"I appreciated the clear examples for each tense and modal. It made it much easier to see how they function."
"Good examples provided to clarify the rules. This made practicing the exercises much more effective."
"The examples were very relevant and helped solidify my understanding of when to use each tense."
Instructor makes complex grammar easy to grasp.
"The instructor explains the concepts in a way that is very easy to understand. I finally feel like I get the perfect tenses!"
"Her explanations were cristal clear, easy to follow and her english is amazing! This course helped me a lot to improve my grammar and pronunciation."
"Excellent course! Very clear explanations of tenses that are usually very difficult to understand. The examples helped a lot."
"The explanations were very clear and the examples were relevant. I have struggled with perfect tenses for a long time, but this course made it click."

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 Perfect Tenses and Modals with these activities:
Read 'English Grammar in Use' by Raymond Murphy
Provides a comprehensive overview of English grammar, including verb tenses and modal verbs.
View Basic Grammar in Use Book with Answers and... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book carefully and take notes.
  • Complete the exercises in the book.
  • Review the material regularly.
Practice using the present perfect tense
Helps you refresh your understanding of the present perfect tense before starting the course.
Browse courses on Present Perfect Tense
Show steps
  • Review the rules for using the present perfect tense.
  • Complete exercises that require you to use the present perfect tense.
  • Write sentences using the present perfect tense.
Attend a workshop on English grammar
Provides an opportunity to learn from experts and get feedback on your progress.
Browse courses on English Grammar
Show steps
  • Find a workshop that is relevant to your needs.
  • Register for the workshop.
  • Attend the workshop and participate actively.
  • Follow up with the workshop presenter or other attendees after the workshop.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Practice using the present perfect progressive tense
Provides additional practice using the present perfect progressive tense, which is covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Review the rules for using the present perfect progressive tense.
  • Complete exercises that require you to use the present perfect progressive tense.
  • Write sentences using the present perfect progressive tense.
Practice using the past perfect tense
Provides practice using the past perfect tense, which is covered in the course.
Browse courses on Past Perfect Tense
Show steps
  • Review the rules for using the past perfect tense.
  • Complete exercises that require you to use the past perfect tense.
  • Write sentences using the past perfect tense.
Practice using the past perfect progressive tense
Provides practice using the past perfect progressive tense, which is covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Review the rules for using the past perfect progressive tense.
  • Complete exercises that require you to use the past perfect progressive tense.
  • Write sentences using the past perfect progressive tense.
Practice using modal verbs
Provides practice using modal verbs, which are covered in the course.
Browse courses on Modal Verbs
Show steps
  • Review the rules for using modal verbs.
  • Complete exercises that require you to use modal verbs.
  • Write sentences using modal verbs.
Write a blog post about using verb tenses correctly
Helps you apply your understanding of verb tenses and improve your writing skills.
Browse courses on Verb Tenses
Show steps
  • Choose a topic related to verb tenses.
  • Research the topic and gather information.
  • Write a blog post that explains the topic clearly and concisely.
  • Proofread your blog post and make sure it is error-free.
  • Publish your blog post and share it with others.

Career center

Learners who complete Perfect Tenses and Modals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Screenwriter
Screenwriters must be able to write clear and engaging screenplays. This course will help Screenwriters improve their ability to use grammar correctly, which is essential for writing effective screenplays that are enjoyable to read and watch. By gaining a better understanding of verb tenses, Screenwriters can improve the quality of their writing and capture the attention of readers and viewers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Screenwriter
Writer
As a Writer, it is important to be able to use language effectively to communicate with a variety of audiences. The course will help Writers to understand how to use grammar correctly to write more clearly and effectively. By gaining a better understanding of verb tenses, Writers can improve the quality of their writing by using the correct tense for each situation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Writer
Journalist
Journalists must be able to write clearly and accurately about a variety of topics. This course will help Journalists improve their ability to use grammar correctly, which is essential for writing effective news stories and articles. By gaining a better understanding of verb tenses, Journalists can improve the accuracy and clarity of their writing.
See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist
Editor
Editors must be able to identify and correct errors in grammar and usage. This course will help Editors improve their ability to identify and correct errors in verb tense, which is a common source of errors in written English. By gaining a better understanding of verb tenses, Editors can become more effective at improving the quality of written content.
See salaries and explore the career path for Editor
Public relations manager
Public Relations Managers must be able to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences. This course will help Public Relations Managers improve their ability to use grammar correctly, which is essential for writing effective press releases, speeches, and other public relations materials. By gaining a better understanding of verb tenses, Public Relations Managers can improve the clarity and impact of their written communications.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager
Speechwriter
Speechwriters must be able to write speeches that are clear, concise, and persuasive. This course will help Speechwriters improve their ability to use grammar correctly, which is essential for writing effective speeches. By gaining a better understanding of verb tenses, Speechwriters can improve the clarity and impact of their speeches.
See salaries and explore the career path for Speechwriter
Teacher
Teachers must be able to communicate effectively with students. This course will help Teachers improve their ability to use grammar correctly, which is essential for creating effective lesson plans and delivering clear and engaging lessons. By gaining a better understanding of verb tenses, Teachers can improve the quality of their instruction and help students to learn more effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher
Professor
Professors must be able to communicate effectively with students and colleagues. This course will help Professors improve their ability to use grammar correctly, which is essential for writing effective lesson plans, delivering clear and engaging lectures, and writing academic papers and articles. By gaining a better understanding of verb tenses, Professors can improve the quality of their instruction and help students to learn more effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Professor
Technical Writer
Technical Writers must be able to write clear and concise instructions and documentation. This course will help Technical Writers improve their ability to use grammar correctly, which is essential for writing effective user manuals, technical reports, and other technical documents. By gaining a better understanding of verb tenses, Technical Writers can improve the clarity and accuracy of their writing.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer
Grant Writer
Grant Writers must be able to write persuasive grant proposals. This course will help Grant Writers improve their ability to use grammar correctly, which is essential for writing effective grant proposals. By gaining a better understanding of verb tenses, Grant Writers can improve the clarity and impact of their proposals.
See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer
Copywriter
Copywriters must be able to write clear and persuasive marketing materials. This course will help Copywriters improve their ability to use grammar correctly, which is essential for writing effective ad copy, brochures, and other marketing materials. By gaining a better understanding of verb tenses, Copywriters can improve the clarity and impact of their writing.
See salaries and explore the career path for Copywriter
Content Writer
Content Writers must be able to write clear and engaging content for websites, blogs, and other online platforms. This course will help Content Writers improve their ability to use grammar correctly, which is essential for writing effective content that is easy to read and understand. By gaining a better understanding of verb tenses, Content Writers can improve the quality of their content and engage readers more effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Content Writer
Novelist
Novelists must be able to write clear and engaging prose. This course will help Novelists improve their ability to use grammar correctly, which is essential for writing effective novels that are enjoyable to read. By gaining a better understanding of verb tenses, Novelists can improve the quality of their writing and capture the attention of readers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Novelist
Poet
Poets must be able to use language in a creative and expressive way. This course will help Poets improve their ability to use grammar correctly, which is essential for writing effective poetry that is both meaningful and beautiful. By gaining a better understanding of verb tenses, Poets can expand their creative potential and write poetry that is more powerful and evocative.
See salaries and explore the career path for Poet
Legal Assistant
A Legal Assistant helps with critical legal work such as preparing legal documents, conducting legal research, and managing case files. The course helps Legal Assistants improve their ability to write and understand written legal documents, which is a critical part of their job. The course's discussion of verbs and verb tenses will help Legal Assistants to understand and interpret legal documents more clearly. By gaining a better understanding of verb tenses, they can increase their proficiency as Legal Assistants.
See salaries and explore the career path for Legal Assistant

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 Perfect Tenses and Modals.
A Student's Introduction to English Grammar
Save
This comprehensive reference grammar for teachers and advanced learners provides an in-depth look at the grammar of English, including perfect tenses and modals. It includes detailed explanations and examples, as well as exercises to help learners practice using these grammar points.
A Student's Introduction to English Grammar
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Basic Grammar in Use Book with Answers and...
Save
Is commonly used as a textbook in academic institutions and by industry professionals. It provides a comprehensive overview of intermediate English grammar, including the perfect tenses and modals covered in this course.
Basic Grammar in Use Book with Answers and...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
English Syntax and Argumentation
Save
This comprehensive reference grammar provides detailed information on all aspects of English grammar for teachers and advanced learners, including perfect tenses and modals. It includes detailed explanations and examples, as well as exercises to help learners practice using these grammar points.
English Syntax and Argumentation
Paperback
Check
English Syntax and Argumentation
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Grammar of Spoken and Written English
Save
This comprehensive reference grammar provides detailed information on all aspects of English grammar, including perfect tenses and modals. It useful resource for learners who want to gain a deeper understanding of these grammar points.
Grammar of Spoken and Written English (Not in...
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
Teachers' Research in Language Education
Save
This advanced grammar book provides detailed explanations and examples of perfect tenses and modals, with a focus on academic writing. It includes exercises and practice activities to help learners improve their grammar skills.
Teachers' Research in Language Education : Voices...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Quantitative Methods in Sociolinguistics
Save
This comprehensive reference grammar provides detailed information on all aspects of English grammar, including perfect tenses and modals. It useful resource for learners who want to gain a deeper understanding of these grammar points, especially at the academic level.
Quantitative Methods in Sociolinguistics
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Oxford English Grammar Course: Advanced: with Key...
Save
This advanced grammar course provides comprehensive coverage of perfect tenses and modals, with a focus on academic writing. It includes exercises and practice activities to help learners improve their grammar skills.
Oxford English Grammar Course: Advanced: with Key...
Paperback
Check
Oxford English Grammar Course: Advanced: with Key...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Pragmatics of Politeness
Save
This reference guide provides a detailed overview of modals in English. It includes clear explanations and examples, as well as exercises to help learners practice using these modals.
The Pragmatics of Politeness (Oxford Studies in...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Innovations and Challenges in Grammar
Save
This reference book includes several chapters on perfect tenses and modals. It provides a useful reference for learners who want to improve their understanding of these grammar points.
Innovations and Challenges in Grammar (Innovations...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
EasyWriter with Exercises
Save
Useful text for learners who want to improve their writing skills. It includes several chapters on grammar, including perfect tenses and modals. These chapters provide clear explanations and examples.
EasyWriter with Exercises
Spiral-bound
$$
EasyWriter with Exercises
Spiral-bound
$$
EasyWriter with Exercises, 2020 APA Update
Spiral-bound
$$
EasyWriter with Exercises
Spiral-bound
$$
EasyWriter with Exercises 6e & LaunchPad Solo for...
Paperback
$$
EasyWriter with 2009 MLA and 2010 APA Updates &...
Paperback
$$
St. Martin's Guide to Writing 9e cloth & EasyWriter...
Hardcover
$$$
EasyWriter with Exercises 8e & Achieve for...
Product Bundle
$$
EasyWriter with Exercises 6e & LaunchPad Solo for...
Product Bundle
$$
EasyWriter 4e MLA/APA Upates & Supplementary...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
David Crystal's 50 Questions About English Usage...
Save
This reference guide provides a detailed overview of the perfect tenses in English. It includes clear explanations and examples, as well as exercises to help learners practice using these tenses.
David Crystal's 50 Questions About English Usage...
Paperback
Check
David Crystal's 50 Questions About English Usage...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Grammar in Use Intermediate Student's Book with...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of intermediate English grammar, including the perfect tenses and modals covered in the course. It useful reference tool for students who want to improve their understanding of these grammar concepts.
Grammar in Use Intermediate Student's Book with...
Paperback
Check
Grammar in Use Intermediate Student's Book with...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Oxford Practice Grammar Intermediate with answers
Save
Useful reference for learners of English as a second language. It includes several chapters on perfect tenses and modals, which provide clear explanations and examples.
Oxford Practice Grammar Intermediate with answers
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Effort
4 weeks of study, 4-6 hours/week
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of California, Irvine
Instructors
Tamy Chapman
Emily Wong
Brad Gilpin
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a collection called Learn English: Intermediate Grammar. It's comprised of four courses:
  1. Intermediate Grammar Project
  2. Adjectives and Adjective Clauses
  3. Perfect Tenses and Modals (viewing)
  4. Tricky English Grammar
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches present perfect verb tense, an important intermediate grammar structure
Teaches present perfect progressive and progressive verb tenses in English
Teaches past perfect and past perfect progressive verb tenses
Teaches about modal verbs, which are used to discuss abilities, possibilities, impossibilities, and preferences
Taught by three experienced instructors, Tamy Chapman, Emily Wong, and Brad Gilpin
Designed for those with basic understanding of English grammar, making it possibly suitable for high school students
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