The 5-column system for English Grammar
Overview of English verb tenses / The DASH

DASH stands for DYNAMIC AND SIAMESE HAPPENING

You use this form („ing“) when you wish to describe or emphasis dynamic situations. With this form you can emphasize that you are doing something in a specific time period (possible in all verb tenses): for instance, „I have been working here for three years.” This form describes what is happening at a specific time and/or the occurrence is emphasized using this verb form. The occurrences are partly limited time-wise. We also use the “ing” form to describe two simultaneous occurrences. For instance, “I was cooking while you were working“. This form always consists of siamese twins. In other words, you always need the verb to be (twin 1), depending on the timeframe. You add an “ing” to the end of the verb (twin 2).

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Where do I get the explanations that correspond to the DASH table? In the red Web site navigation bar, you will find the five tenses of English grammar. On each of these pages, we explain to you how to work with the table in each verb tense. You will find examples and the accompanying animation which will clarify how to use the system. If you click, for instance, on the individual pronouns such as “You” (see image to the right) you will automatically receive the correct sentence structure. Please print out the table first. It will make working with the 5-column system much easier. DASH Table With the help of this table, you can quickly build sentences in all verb tenses in the English language.

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The work of the 5-column system is copyrighted. Nonetheless, we offer you the opportunity to print out the 5-column system for English grammar for your private use. Any other use of the system is prohibited and is punishable by law. This pertains in particular to unlawful photocopying and saving it and working with it electronically.

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