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University of California, Irvine

Verb Tenses and Passives

Tamy Chapman
Nicole Jacobs
Brad Gilpin

Instructors: Tamy Chapman

151,905 already enrolled

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

1,998 reviews

Intermediate level
Some related experience required
Flexible schedule
2 weeks at 10 hours a week
Learn at your own pace
98%
Most learners liked this course
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

1,998 reviews

Intermediate level
Some related experience required
Flexible schedule
2 weeks at 10 hours a week
Learn at your own pace
98%
Most learners liked this course

Details to know

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Assessments

25 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer
Taught in English

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This course is part of the Learn English: Advanced Grammar and Punctuation Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in this course

In this first week, you will get to know your classmates and review key English verb tenses you have likely studied before. Strengthening your foundation is essential before moving on to more advanced grammar concepts. Throughout this module, you will revisit the nine core English verb tenses, identify gaps in your understanding, and practice using them accurately in context.

What's included

7 videos10 readings8 assignments

In this week, you will learn the final three verb tenses in English: the perfect progressive tenses. By the end of this module, you will be familiar with all 12 English verb tenses. These tenses combine elements of both perfect and progressive forms. Since you have already learned these forms separately, this module will help you build on that knowledge and apply it to more complex structures. Throughout the week, you will review how these tenses are formed and practice using them accurately in context.

What's included

4 videos6 readings5 assignments

In this week, you will learn more advanced verb structures, including perfect modals and the passive voice. These structures build on your understanding of verb tenses and help you express more complex ideas about the past. You will learn how to make guesses and inferences about past events, express regret and obligation, and describe actions without focusing on who performed them. Mastering these forms will improve both your accuracy and fluency in written and spoken English.

What's included

6 videos8 readings6 assignments

In this final week, you will focus on one of the most important and challenging aspects of English grammar: blending verb tenses. You will learn how to combine different tenses to describe relationships between past, present, and future events in a clear and natural way. You will explore how tenses work together in complex sentences, how time markers influence tense choice, and how to avoid common errors when shifting between tenses. Developing this skill will help you communicate more accurately and fluently in both spoken and written English.

What's included

5 videos10 readings6 assignments

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Instructors

Instructor ratings
(493 ratings)
Tamy Chapman
University of California, Irvine
22 Courses1,633,352 learners

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¹ Some assignments in this course are AI-graded. For these assignments, your data will be used in accordance with Coursera's Privacy Notice.