In English, there are twelve main types of temporary forms. To choose the one that is best suited in a particular sentence, you often have to use special hint words. Auxiliary words in English times serve to quickly and efficiently use complex multi-temporal constructions without getting confused in them. And you should start with basic information. And since you should start with basic information, this article will examine words that point to Present Simple.
Direct Regularity Index - every
The very definition of Present Simple sounds like this: a real simple, regularly repeated action. This is the easiest to understand view of the present. Therefore, paradoxically, the word every, in the translation meaning "everyone", in any context, is an auxiliary word for a given time.
For instance:
- Everyday - every day.
- Every second week - every second week.
- Every December - every December.
- Every year - every year.
- Every Thursday - every Thursday.
- Every summer - every summer.
Anyone can continue this list with their own examples. It is only important to understand and remember that if they are present in the sentence, it is most likely necessary to use Present Simple.
Abstract regularity pointers
These adverbs (auxiliary words are most often adverbs of the time, because it depends on the described time interval which formula for compiling the proposal must be used) do not contain every. They are called abstract, because they do not mark a specific time frame, but give only a general idea of the frequency of action. But at the same time they are quite convincing evidence in favor of Present Simple
These words are:
- Always - always.
- Usually - usually (from usual - "normal").
- Often - often.
- Sometimes - sometimes.
- Rarely - rarely.
- Seldom - almost never.
- Never - never. Note that “never” is an auxiliary word only if the meaning implies an action that never takes place. If it has never been completed or has never been done before, then Present and Future Perfect should be used, respectively.
Other "pointers": on / in the
If you need to say in English that someone is doing something “in the morning” or, for example, “on Tuesdays,” then this “by” can be expressed in two ways:
- Using the preposition on - when it comes to the day of the week. For example: on Thursday - on Thursdays.
- By using the preposition in and the definite article the - if the time of day is mentioned. For example: in the evening - in the evenings.
Of course, it is better to learn the rules for using these prepositions with the adverbs of time, but if you suddenly get confused, you can always use the synonymous construction with every, which was described above. For example: every Monday = on Monday.
Examples of use
A few examples of using auxiliary words will help you better understand this small section of the English language and use it more actively.
Example | Transfer |
Sometimes I watch TV to relax a little after work. | Sometimes I watch TV to relax a bit after work. |
My mother often says that we have to work hard everyday to become successful. | My mother often says that we have to work hard every day to become successful. |
The weather is always good here. | The weather is always good here. |
The list of these examples can easily be supplemented with your own. In foreign literature, even in the simplest and most children's, it is also easy to find confirmation of how important auxiliary words are for understanding the complex and confused grammar of the English language.