The verbal group: tenses

Present Participle
Past Form(s)
state
states
stating
stated
say
says
saying
said
write
writes
writing
wrote, written
✪
Exercise 1
Fill in the table with the correct forms of the verbs listed.
Base Form
's' Form
Present Participle
Past Form(s)
find
think
determine
choose
say
mean
✪
✪
You can now check the answers in the Answer Key at the back of the unit.

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Basic English Grammar Module: Unit 2B. Independent Learning Resources
© Learning Centre University of Sydney. This Unit may be copied for individual student use.
5
If you had difficulty with the forms of these verbs then you need to do some revision. If,
when you're writing, you use a verb but its forms are unfamiliar to you, you should
check a dictionary. You should also be aware of the uses of these different forms:
Form
Uses
Examples
base form
present tense
There are a number of variables.
imperative
Outline the major issues.
the infinitive
The aim is to fund various projects.
after modals
They ought to consider the outcomes.
's' form
3rd person singular of
the present tense
The project needs a lot of funding.
The result indicates need for more research.
present participle
continuous tenses
The project manager is assessing it.
'ing' adjectives
Diminishing resources may be a problem.
'ing' nouns
Costing of the project is a priority.
non-­‐finite clauses
After testing the samples, destroy them.
past form
simple past tense
The agar flowed to the edge of the cover
slip.
past participle of regular
verbs
The agar was warmed before being added.
past participle of
regular/irregular verbs
perfect tenses
The report has been tabled.
'ed' adjectives
The warmed solution was then added.
some non-­‐finite clauses
Influenced by public opinion, the council
changed its policy.