17. When we went to the cinema, the film --- (already started, had already started,
would already start)
18. I --- for half an hour when it suddenly started to rain, (have walked, have
been walking, had been walking)
19. Did you think you --- me somewhere before? (have .seen, had seen, were
seeing)
20. The town --- its appearance completely since 1980. (is changing, changed, has
changed)
A work from S. CHAND & COMPANY LTD.
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21. Sheila --- her case, look. (packed, has packed, had packed)
22. When I was in Sri Lanka. I --- Negombo. Beruwela and Nilaveli. (visited, was visited,
have visited)
23. 1 meant to repair the radio, but --- time to do it today (am not having, haven't
had. hadn't)
24. When I --- my dinner I went to bed. (had, have had, had had)
25. Men --- to abolish wars up to now, but maybe they will find a way in the future,
(never managed, have never managed, will have never managed)
CHAPTER 26
THE FUTURE
234. There are several ways of talking about the future in English: The Simple Future
Tense, the going to form, the Simple Present Tense, etc.
Simple future tense
235. The Simple Future Tense is used to talk about things which we cannot control. It
expresses the future as fact.
I shall be twenty next Saturday.
It will be Diwali in a week.
We will know our exam results in May.
236. We use this tense to talk about what we think or believe will happen in the future.
I think Pakistan will win the match.
I'm sure Helen will get a first class.
As in the above sentences, we often use this tense with I think, and I'm sure. We also say
I expect ---, I believe ---, Probably ---, etc.
237. We can use this tense when we decide to do something at the lime of speaking
It is raining. I will take an umbrella.
“Mr. Sinha is very busy at the moment.” – “All right. I'll wait.”
Going to
238. We use the going to form (be going to + base of the verb) when we have decided to
do something before talking about it.
“Have you decided what to do?” – “Yes. / am going to resign the job.”
“Why do you want to sell your motorbike?” – “I'm going to buy a car.”
Remember that if the action is already decided upon and preparations have been made,
we should use the going to form, not the Simple Future Tense. The Simple Future Tense
is used for an instant decision.
239. We also use the going to form to talk about what seems likely or certain, when there
is something in the present which tells us about the future.
• It is going to rain; look at those clouds.
• The boat is full of water. It is going to sink.
• She is going to have a baby.
240. The going to form may also express an action which is on the point of happening.
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Let's get into the train. It's going to leave.
Look! The cracker is going to explode.
Be about to
241. Be about to + base form can also be used for the immediate future.
Let's get into the train. It's about to leave.
Don't go out now. We are about to have lunch.
Simple Present Tense
242. The Simple Present Tense is used for official programmes and timetables.
The college opens on 23rd June.
The film starts at 6.30 and finishes at 9.00.
When does the next train leave for Chennai?
243. The Simple Present is often used for future time in clauses with if, unless, when,
while, as (= while) before, after, until, by the time and as soon as. The Simple Future
Tense is not used in such cases.
I won't go out if it rains, (not: will rain)
Can I have some milk before I go to bed?
Let's wait till he finishes his work.
Please ring me up as soon as he comes.
Present Continuous Tense
244. We use the Present Continuous Tense when we talk about something that we have
planned to do in the future.
I am going to Shimla tomorrow.
We are eating out tonight.
Mr. Abdul Rehman is arriving this evening.
You are advised to use the Present Continuous (not the Simple Present) for personal
arrangements.
Future Continuous Tense
245. We use the Future Continuous Tense to talk about actions which will be in progress
at a time in the future.
I suppose it will he raining when we start.
This time tomorrow I will be sitting on the beach in Singapore.
“Can I see you at 5 o'clock?” – “Please don t come then I will be watching the tennis
match on TV.
246. We also use this tense to talk about actions in the future which are already planned
or which are expected to happen in the normal course of things.
• I will be staying here till Sunday.
• He will be meeting us next week.
• The postman will be coming soon
Be to
247. We use be to + .base form to talk about official plans and arrangements.
The Prime Minister is to visit America next month.
The conference is to discuss “Nuclear Tests”.
Be to is used in a formal style, often in news reports Be is usually left out in headlines,
e.g. “Prime Minister to visit America”.
Future Perfect Tense
248. The Future Perfect Tense is used to talk about actions that will be completed by a
certain future time.
I shall have written my exercise by then.
He will have left before you go to see him.
By the end of this month I will have worked here for five years.
Future Perfect Continuous Tense
249. The Future Perfect Continuous tense is used for actions which will be in progress
over a period of time that will end in the future.
By next March we shall have been living here for four years.
I’ll have been teaching for twenty years next July.
This tense is not very common.
Exercise in Composition 48
Choose the correct or more suitable forms of the verbs to fill in the blanks:-
1. The plane --- at 3.30. (arrives, will arrive)
2. I will phone you when he --- back, (comes, will come)
3. When I get home, my dog --- at the gate waiting for me. (sits, will be sitting)
4. I --- the Joshis this evening, (visit, am visiting)
5. Look at those black clouds. It ---, (will rain, is going to rain)
6. The train --- before we reach the station, (arrives, will have arrived)
7. Perhaps we --- Mahabaleshwar next month, (visit, will visit)
8. Unless we --- now we can't be on time, (start, will start)
9. I --- into town later on. Do you want a lift? (drive, will be driving)
10. The next term --- on 16th November, (begins, is beginning)
11. Oh dear! I --- (will sneeze, am going to sneeze)
12. By 2005, computers --- many of the jobs that people do today, (will be
taking over, will have taken over)
13. I'm sure she --- the exam, (passes, will pass)
14. I --- home next Sunday, (go, am going)
15. I --- you one of these days, I expect, (see, will be seeing)
16. Help! I --- fall, (will fall, am going to fall)
17. She has bought some cloth; she --- herself a blouse, (will make, is going to make)
18. I --- your house this afternoon. It is on my way home from work, (will be passing, am
passing)
19. Hurry up! The programme --- (will start, is about to start)
20. This book is not long. I --- it by lunch time, (will be reading, will have read)
For information about verb forms in conditionals, see
Book II, Chapter 32
CHAPTER 27
THE VERB: PERSON AND NUMBER
250. The Verb, like the Personal Pronouns, has three Persons - the First, the Second and
the Third. Thus we say
1. I speak.
2. You speak. (Old English: Thou speakest)
3. He speaks.
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This is because of the difference in Person of the Subjects, as all the three are subjects of
the singular number.
In sentence 1, the Subject is of the First Person, therefore the Verb is also of the First
Person.
In sentence 2, the Subject is of the Second Person, therefore the verb is also of the
Second Person.
In sentence 3, the Subject is of the Third Person, therefore the Verb is also of the Third
Person.
We thus see that the Verb takes the same Person as its Subject; or, that the Verb agrees
with its Subject in Person.
251. The Verb like the Noun and the Pronoun, has two Numbers the Singular and the
Plural. Thus we say -
1. He speaks.
2. They speak.
This is because of the difference in Number of the subjects (as both the Subjects are of
the third person).
In sentence 1, the Subject is Singular, therefore the Verb is Singular.
In sentence 2, the Subject is Plural, therefore the Verb is Plural.
We thus see that the Verb takes the same Number as its Subject; or, that the Verb agrees
with its Subject in Number.
252. But we have already seen that the Verb also agrees with its Subject in Person ; hence
we have the important rule -
The Verb must agree with its Subject in Number and Person; that is, the Verb must be of
the same Number and Person as its Subject. Thus, if the Subject is of the Singular
Number, First Person, the Verb must be of the Singular Number, First Person ; as,
I am here.
I was there,
I have a bat.
I play cricket.
If the Subject is of the Singular Number, Third Person, the Verb must be of the Singular
Number, Third Person; as,
He is here.
He was there.
He has a bat.
He plays cricket.
If the Subject is of the Plural Number, Third Person, the Verb must be of the Plural
Number, Third Person ; as,
They are here.
They were there.
They have bats.
They play cricket.
Note- In some languages the form of the Verb changes with the Number and Person of
the Subject. In modern English verbs have lost all their inflections for number and
person, except in the third person of the singular number. Thus we have-
I speak -- We speak.
You speak -- You speak. (You is both singular and plural in current English)
He speaks -- They speak.
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The only exception is the verb to be. We say-
I am. -- We are.
You are. -- You are.
He is. -- They are.
For further study of the agreement of the verb with the subject, see Book II, Chapter 17.
A work from S. CHAND & COMPANY LTD.
CHAPTER 28
THE INFINITIVE
253. Read these sentences;
I want to go.
They tried to find fault with us.
The forms to go and to find are "infinitives."
The infinitive is the base of a verb, often followed by to.
254. Read the following sentences:-
1. To err is human.
2. Birds love to sing.
3. To respect our parents is our duty.
4. He refused to obey the orders.
5. Many men desire to make money quickly.
In sentence 1, the Infinitive, like a noun, is the Subject of the verb is.
In sentence 2, the Infinitive, like a noun, is the Object of the verb love.
In sentence 3, the Infinitive, like a noun, is the Subject of the verb is, but, like a verb, it
also takes an object.
In sentence 4, the Infinitive, like a noun, is the Object of the verb refused, but, like a verb,
it also takes an object.
In sentence 5, the Infinitive, like a noun, is the Object of the verb desire, but, like a verb,
it also takes an Object and is modified by an Adverb.
It will be seen that the Infinitive is a kind of noun with certain features of the verb,
especially that of taking an object (when the verb is Transitive) and adverbial qualifiers.
In short, the Infinitive is a Verb-Noun.
255. The word to is frequently used with the Infinitive, but is not an essential part or sign
of it.
Thus, after certain verbs (bid, let, make (Except when they are conjugated with do) need,
(Except when they are conjugated with do) dare, see, hear), we use the Infinitive without
to; as,
Bid him go there.
I bade him go.
Let him sit here.
I will not let you go.
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Make him stand.
I made him run.
We need not go to-day.
You need not do it.
You dare not do it.
I saw him do it.
I heard him cry.
256. The infinitive without to is also used after the verbs will, would, shall, should, may,
might, can, could and must.
• I will pay the bill.
• You should work harder.
• He can speak five languages.
• You must come to the office at nine tomorrow.
The Infinitive without to is also used after had better, had rather, would rather, sooner
than, rather than; as,
You had better ask permission.
I had rather play than work.
I would rather die than suffer so.
Use of the Infinitive
257. The Infinitive, with or without adjuncts, may be used, like a Noun -
(1) As the Subject of a Verb; as,
To find fault is easy.
To err is human.
To reign is worth ambition.
(2) As the Object of a transitive Verb; as
I do not mean to read.
He likes to play cards.
(3) As the Complement of a Verb; as,
Her greatest pleasure is to sing.
His custom is to ride daily.
(4) As the Object of a Preposition; as,
He had no choice but (= except) to obey.
The speaker is about to begin.
(5) As an Objective Complement; as,
I saw him go.
When the infinitive is thus used, like a Noun, it is called the Simple Infinitive.
258. The Infinitive is also used-
(1) To qualify a Verb, usually to express purpose; as,
He called to see my brother (= for the purpose of seeing my brother).
We eat to live. (Purpose)
I come to bury Caesar. (Purpose)
He wept to see the desolation caused by the flood. (Cause)
(2) To qualify an Adjective; as,
Figs are good to eat.
This medicine is pleasant to take.
The boys are anxious to learn.
He is too ill to do any work.
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(3) To qualify a Noun; as,
This is not the time to play.
You will have cause to repent.
He is a man to be admired.
Here is a house to let.
This house is to let.
(4) To qualify a Sentence; as,
To tell the truth, I quite forgot my promise.
He was petrified, so to speak.
When the Infinitive is thus used it is called the Gerund in I or Qualifying Infinitive.
It will be seen that in 1 and 2 the Gerundial Infinitive does the work of an Adverb; in 3 it
does the work of of an Adjective; in 4 it is used absolutely.
259. The Infinitive may be active or passive. When active it may have a present and a
perfect form, and may merely name the act, or it may represent progressive or continued
action,
Active
Present: to love.
Present Continuous: to be loving.
Perfect Continuous: to have been loving.
Perfect: to have loved.
When passive the Infinitive has a present and a perfect form.
Passive
Present: to be loved.
Perfect: to have been loved.
Exercise in Grammar 49
State how the Infinitive is used in the following sentences:-
1. There was nothing for it to fight.
2. Let us pray.
3. The mango is fit to eat.
4. I heard her sing.
5. I have come to see you.
6. The order to advance was given.
7. Men must work and women must weep.
8. I am sorry to hear this.
9. He is slow to forgive.
10. A man severe he was and stern to view
11. And fools who came to scoff remained to pray.
12. Thus to relieve the wretched was his pride.
13. Full many a flower is born to blush unseen.
14. Music hath charms to soothe the savage beast.
15. Never seek to fell thy love.
16. To retreat was difficult; to advance was impossible.
17. Everybody wishes to enjoy life.
18. My desire is to see you again.
19. There was not a moment to be lost.
20. The counsel rose to address the court.
21. My right there is none to dispute.
22. The ability to laugh is peculiar to mankind.
23. He has the power to concentrate his thoughts.
24. He was quick to see the point.
25. I am not afraid to speak the truth.
26. Better dwell in the midst of alarms.
27. Than reign in this horrible place.
28. Can you hope to count the stars?
29. To toil is the lot of mankind.
30. It is delightful to hear the sound of the sea. It is a penal offence to bribe a public
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Exercise in Composition 50
Combine together the following pairs of sentences by using Infinitives:-
[Example.- Napoleon was one of the greatest of generals. He is universally acknowledged
so = Napoleon is universally acknowledged to have been one of the greatest of generals.
Note,- it will be noticed that we have turned one of the sentences into a phrase containing
an infinitive.]
1. He did not have even a rupee with him. He could not buy a loaf of bread.
2. Every cricket team has a captain. He directs the other players.
3. You must part with your purse. On this condition only you can save your life.
4. He went to Amritsar. He wanted to visit the Golden Temple.
5. The robber took out a knife. He intended to frighten the old man.
6. I speak the truth. I am not afraid of it.
7. The insolvent's property was sold by the official Assignee. The insolvent's creditors
had to be paid.
8. He wants to earn his livelihood. He works hard for that reason.
9. The strikers held a meeting. They wished to discuss the terms of the employers.
10. He has five children. He must provide for them.
11. The old man has now little energy left. He cannot take his morning constitutional
exercises.
12. The Rajah allowed no cows to be slaughtered in his territory. It was his custom.
13. He formed a resolution. It was to the effect that he would not speculate any more.
14. Everyone should do his duty. India expects this of every man.
15. She visits the poor. She is anxious to relieve them of their sufferings.
16. He collects old stamps even at great expense. This is his hobby.
17. He must apologise for his misconduct, it is the only way to escape punishment.
18. I have no aptitude for business. I must speak it out frankly.
19. He was desirous of impressing his host. So he was on his behaviour in his presence.
20. That young man has squandered away all his patrimony. He must have been very
foolish.
21. He has risen to eminence from poverty and obscurity. It is highly creditable.
CHAPTER 29
THE PARTICIPLE
260. Read this sentence:-
Hearing the noise, the boy woke up.
The word hearing qualifies the noun boy as an Adjective does.
It is formed from the Verb hear, and governs an object.
The word hearing, therefore, partakes of the nature of both a Verb and an Adjective, and
is called a Participle. It may be called a Verbal Adjective.
Def. - A participle is that form of the Verb which partakes of the nature both of a Verb
and of an Adjective.
[Or] A participle is a word which is partly a Verb and partly an adjective.
94
[Note. - The phrase 'Hearing the noise', which is introduced by a Principle, is called a
Participle Phrase. According to its use here, it is an Adjective Phrase.]
261. Study the following examples of Participles:
1. We met a girl carrying a basket of flowers.
2. Loudly knocking at the gate, he demanded admission.
3. The child, thinking all was safe, attempted to cross the road.
4. He rushed into the field, and foremost fighting fell.
The above are all examples of what is usually called the Present Participle which ends in
-ing and represents an action as going on or incomplete or imperfect.
If the verb from which it comes is Transitive, it takes an object, as in sentence 1.
Notice also that in sentence 2, the Participle is modified by an adverb.
262. Besides the Present Participle, we can form from each verb another Participle called
its Past Participle, which represents a completed action or state of the thing spoken of.
The following are examples of Past Participles:-
• Blinded by a dust storm, they fell into disorder.
• Deceived by his friends, he lost all hope.
• Time misspent is lime lost.
• Driven by hunger, he stole a piece of bread.
• We saw a few trees laden with fruit.
It will be noticed that the Past Participle usually ends in -ed, -d, -t, -en, or -n.
Besides these two simple participles, the Present and the Past, we have what is called a
Perfect Participle that represents an action as completed at some past time; as,
Having rested, we continued our journey.
263. In the following examples the Participles are used as simple qualifying adjectives in
front of a noun; thus used they are called Participle Adjectives:-
A rolling stone gathers no moss.
We had a drink of the sparkling water.
His tattered coat needs mending.
The creaking door awakened the dog.
A lying witness ought to be punished.
He played a losing game.
A burnt child dreads the fire.
His finished manners produced a very favourable impression.
He wears a worried look.
Education is the most pressing need of our country.
He was reputed to be the most learned man of his- time.
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264. Used adjectivally the past participle is Passive in meaning, while the Present
Participle is Active in meaning; as,
a spent swimmer = a swimmer who is tired out;
a burnt child = a child who is burnt;
a painted doll = a doll which is painted;
a rolling stone = a stone which rolls.
265. Let us now recapitulate what we have already learnt about the Participle.
(1) A participle is a Verbal Adjective.
(2) Like a Verb it may govern a noun or pronoun; as,
Hearing the noise, the boy woke up. [The noun noise is governed by the participle
Hearing].
(3) Like a Verb it may be modified by an adverb; as
Loudly knocking at the gate, he demanded admission. [Here the participle knocking is
modified by the adverb Loudly,]
(4) Like an adjective it may qualify a noun or pronoun; as,
Having rested, the men continued their journey.
(5) Like an Adjective it may be compared; as,
Education is the most pressing need of our time. [Here the participle pressing is
compared by prefixing most.]
266. Below are shown the forms of the different Participles:
Active
Present: loving
Perfect: having loved
Passive
Present: being loved.
Perfect: having been loved.
Past: loved.
A work from S. CHAND & COMPANY LTD.
Use of the Participle
267. It will be noticed that the Continuous Tenses (Active Voice) are formed from the
Present Participle with tenses of the verb be; as,
I am loving.
I was loving.
I shall be loving.
The Perfect Tenses (Active Voice) are formed from the Past Participle with tenses of the
verb have; as,
I have loved.
I had loved.
I shall have loved.
The Passive Voice is formed from the Past Participle with tenses of the verb be; as,
I am loved.
I was loved.
I shall be loved.
268. We have seen that Participles qualify nouns or pronouns.
They may be used-
(1) Attributively; as,
A rolling stone gathers no moss.
His tattered coat needs mending.
A lost opportunity never returns.
