PAST TENSES
SIMPLE PAST
Use:
• To talk about actions completed in the past
• The time is mentioned or understood
Example:
This morning, I went to the store, but I forgot the milk.
PAST PERFECT
Form: had + past participle
Use:
• To show that one action happened before another action in the past
Example:
She had arrived at the office before she realised it was Sunday.
PAST CONTINUOUS
Form: was / were + verb-ing
Use:
• To describe an ongoing action in the past
• Often interrupted by another action
Example:
My dog was whimpering in his sleep when the TV woke him up.
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
Form: had + been + verb-ing
Use:
• To describe an ongoing action that started before a point in the past
Example:
I had been living on my friend’s couch for a year until they kicked me out.
PRESENT TENSES
SIMPLE PRESENT
Use:
• For daily routines, habits, and general facts
Example:
My sister stays on the couch.
PRESENT PERFECT
Form: has / have + past participle
Use:
• An action started in the past and still continues
• An action completed recently
• When the exact time is not important
Example:
My niece has grown so much this year.
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
Form: is / are / am + verb-ing
Use:
• Action happening right now
• Planned future action
Example:
We are eating pizza tonight.
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
Form: has / have + been + verb-ing
Use:
• An action that started in the past and is still continuing
Example:
We have been waiting for over an hour.
FUTURE TENSES
SIMPLE FUTURE
Form: will + base verb
Use:
• Predictions, promises, and instant decisions
Example:
She will be president one day.
FUTURE PERFECT
Form: will + have + past participle
Use:
• An action that will be completed before a certain time in the future
Example:
She will have eaten lunch before her sister wakes up.
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
Form: will + be + verb-ing
Use:
• An action that will be in progress at a specific time in the future
Example:
By this time tomorrow, I will be drinking margaritas on the beach.
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
Form: will + have + been + verb-ing
Use:
• To emphasize the duration of an action up to a future point
Example:
By September, I will have been eating healthy for a whole year.