Are You Ready to Learn to Use Tenses Accurately in Your Business Descriptions?

A very important part of projecting a positive and professional business image is to write and talk well.

Learning the correct use of verb tenses in English is a vital part of this, and it is why ESL Classes are so important for business executives.

Here we show you how to use the most important tenses correctly in your business descriptions so that you never lose a client or partner because of a lack of English knowledge:

1. Simple past tenser
Use the simple past tense to describe something that completely happened at a specific time in the past and is over now, for example:

• I graduated from NYU in 1995. (This is when the ceremony occurred).

DO NOT SAY: I have graduated since 1995.

• I finished the Beta project last month. (Specific time).

DO NOT SAY: I have finished the Beta project last month.

2. Present perfect tenser
Use the present perfect tense to describe something that has been in effect from a certain point in the past until now, but BE CAREFUL!

Some verbs are used for specific actions while others are used for conditions that cover periods of time.

For example:

• I met Mr. Johnson last year at a convention in New York. (Specific time).

DO NOT SAY: I have met him since last year.

THE CORRECT WAY TO SAY IT IS: I have known him since last year.

3. Simple present tenser
Use the simple present tense to describe facts. For example:

• I work for BTS Corporation.

• He’s an electrical engineer.

• I am responsible for guiding new employees.

• He answers company mail.

4. Present progressive tenser
Use the present progressive tense to describe ongoing projects. For example:

• I am developing new software.

• She is teaching the hearing-impaired.

• We are building a new apartment complex in West Heights.

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