3. Past Phrases

I have + (past participle)

 

Again, 'I have' shows possession or something acquired. By adding a past participle you are informing someone of a past or completed action done by you.

 

Here are some examples:

 

"I have done it."

"I have heard that before."

"I have driven a car."

 

I used to + (verb)

 

'Used to' expresses something that was done in the past, and is not usually done now.

 

Here are some examples:

 

"I used to develop websites."

"I used to jog every day."

"I used to paint."

 

I didn't mean to + (verb)

 

The word 'didn't' is a contraction of the words 'did not'. When using it in a sentence with the words 'mean to' you are informing someone that you did something you regret or are sorry for. This could have been a physical, mental or verbal action.

 

Here are some examples:

 

"I didn't mean to hurt your feelings."

"I didn't mean to call you so late."

"I didn't mean to lie about what happened."

 

I was about to + (verb)

 

'I was about to' you are informing someone that you were going to do something,at that moment or the very near future.

 

Here are some examples:

 

"I was about to go out."

"I was about to go to dinner."

"I was about to go to bed."

 

I should have + (past participle)

 

Should' is the past tense of the word 'shall.' When using the words 'should have' you are talking about something in the past that you 'ought to' or 'might have' done.

 

Here are some examples:

 

"I should have gone with you."

"I should have studied more for my test."

"I should have read the directions before starting."

 

'Shall' is something that will take place or exist in the future.

 

Here are some examples:

 

"I shall leave tomorrow."

"I shall finish the job next week."

"I shall see it tomorrow."

 

Practice

Let's practice with the following phrases

1. I have + (past participle)

2. I used to + (verb)

3. I didn't mean to + (verb)

4. I was about to + (verb)

5. I should have + (past participle)

 

1. I have + (past participle)

"I have forgotten the words."

"I have read that book."

"I have eaten at that restaurant before."

"I have flown in an airplane."

"I have forgiven you."

"I have seen you before."

"I have written a letter."

 

2. I used to + (verb)

"I used to smoke."

"I used to work from home."

"I used to live in California."

"I used to go to the beach every day."

"I used to sing in a choir."

"I used to like vegetables."

"I used to start work at 6 o'clock."

 

3. I didn't mean to + (verb)

"I didn't mean to embarrass you."

"I didn't mean to stay out so late."

"I did not mean to say those things."

"I did not mean to leave you out."

"I did not mean to make you confused."

"I did not mean to think you were involved."

"I did not mean to cause trouble."

 

4. I was about to + (verb)

"I was about to go to work."

"I was about to say the same thing."

"I was about to call you."

"I was about to send you an email."

"I was about to mow my grass."

"I was about to order us some drinks."

"I was about to watch television."

 

5. I should have + (past participle)

"I should have eaten breakfast this morning."

"I should have listened to your advice."

"I should have married her when I had the chance."

"I shall go outside if it's nice out."

"I shall pay for this later."