Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The English language relies on precise tense usage to convey the timing and duration of actions. The present perfect continuous tense is used to describe an action that started in the past and is still continuing in the present, or has recently stopped but has present consequences. Understanding the nuances of this tense is crucial for effective communication. The given sentence, "We (wait) for you since yesterday," requires correction to accurately reflect this continuous action over a period leading up to the present moment.
The correct sentence is: We have been waiting for you since yesterday.
Explanation of the Error and Correction
The original sentence is grammatically incorrect because it lacks the auxiliary verbs necessary to form the present perfect continuous tense. This tense is constructed using the following formula:
- have/has + been + verb-ing
In this case, the subject is "we," which requires the auxiliary verb "have." The "been" is essential to indicate the continuous nature of the action, and "waiting" is the present participle of the verb "wait."
Breakdown of the Corrected Sentence
- We: The subject performing the action.
- have: The auxiliary verb required for the subject "we."
- been: Indicates the continuous aspect of the action.
- waiting: The present participle of the verb "wait," showing the ongoing action.
- for you: The object of the verb "waiting."
- since yesterday: A time expression indicating the starting point of the action. "Since" is used with the present perfect continuous to specify when the action began and continues to the present.
Why the Present Perfect Continuous Tense is Appropriate
The phrase "since yesterday" clearly indicates that the waiting began in the past (yesterday) and is still ongoing at the time of speaking. This aligns perfectly with the function of the present perfect continuous tense. If the waiting had stopped, a different tense (like the simple past or present perfect simple) would be more appropriate.
Illustrative Examples
- I have been studying for the exam all day. (The studying started earlier and is still happening.)
- She has been working at the company for five years. (She started working five years ago and still works there.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the simple past ("We waited for you since yesterday") – This implies the waiting is completely finished.
- Omitting "been" ("We have waiting for you since yesterday") – This is a grammatical error.
- Using "are waiting" – This would be present continuous, implying the waiting is happening *right now* and not necessarily started yesterday.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct sentence, "We have been waiting for you since yesterday," accurately employs the present perfect continuous tense to convey an action that began in the past and continues to the present. A firm grasp of tense formation and usage is fundamental to clear and effective English communication. Recognizing the subtle differences between tenses allows for precise expression of time and duration.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.