2. Signal words

2.1. Who needs correct tenses?!

Choosing the wrong tense might lead to some misunderstandings. Look at the following video:



He says …

He should have said …

I go to school in Berlin

Meaning: He is still a student.

I went to school (past simple)

Meaning: He completed his studies and he no longer studies.

I live in Milano, I live in Sri Lanka

Meaning: He lives in 2 different places at the same time!

I lived in Milano, I lived in Sri Lanka (past simple)

Meaning: He spent time in these two places and it is over now.

But I always live here

Meaning: He lives in France.

I am still living here.

I have burger

Meaning: He does not need to order as he has a burger.

I will have a burger (future)

Meaning:

I have four girlfriends

Meaning: He dates 4 women. He is polygamous!

I have had four girlfriends (present perfect)

Meaning: He dated 4 women in the past -> valeur de bilan

I love all my girlfriends

Meaning: He dates and loves 4 women!

I have loved all my girlfriends (present perfect)

Meaning: He loved each of them at the time he dated them  -> valeur de bilan

I never date Indian women*

Meaning: This is racist : he does not date women who are Indian!

I have never dated Indian women (present perfect)

Meaning: He has never had an indian girlfriend but why not date one  -> valeur de bilan

⇒ The boy uses present simple in all his sentences. Present simple is used for established facts and things in general and also for habitual activities or routines.

* Keep in mind that in more complex structures it is important to look at the action in a sentence rather than a signal word.

  • Never/always…

+ simple present -> a habit or a routine (=> a present tense in French)

+ present perfect -> assessment (=> a past tense in French)

  • For + duration (e.g. for 4 years)

+ past simple -> pendant (4 ans)

+ present perfect -> depuis (4 ans)