4 phrases · A2 · B1

Talking about the past in English

Every phrase below is a fixed shape you can fill in and use immediately, ordered from the simplest to the most advanced. Each one carries what it means in English and in Hindi, three examples that vary the slot, and the situations it actually gets said in.

The phrases

Simplest first. The braces mark the part you change.

  • When I was {NOUN}, {CLAUSE}

    A2

    Anchor a story in a period of your life.

    जब मैं ___ था/थी, तब ___।

    • When I was in college, I worked part-time.
    • When I was younger, I played cricket every evening.
    • When I was there, it was much quieter.

    Anywhere · say it as: When I was in college, / I worked part-time · used interviews, everyday life

  • I used to {VERB}

    A2

    Say what was true before but is not any more.

    पहले मैं ___ करता/करती था/थी।

    • I used to work in a call centre.
    • I used to live in Pune.
    • I used to hate speaking in English.

    As a question: What did you use to do before this?

    In the negative: I didn't use to enjoy meetings, but now I do.

    Anywhere · say it as: I used to / work in a call centre · used interviews, everyday life

  • I've never {PAST PARTICIPLE}

    A2

    Say that something has not happened in your whole life so far.

    मैंने कभी ___ नहीं किया।

    • I've never been to Delhi.
    • I've never used that software before.
    • I've never had a problem with them.

    As a question: Have you ever done this before?

    Anywhere · say it as: I've never / been to Delhi · used interviews, travelling

  • I've been {-ING}

    B1

    Say what has been going on up to now, and still is.

    मैं ___ करता/करती आ रहा/रही हूँ।

    • I've been working here for two years.
    • I've been trying to reach you.
    • I've been learning English since January.

    As a question: What have you been working on?

    Anywhere · say it as: I've been / working here for two years · used interviews, everyday life

What goes wrong

The versions that get said instead, and why they land differently.

Commonly saidCorrect English

I am used to work in a call centre.

I used to work in a call centre.

These two look alike and mean opposite things. "Used to + verb" is the past; "am used to + -ing" is a habit you have now.

I never went to Delhi.

I've never been to Delhi.

For "not once in my life", English uses have/has + never. "I never went" points at one particular occasion.

I am working here since two years.

I've been working here for two years.

For something that started earlier and continues, English uses have/has been + -ing, and "for" with a length of time.

Where you will need these

The same phrases, sorted by the room you are standing in.

More phrase groups on the phrases index, or browse by situation on the speaking pages.

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