Introduction & Warm-up
Today's Objectives
Express Frequency
Say how often things happen (always, usually, sometimes)
Indicate Time
Use time markers for past, present, and future
Plan Activities
Discuss your weekly schedule and routines
Time Expression Practice
Click to hear time markers:
⏰ The Final Piece
You know "to be" in all its forms, plus nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Now add time markers to say WHEN things happen - and you'll have complete, natural sentences!
Time Expression Types
Time Markers for Past, Present, and Future
Time markers tell us when actions happen. They work with different tenses and verb forms.
| Time Period | Common Markers | With "To Be" | Example Sentences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Past | yesterday, last week, ago, before | was/were | Yesterday I was tired |
| Present | now, today, this week, currently | am/is/are | Now I am ready |
| Future | tomorrow, next week, soon, later | will be | Tomorrow I will be busy |
Frequency Markers
These tell us how often something happens. They usually go before the main verb but after "to be".
High Frequency
Low Frequency
Word Order with Frequency Markers
📍 Position Rules
With "to be": Subject + to be + frequency + adjective/noun
• "I am always happy"
With other verbs: Subject + frequency + verb
• "I usually work late"
Daily Routines
Describing Your Weekly Schedule
Use time markers to talk about your regular activities and changing plans.
Daily Activities
Weekly Patterns
Time Expressions in Context
🎯 Common Time Expressions
Specific times: at 9 AM, on Monday, in the morning
Duration: for 2 hours, all day, from 9 to 5
Frequency: every day, once a week, twice a month
Practice
Real Time Talk
Practice using time markers in everyday situations!
Find the Time Markers
Identify past, present and future time expressions
Example Sentences:
"Yesterday I was at work." (past)
"Now I am at home." (present)
"Tomorrow I will be on vacation." (future)
Time Clues
Your Turn:
"Last week I was busy. Today I am free. Next month I will be traveling."
How Often Do You...?
Practice using frequency adverbs in answers
Sample Questions:
"How often are you late for class?"
"I am sometimes late."
"How often do you exercise?"
"I usually exercise 3 times a week."
Frequency Words
About Your Habits:
Answer: "How often are you tired in the morning?"
"How often do you eat out?"
Describe Your Week
Use time markers to talk about your schedule
Example Week:
"On weekdays I am usually at work. Yesterday I was in a meeting. Tomorrow I will be busy with a project."
Your Week:
Describe: 1 regular activity, 1 past activity, 1 future plan
Week Helpers
Quiz
Time Marker Matching Quiz
I _____ ready in five minutes.
Promise to be prepared soon.
The weather _____ nice tomorrow.
Make a prediction about tomorrow's weather.
_____ you at the party tonight?
Ask about someone's future attendance.
They _____ happy with the new house.
Predict how they'll feel about their new home.
She _____ a doctor next year.
Talk about someone's future profession.
🎉 Course Complete!
Congratulations! You've mastered the complete "To Be" system:
- Present, past, and future forms
- Positive, negative, and question forms
- Nouns, verbs, and adjectives
- Time markers and expressions
You now have the foundation to build any sentence in English. Keep practicing and building on this solid base!