Speaking: Grammar in Speaking B2 - Lesson 1: Using a Full Range of Tenses Accurately & Appropriately
Welcome to a new series on using grammar effectively in speech! At the B2 level, grammar isn't just about being "correct"—it's about being precise. Using a full range of verb tenses1 allows you to express complex ideas and tell more interesting stories by showing the relationship between different actions and times.
From a "Flat" Story to a "3D" Story
Using only simple tenses is grammatically correct, but it can make your stories sound flat. Let's see how we can add depth.
A "Flat" Story (using only Past Simple):
"I went to the office on Saturday. I worked for a few hours. My boss came in. He was happy with my work. He told me about a new project before I left."
(This is okay, but all actions feel separate and equal.)
A "3D" Story (using a range of tenses):
"I went to the office on Saturday because I had promised to finish a report. (Past Perfect) I was working quietly (Past Continuous) when my boss suddenly came in. He was happy because he's just seen my sales figures. (Present Perfect) He told me about a new project that will be starting next month (Future Continuous) before I left."
(This version is much richer. It shows the order of events, background scenes, and connections to the present and future.)
Your Tense Toolbox for Better Storytelling
Think of tenses as tools to add specific meaning and nuance2.
- Past Continuous (was/were + -ing): Use this to set the scene. It describes a longer, background action that was in progress when a shorter, main action happened.
"I was having lunch when my friend called me with the news." - Present Perfect (have/has + past participle): Use this to connect a past action to the present. The action is finished, but it has a result or relevance *now*.
"I can't go to the movie because I've lost my wallet." (The result now is I have no money). - Past Perfect (had + past participle): Use this when you are already telling a story in the past, and you want to mention something that happened *even earlier* in the past.
"When I arrived at the station (past), the train had already left (earlier past)."
Common Tense Mistakes & Quick Fixes
Mistake 1: Using Past Simple when Past Perfect is needed.
"When I got home, my family ate dinner." (This sounds like they waited for you and you all ate together.)
Fix: "When I got home, my family had already eaten dinner." (This clarifies you missed the meal.)
Mistake 2: Using Past Simple for a background scene.
"I sat in the park and read my book. A dog stole my sandwich." (Two separate events.)
Fix: "I was sitting in the park reading my book when a dog stole my sandwich." (This connects the two actions and creates a better story.)
Practice Quiz: Choose the Most Appropriate Tense
Read the sentences and choose the tense that fits the context3 best.
1. I was tired yesterday because I __________ very well the night before.
A) didn't sleep
B) haven't slept
C) hadn't slept
→ Answer: C. You are explaining a past situation (being tired) by referring to an even earlier past event (not sleeping).
2. "Why is she so happy?" "Because she __________ her final exams!"
A) passed
B) has just passed
C) had passed
→ Answer: B. The past action (passing exams) has a very clear result in the present (she is happy now).
3. While we _________ for the bus, it suddenly started to rain.
A) waited
B) were waiting
C) had waited
→ Answer: B. "Waiting" is the longer, background action that sets the scene for the main event ("started to rain").
Your Mission: Tell a Layered Story
Your mission is to tell a short story (60-90 seconds) using a variety of tenses to make it more interesting.
- Think of a recent event: A time you were late, a surprising thing you saw, a problem you solved.
- Plan your tenses:
- How will you set the scene? (Use Past Continuous).
- What happened before your story began? (Use Past Perfect).
- What is the result or connection to now? (Use Present Perfect).
- Record yourself telling the story. For example: "The other day, I **was walking** home when I saw that a new cafe **had opened** near my house. I was so happy because I've always wanted** a nice coffee shop in my neighborhood..."
- Listen back. Can you hear how the different tenses make the timing of the events clearer and more engaging?
Vocabulary Glossary
- Tense: (Noun) - កាល - A category of verb grammar that expresses the time of an action or state. ↩
- Nuance: (Noun) - ភាពខុសគ្នាបន្តិចបន្តួច - A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound. ↩
- Context: (Noun) - បរិបទ - The circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea, and in terms of which it can be fully understood. ↩
- Appropriately: (Adverb) - យ៉ាងសមរម្យ - In a way that is suitable or proper in the circumstances. ↩
- Accurately: (Adverb) - យ៉ាងត្រឹមត្រូវ - In a way that is correct in all details; exactly. ↩