What are time lines?

What are time lines?
They are lines and drawings that provide a visual representation of different verb forms, showing when things happen or are happening in the present, past or future.
How do you draw them?
The basic drawing is a horizontal and a vertical line.
The horizontal line represents time while the vertical line represents now, the present moment. Everything to the left of this vertical line represents the Past, while everything to the right represents the Future.

There are certain conventions for representing actions on time lines.
A cross is used to show a single, complete action:

“I saw a good film last week.”

“He will be thirty on Friday.”

A wavy line is used to show a continuous action:
“I was watching TV.”

A straight line is used to show the duration of an action:
“I’ve lived here for 4 years”

A curved line with question marks is used to show an action that does not have a specific point in time:
“I’ve found someone’s keys.”
Why use them?
The visual channel is being used to convey understanding of abstract concepts. This can be more memorable than just explanations, and is particularly effective with visual learners.

© GrahamWorkman 2005 Chadbum Publishing Concept Questions& Time Lines