Using the Proper Tense
Some people have difficulty using certain English words with regards to the proper 'tense' of the word. The following examples should help with a better understanding of when and how to use the past, present and future tense of a word.
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Awake
I intend to awake at six o 'clock tomorrow morning.
Instead I slept late, and awoke at noon.
I should have asked my brother to awaken me in the morning.
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Swim
I would like to swim across the lake.
Last year, my brother swam across the lake.
A large fish swum along by the side of our boat.
The class of students were all swimming together.
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Sleep
I plan to go to sleep around ten PM.
I slept very late this morning, and missed the bus.
Tomorrow evening I'll be sleeping at the Hotel in Prague.
The children were all sleeping cosily in their beds.
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Sing
I like to sing when I feel happy.
I sang at my daughters wedding last year.
The choir sung a lovely selection of music at the concert this evening.
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Bring
Please remember to bring your books to class.
He forgot that he had brought his science book the day before.
When I leave the house today, I will bring my cell phone with me.
I know I brought my extra sneakers with me, but I cannot find them now.
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Think
I think I feel a headache coming on.
I thought I had headache tablets in the bathroom.
I think tomorrow we shall go on a picnic.
I thought I'd find you here Brian!
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Keep
I keep extra light bulbs in the supply cabinet.
I kept light bulbs in the basement last year.
The students keep me on my toes so it's never boring!
The class kept me busy with more and more questions yesterday.
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Lie
Sometimes I like to lie on my couch and rest.
He lay the book on the table.
If you have lain about all day, your muscles will be very stiff.
Please put the pen next to the pencil, which is lying on the small table.
The proof of a good cook, lies in the tastiness of her pudding!
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Tie
I can tie my shoes all by myself!
My Grandma tied them for me when I was little.
Some people are much better at tying complicated knots than others.
The little girl excitedly ties the balloon to the fencepost, and admires it's fine red color.
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Fly
I am not afraid to fly in airplanes.
The pilot flew the plane expertly.
Have you flown overseas before?
Time flies when you're having fun.
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