[Unit 1A][Grammar] Overview of tenses

Question 1

[verb tenses]

In the time that _ (you / read) this article, around 750 iPhones and 300 iPads will be sold internationally.

= something temporary (временное)

Answer 1

In the time that you’re reading this article, around 750 iPhones and 300 iPads will be sold internationally.

To talk about temporary things, use Present Continuous.

Question 2

[verb tenses]

After graduating, _ (he /help) set up the London design agency, Tangerine.

= an event at a specific time in the past; a sequence of events in the past

Answer 2

After graduating, he helped set up the London design agency, Tangerine.

To talk about an event at a specific time in the past or to list a sequence of events in the past, use Past Simple.

Question 3

[verb tenses]

In 1992, while _ (he, work) at Tangerine, he accepted a job offer from Apple.

= a past event that feels long, usually because there’s a contrast with a shorter event

Answer 3

In 1992, while he was working at Tangerine, he accepted a job offer from Apple.

To describe a past event that feels long, usually because there’s a contrast with a shorter event, use Past Continuous.

Question 3

[verb tenses]

However, when Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1997 and saw the design work that Ive _ (produce), he immediately recognized Ive’s ability and promoted him.

= before Jobs returned

Answer 3

However, when Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1997 and saw the design work that Ive had produced, he immediately recognized Ive’s ability and promoted him.

To mention an event that happened before another event in the past, use Past Perfect.

Question 4

[verb tenses]

Thanks to Ive’s simple, elegant designs, Apple became one of the most successful companies in the world. Since then, he _ responsible for the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

= с тех пор, он был - describing a period of time that continues up to now

Answer 4

Since then, he has been responsible for the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

= с тех пор, он был. To describe a period of time that continues up to now, use Present Perfect. It’s often used to describe life experience (I’ve always been interested in horses, I’ve never been to Paris, I’ve met him twice).

Question 5

[verb tenses]

These devices _ (generate) millions of pounds a day for Apple.

= describing facts that are generally true / permanent things

Answer 5

These devices generate millions of pounds a day for Apple.

To describe facts that are generally true and permanent things, use Present Simple.