Tenses

The concept of time can be split into: 1. The Present - What you are currently doing. I eat, I am eating 2. The Past - What you did some time back. I ate, I was eating 3. The Future - What you will do later. I will eat, I will be eating In the English language, tenses play an important role in sentence formation. The tense of a verb shows the time of an event or action. There are four types of tenses. Simple, Perfect, Continuous and Present Perfect Continuous and each of these has a present, past and future form. PRESENT TENSES SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE In Simple Present, the action is simply mentioned and there is nothing being said about its completeness. I eat. I sleep. I play. PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE In Present Continuous, the action is on-going/ still going on and hence continuous. I am eating. I am sleeping. I am playing. PRESENT PERFECT TENSE In Present Perfect, the action is complete or has ended and hence termed Perfect. I have eaten. I have slept. I have played. PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE In Present Perfect Continuous, the action has been taking place for some time and is still ongoing.

I have been eating. I have been sleeping. I have been playing. PAST TENSES SIMPLE PAST TENSE In Simple Past, the action is simply mentioned and understood to have taken place in the past. I ate. I slept. I played. PAST CONTINUOUS TENSE In Past Continuous, the action was ongoing till a certain time in the past. I was eating. I was sleeping. I was playing. PAST PERFECT TENSE Past Perfect is used to express something that happened before another action in the past. I had eaten. I had slept. I had played. PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE Past Perfect Continuous is used to express something that started in the past and continued until another time in the past. I had been eating. I had been sleeping. I had been playing. FUTURE TENSES SIMPLE FUTURE TENSE Simple Future is used when we plan or make a decision to do something. Nothing is said about the time in the future. I will eat. I will sleep. I will play. FUTURE CONTINUOUS TENSE The future continuous tense is used to express action at a particular moment in the future. However, the action will not have finished at the moment.

I will be eating at 9 a.m. I will be sleeping when you arrive. I will be playing at 5 p.m. FUTURE PERFECT TENSE Future Perfect expresses action that will occur in the future before another action in the future. I will have eaten before 10 a.m. I will have slept before you arrive. I will have played before 6 p.m. FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE Future Perfect Continuous is used to talk about an on-going action before some point in the future. I will have been sleeping for two hours when you arrive. I will have been playing for an hour when it is 5 p.m.

Present Simple
Basic form Subject + Verb (present form)

Quick examples
John lives in New York. We play football every day. You are really kind. The meeting starts at 3 PM. The Present Simple is the most basic tense in the English language. It is an interesting tense because it can be used to express the future. Generally, though, we use it to describe the present activities or to talk about routines or habits.

Use
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Facts, generalizations and universal truths Habits and routines Permanent situations Events that are certain to happen Arrangements that we can't change (e.g. timetables, official meetings) State verbs (e.g. be, have, suppose, know) Narrations, instructions or commentaries

Note
Apart from the above uses, this tense is also used in: Zero Conditional ("If it doesn't rains, I go play football.") First Conditional ("We won't get our pocket money, if we don't pass this exam.")

In sentences after when, before, till, after, as soon as ("Before you leave, please take the keys.")

Use 1: Facts, Generalizations and Univeral Truths

We use the Present Simple to talk about universal truths (for example, laws of nature) or things we believe are, or are not, true. It's also used to generalize about something or somebody. Water boils at 100 degrees Celcius. Universal Truth It is a big house. Fact The Earth goes around the Sun. Universal Truth, Fact Dogs are better than cats. Generalization Berlin is the capital city of Germany. Fact The Elephant doesn't fly. Fact London is the capital city of France. Fact (Remember: the sentence does not have to be true)

Use 2: Habits and Routines

We also use this tense to describe actions that happen frequently. For example: habits, routines, tendencies. We leave for work at 7:30 AM every morning. Routine My husband watches the TV in the evening. Habit, Routine Susan often meets with her friends after school. Habit, Routine They usually play football on Sunday. Habit, Routine Mark rarely visits his sick grandmother. Tendency Pinocchio usually tells lies. Tendency

Adverbs of Frequency
The Present Simple is often used with the frequency adverbs: always frequently/often usually seldom/rarely nowadays never every week/year sometimes/occasionally from time to time every now and then A few examples how to use them in sentences: I always go to church on Sundays. I never eat anything after 10 PM.

Use 3: Pernament Situations

Use the Present Simple to talk about situations in life that last a relatively long time. I live in Boston He works as a fireman.

Margaret drives a Volkswagen. Jerry doesn't teach maths at highschool.

Use 4: Events Certain to Happen

Use the Present Simple when an event is certain to happen in the future. My grandmother turns 100 this July. Winter starts on December 21.

Use 5: State Verbs

You should use the Present Simple with state verbs. I like swimming. We know this man.

Note
Some of the verbs used in the simple form can also appear in the continuous form. This is typically when they have an active meaning or emphasize change. I'm thinking of moving to San Francisco. I'm loving your new hairdo! Read more

Use 6: Future Arrangements

Use the Present Simple to talk about events that we can't change (for example, an official meeting or a train departure). The meeting starts at 4 PM. The train leaves at the noon. When does the plane take off? Jerry doesn't teach maths at high school.

Use 7: Narrations, Instructions or commentaries

The Present Simple is also used in narrations (e.g. to tell a story or a joke), instructions (e.g. cooking) or commentaries (especially sport commentaries). "A man goes to visit a friend and is amazed to find him playing chess with his dog. He watches the game in astonishment for a while [...]" Read more

Form
Forming a sentence in the Present Simple is easy. To form a declarative sentence, all you need is the subject of the sentence (e.g. I, you, he, a dog) and the verb (e.g. be, talk, swim). Questions and negative sentences are only a little more difficult, because they require an auxiliary verb.

Declarative Sentences
Subject +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc. e.g. go, make, have, etc.

Verb (present form)

Sharks have sharp teeth (Use 1)

EXAMPLES A dog is an animal. I learn English twice a week. I have two eggs. The course starts in April. The man enters the room and looks at the clock.

USE (CLICK TO READ)

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Questions
Questions require the auxiliary verb "to do" or, in the third person singular, "does". Do or Does +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

Subject +

Verb (present form)

e.g. go, make, have, etc.

Compare these examples: Person A: Does she like going to the mountains? Person B: Yes, she does. Person A: Does John have a dog? Person B: No, he doesn't. When asking a question, the verb does not conjugate: Does she have a dog?

Does she has a dog? For the verb "to be", we do not use an auxiliary: Is he tall? Does he be tall? EXAMPLES Is he a lawyer? Does Mike go swimming every Sunday? Does she live in London? Do you turn 40 in April? USE (CLICK TO READ)

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Negative Sentences
Subject +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

Don't or Doesn't +

Verb (present form)

e.g. go, make, have, etc.

Contracted forms (more)

do + not = don't does + not = doesn't EXAMPLES They don't live in New York anymore. I don't like winter. He doesn't go to the cinema at all. Spring doesn't start in December. USE (CLICK TO READ)

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Present Continuous
Basic form Subject + IS/ARE + Verb (continuous form)

Quick examples
He is sleeping. I am visiting grandpa in the afternoon. You are always coming late for the meetings! The Present Continuous is mainly used to express the idea that something is happening at the moment of speaking. The Present Continuous also describes activities generally in progress (not at the moment). Another use of the tense is to talk about temporary actions or future plans.

Use
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Present actions Temporary actions Longer actions in progress Future (personal) arrangements and plans Tendencies and trends Irritation

Use 1: Present Actions

Most often, we use the Present Continuous tense to talk about actions happening at the moment of speaking. He is eating a dinner. Mary is talking with her friends. They are swimming in the pool.

Stative (State) Verbs

There is a certain group of verbs that usually does not appear in the Continuous form. They are calledStative (State) Verbs, and if used in the Continuous form, they have a different meaning. Examples: I think you look pretty today. meaning: Opinion I'm thinking of moving to San Francisco. meaning: Act of thinking

Use 2: Temporary Actions

This tense is also used for activities continuing only for a limited period of time. I'm riding a bike to get to work because my car is broken. Temporary Action (His car will soon be repaired) They are not talking with each other after the last argument. Temporary Action (They will soon make up) Mary is working at McDonald's. Temporary Action (She is working there only during the summer holidays)

Use 3: Longer Actions in Progress

We also use the Present Continuous when we are in the middle of doing something timeconsuming (i.e. something that takes time to complete). An example of such an activity is writing a book, saving money or studying for an exam. They are working hard to earn money. I am training to become a professional footballer. Mike is studying hard to become a doctor. Elizabeth is currently writing a children's book titled I am the World.

Use 4: Future (Personal) Arrangements and Plans

Sometimes we use the Present Continuous to show that something is planned and will be done in the near future. I'm meeting Katie in the evening. He's flying to Rome in September. We're not going anywhere tomorrow.

Use 5: Tendencies and Trends

This tense is also used for expressing tendencies or trends. Our country is getting richer. The Internet is becoming less of a novelty. The Universe is expanding.

Use 6: Irritation or Anger

And the last use of this tense is to express irritation or anger over somebody or something in the present with adverbs such as: always, continually or contantly. She is continually complaining about everything! Johny is always asking stupid questions! My boss is contantly critising me!

Form
To form a sentence in the Present Continuous, you have to: know the proper conjugation of the auxiliary verb .

Person

Singular

Plural

First

I am

We are

Second

You are

You are

Third

He/she/it is

They are

add the "ing" suffix to the verb (to form the present participle of the verb). Examples:

o o

try + ing = trying go + ing = going

Contracted forms (more)

I + am = I'm is + not = isn't are + not = aren't he + is = he's she + is = she's it + is= it's

Declarative Sentences
Subject +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

IS/ARE +

Verb + ING
e.g. walking, going, taking, etc.

EXAMPLES I am reading a book. They are swimming in the sea. I am having my first driving lesson this week. He's studying to become lawyer one day She is always asking me stupid questions.

USE (CLICK TO READ)

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Questions
IS/ARE +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

Subject +

Verb + ING
e.g. walking, going, taking, etc.

EXAMPLES

USE (CLICK TO READ)

Is she eating my cake now? Are they having the party on Friday or Saturday? Are you meeting David today? Is Mary having breakfast now?

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Negative Sentences

Subject +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

IS NOT / ARE NOT +

Verb + ING
e.g. walking, going, taking, etc.

EXAMPLES He isn't joking. We aren't waiting for my uncle. He is not going to school tomorrow.

USE (CLICK TO READ)

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Present Perfect
Basic form Subject + HAS/HAVE + Verb (past participle form)

Quick examples
I have read this book. The man has gone away. John has worked as a teacher for over 25 years.

The Present Perfect is used to express actions that happened at anindefinite time or that began in the past and continue in the present. This tense is also used when an activity has an effect on the present moment.

Use
1. Actions which happened at an indefinite (unknown) time before now 2. Actions in the past which have an effect on the present moment 3. Actions which began in the past and continue in the present

Use 1: Indefinite time before now

Use the Present Perfect to talk about actions that happened at some point in the past. It does not matter when exactly they happened. I have already had a breakfast. He has been to England.

Remember
You should not use this tense with time expressions like yesterday, a week ago, last year, etc. I have seen it yesterday. We have gone to Paris last year.

Use 2: Effect on the present moment

We also use this tense to when an activity has an effect on the present moment. He has finished his work. (so he can now rest) I have already eaten the dinner. (so I'm not hungry) He has had a car accident. (that's why he is in the hospital)

Use 3: Continuation in the present

We often use the Present Perfect when we want to emphasize that an event continues in the present. Mary has worked as a teacher for over 25 years. Patrick has achieved a lot in his life.

To understand this use better, click on the buttons and read the message:

For and Since

Since and For are very common time expressions used with the Present Perfect. We use For with a period of time, for example: I have lived here for 20 years. When talking about a starting point, we use Since, for example: I have lived here since 1960. More about time expressions.

Form
To form a sentence in the Present Perfect, you need: 1. The proper conjugation of the auxiliary verb "to have". 2. The Past Participle of your verb. 1. Auxiliary Verb "to have" We conjugate the auxiliary verb "to have" the same way we would conjugate the normal verb "to have".

Person

Singular

Plural

First

I have

We have

Second

You have

You have

Third

He/she/it has

They have

As you can see, the third person singular is irregular. More examples: She has never seen my brother. Neither Mike nor Tom has ever driven a truck. 2. The Past Participle The past participle of a verb is a verb form that appears with the perfect tenses. The past participle can be either regular or irregular. The regular verbs are formed by adding -ed to the verb:

Verb

Past Participle

talk

talked

explain

explained

use

used

deliver

delivered

Verb

Past Participle

include

included

achieve

achieved

The formation of the irregular verbs does not follow one rule. Therefore, they should be memorized.

Verb

Past Participle

Learn more

be

been

be

become

become

become

see

seen

see

go

gone

go

eat

eaten

eat

grow

grown

grow

Declarative Sentences
Subject +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

HAS/HAVE +

Verb (past participle form)

e.g. gone, taken, done, etc.

EXAMPLES

USE (CLICK TO READ)

We have already had breakfast. I have bought new shades. I am having my first driving lesson this week. He's studying to become lawyer one day. Someone has just taken my bag! Jane has never been so angry. He has been our most serious partner for so long that I can assure you he's a very decent man.

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Questions
HAS/HAVE +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

Subject +

Verb (past participle form)

e.g. gone, taken, done, etc.

EXAMPLES Have you ever seen this program? Where has she lived for the past 21 years? Have you found the telephone number?

USE (CLICK TO READ)

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Has anyone taken my bag? Have you ever been to France? Has anyone taken my bag?

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Trivia
In sentences with adverbials such as ever, already or yet, American-English speakers may use the Past Simple rather than the Present Perfect. So, an American would say: Did you go to the post office yet? (Past Simple) rather than: Have you gone to the post office yet? (Present Perfect)

Negative Sentences
Subject +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

HAS NOT / HAVE NOT +

Verb (past participle form)

e.g. gone, taken, done, etc.

EXAMPLES He hasn't taken any drug for two years. I haven't met my perfect partner yet. They haven't contacted you, have they?

USE (CLICK TO READ)

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Present PerfectBasic form

Subject + HAS/HAVE + Verb (past participle form)

Quick examples
I have read this book. The man has gone away. John has worked as a teacher for over 25 years. The Present Perfect is used to express actions that happened at anindefinite time or that began in the past and continue in the present. This tense is also used when an activity has an effect on the present moment.

Use
1. Actions which happened at an indefinite (unknown) time before now 2. Actions in the past which have an effect on the present moment 3. Actions which began in the past and continue in the present

Use 1: Indefinite time before now

Use the Present Perfect to talk about actions that happened at some point in the past. It does not matter when exactly they happened. I have already had a breakfast. He has been to England.

Remember
You should not use this tense with time expressions like yesterday, a week ago, last year, etc. I have seen it yesterday. We have gone to Paris last year.

Use 2: Effect on the present moment

We also use this tense to when an activity has an effect on the present moment. He has finished his work. (so he can now rest) I have already eaten the dinner. (so I'm not hungry) He has had a car accident. (that's why he is in the hospital)

To understand this use better, watch this interactive animation:

[ Marcus: I have been struck by a bolt of lightning! ]

Explanation
In this cartoon, you can see a mother asking her son: "Markus, what's happened". Marcus replies: "I have been struck by a bolt of lightning". Why is the Present Perfect tense used in this example? Click on the button labled as "event 1". You can see that Marcus was struck lightning bolt. Now click on the other button. The use of Present Continuous is correct here because the action has an effect on the present moment (it explains why he looks this way).

Use 3: Continuation in the present

We often use the Present Perfect when we want to emphasize that an event continues in the present. Mary has worked as a teacher for over 25 years. Patrick has achieved a lot in his life.

To understand this use better, click on the buttons and read the message:

For and Since

Since and For are very common time expressions used with the Present Perfect. We use For with a period of time, for example: I have lived here for 20 years. When talking about a starting point, we use Since, for example: I have lived here since 1960. More about time expressions.

Form
To form a sentence in the Present Perfect, you need: 1. The proper conjugation of the auxiliary verb "to have". 2. The Past Participle of your verb. 1. Auxiliary Verb "to have" We conjugate the auxiliary verb "to have" the same way we would conjugate the normal verb "to have".

Person

Singular

Plural

First

I have

We have

Second

You have

You have

Third

He/she/it has

They have

As you can see, the third person singular is irregular. More examples: She has never seen my brother. Neither Mike nor Tom has ever driven a truck. 2. The Past Participle The past participle of a verb is a verb form that appears with the perfect tenses. The past participle can be either regular or irregular. The regular verbs are formed by adding -ed to the verb:

Verb

Past Participle

talk

talked

explain

explained

use

used

deliver

delivered

include

included

achieve

achieved

The formation of the irregular verbs does not follow one rule. Therefore, they should be memorized.

Verb

Past Participle

Learn more

be

been

be

become

become

become

see

seen

see

go

gone

go

eat

eaten

eat

Verb

Past Participle

Learn more

grow

grown

grow

Declarative Sentences
Subject +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

HAS/HAVE +

Verb (past participle form)

e.g. gone, taken, done, etc.

EXAMPLES

USE (CLICK TO READ)

We have already had breakfast. I have bought new shades. I am having my first driving lesson this week. He's studying to become lawyer one day. Someone has just taken my bag! Jane has never been so angry. He has been our most serious partner for so long that I can assure you he's a very decent man.

1 2 1 3 1 3 3

Questions
HAS/HAVE +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

Subject +

Verb (past participle form)

e.g. gone, taken, done, etc.

EXAMPLES Have you ever seen this program? Where has she lived for the past 21 years? Have you found the telephone number? Has anyone taken my bag? Have you ever been to France? Has anyone taken my bag?

USE (CLICK TO READ)

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Trivia
In sentences with adverbials such as ever, already or yet, American-English speakers may use the Past Simple rather than the Present Perfect. So, an American would say: Did you go to the post office yet? (Past Simple) rather than: Have you gone to the post office yet? (Present Perfect)

Negative Sentences
Subject +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

HAS NOT / HAVE NOT +

Verb (past participle form)

e.g. gone, taken, done, etc.

EXAMPLES He hasn't taken any drug for two years.

USE (CLICK TO READ)

I haven't met my perfect partner yet. They haven't contacted you, have they?

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Present Perfect Continuous

Basic form Subject + HAS/HAVE + BEEN + Verb (continuous form)

Quick examples
I have been working as a teacher for 30 years. What have you been doing? The Present Perfect Continuous (Progressive) has a long and scary name. But don't worry! Read on to learn how to use it.

Use
1. Actions that started in the past and continue in the present 2. Actions that have recently stopped 3. Temporary actions and situations

Use 1: Continuation in the Present

We use the Present Perfect Continuous to show that something started in the past and continues in the present. He has been painting the house for 5 hours. He's still painting it I have been working as a fireman since 1973. I still work as a fireman

Use 2: Past actions recently stopped

Use this tense also to talk about actions that began in the past and have recently stopped. I have been waiting for you for half an hour! I'm not waiting anymore because you have come Look at her eyes! I'm sure she has been crying. She stopped crying when she saw them

For and Since

Since and for are very common time expressions used with the Present Perfect Continuous. We use for with a period of time, for example: I have been living here for 20 years. When talking about a starting point, we use since, for example: I have been living here since 1960. Learn more

To understand this use better, watch this interactive animation:

[ Mother: What have you been doing? ]

Explanation
In this cartoon, you can see a mother asking her son: "What have you been doing?". The boy replies: "Nothing, mum". Why is this in Present Perfect Continuous? Click on the button labled "event 1". You can see that the boy is playing a computer game. Now click on the button labeled "event 2". In this scene, someone knocks at the door. It's his mother. In the next scene, she asks him "what have you been doing?". The use of Present Perfect Continuous is correct here because in this last scene Marcus no longer is playing a computer game (he stopped the moment he heard someone knocking at the door). This is exactly use 2 described above.

Use 3: Temporary Actions and Situations

We use this tense when an action or situation is temporary. I have been living in Boston for two months. I have been working as a waitress for the past week.

Form
To form a sentence in the Present Perfect Continuous, you need: 1. The proper conjugation of the auxiliary verb to have. 2. The auxiliary verb to be in the Past Participle form: "been". 3. The Present Participle of your verb (verb + ing) 1. Auxiliary Verb "to have" We conjugate the auxiliary verb "to have" the same way we would conjugate the normal verb "to have".

Person

Singular

Plural

First

I have

We have

Second

You have

You have

Third

He/she/it has

They have

As you can see, the third person singular is irregular. More examples: She has never seen my brother. Neither of my brothers has ever driven a truck. 2. Auxiliary verb "to be"

The past participle of the verb "to be" is "been". This is also an auxiliary verb, and you must never forget about it I have working as a teacher for 10 years. I have been working as a teacher for 10 years. 3. The Present Participle The present participle is of a verb is a verb form that appears with the present tenses. The present participle is formed by adding -ing to the verb. talk + ing = talking be + ing = being There are exceptions.

Positive Sentences
Subject +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

HAVE/HAS +

BEEN +

Verb (continuous form)

e.g. walking, going, taking, etc.

EXAMPLES I have been sleeping. Tom has been working as a postman for 30 years now. She has been learning English for 3 hours now.

USE (CLICK TO READ)

2 1 1

Questions
HAVE/HAS +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

Subject +

BEEN +

Verb (continuous form)

e.g. walking, going, taking, etc.

EXAMPLES Have you been running? Has Tom been walking the dog?

USE (CLICK TO READ)

2 1

How long have you been learning English? What have you been doing there?

1 1

Negative Sentences
Subject +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

HAVE/HAS +

BEEN +

Verb (continuous form)

e.g. walking, going, taking, etc.

EXAMPLES No, I haven't been crying. I'm just cold. His car is broken, so he hasn't been driving it lately.

USE (CLICK TO READ)

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Past Simple
Basic form Subject + Verb (past form)

Quick examples
I was sleepy. He didn't learn any Italian when he was in Italy two year ago. I went to the cinema, bought popcorn and watched a movie. We use the Past Simple to talk about actions that happened at a specific time in the past. The actions can be short or long. There can be a few actions happening one ofter another.

Use
1. Events in the past that are now finished 2. Situation in the past 3. A series of actions in the past

Use 1: Past actions that are now finished

The first use of the Past Simple to express actions that happened at a specific time in the past. The actions can be short or long. John cut his finger last week. short I went to college 3 years ago. long He ate the dinner 1 hour ago. short I slept well last night. long

Use 2: Situation in the past

Another use of this tense is talk about situations in the past. I lived in New York for 10 years (I don't live there anymore).

Use 3: A series of actions in the past

The Past Simple can also be used with a few actions in the past happening one after another. He entered a room, lit a cigarette and smiled at the guests.

Form
Forming a sentence in the Past Simple is easy. To form a declarative sentence, all you need is the subject of the sentence (e.g. I, you, he, a dog) and the past form of your verb (e.g. was, talked, swam). Questions and negative sentences are only a little more difficult, because they require an auxiliary verb.

Declarative Sentences
Subject +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc. e.g. walked, went, took, etc.

Verb (past form)

EXAMPLES I lived in New York for 10 years. Mike walked in, looked around and smiled to us. He married a woman who lived in the same village. I ate the cake yesterday.

USE (CLICK TO READ)

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I saw two colorful fishes in the lake yesterday. (Use 1)

Time Expressions Common time expressions (time adverbials) in the Past Simple are: yesterday the other day

just now the day before yesterday

Questions
DID +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

Subject +

Verb (present form)

e.g. go, make, have, etc.

EXAMPLES How long did he work there? Didthe telephone ring? Did you see that?

USE (CLICK TO READ)

1 1 1

Negative Sentences
Subject +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

Didn't +

Verb (present form)

e.g. go, make, have, etc.

EXAMPLES He didn't learn any Italian when he was in Italy two year ago. I wasn't at my grandma's when you came. He didn't get any good grades when he attended school.

USE (CLICK TO READ)

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Past Continuous
Basic form Subject + WAS/WERE + Verb (continuous form)

Quick examples
The man was singing. I was resting in the garden when it started to rain. We usually use the Past Continuous to talk about activities that lasted for some time in the past. The actions can be interruped by something or can be happening at the same time.

Use
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Duration in the past Interrupted actions in progress Actions in progress at the same time in the past Irritation Polite question

USE 1: Duration in the past

We use the Past Continuous to talk about actions or situations that lasted for some time in the past, and whose duration time is unknown or unimportant. I was watching TV yesterday in the evening. She was sleeping on the couch. The dog was barking.

USE 2: Interrupted actions in progress

The Past Continuous is often used when one action in progress is interruped by another action in the past. The Past simple is used in such sentences. We usually use when or while to link these two sentences. 1.

Sentence in Past Continuous e.g. I was singing

3.

WHEN

Sentence in Past Simple

+
e.g. my wife came home

WHEN/WHILE

Sentence in Past Continuous e.g. I was singing

Sentence in Past Simple

+
e.g. my wife came home

I was talking with James when the telephone rang. While Angelica was playing tennis, the plane crashed. When Bob was painting windows, it started raining.

To understand this use better, watch this interactive animation:

When I was jogging, someone stopped me and asked what time it was.

Explanation
In this cartoon, you can see a man who says: "When I was jogging someone stopped me and asked what time it was.". Why is the Past Continuous used this example? Click on the button labled "event 1". You can see that the man is jogging. This is a continuous action. Suddenly, another man stops him and asks what time it is. This is "event 2". Notice that the action of jogging is interrupted by event 2. This is why the use of Past Continuous is correct here.

USE 3: Actions in progress at the same time

We also use this tense to talk about two or more activities happening at the same. We usually use when orwhile to link the two sentences. 1.

Sentence in Past Continuous e.g. I was singing

3.

WHEN/WHILE

Sentence in Past Continuous

+
e.g. She was cooking

WHEN/WHILE

Sentence in Past Continuous e.g. I was singing

Sentence in Past Continuous

+
e.g. She was cooking

I was watching TV and Barbara was reading a book. The family was eating the dinner and talking. When Bob was painting windows, Mary was working in the kitchen.

USE 4: Polite questions

If we want to ask a polite question, we can use the Past Continuous. I was wondering if you could open the window. I was thinking you might help me with this problem. Even though the sentences have a Past Continuous form, they refer to the present moment. Their meaning is similar to the "could you" sentences, but they are more polite.

USE 5: Irritation
Remember that you can also express irritation over somebody or something in the past. She was always coming late for dinner!

Form
1. 2. To form a sentence in the Past Continuous, you need: The proper conjugation of the auxiliary verb "to be" in the past form The Present Participle of your verb (verb + ing) 1. Auxiliary verb "to be" The past form of the auxiliary verb "to be" is: For the first and third person singular: "was" For all others: "were" She was always coming late for dinner! You were always coming late for dinner! 2. The Present Participle The present participle is of a verb is a verb form that appears with the present tenses. The present participle is formed by adding -ing to the verb. talk + ing = talking be + ing = being There are exceptions.

1. 2.

Declarative Sentences
Subject +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

WAS/WERE +

Verb + ING
e.g. walking, going, taking, etc.

EXAMPLES At 3 PM, I was having lunch. They were talking about her when she walked into the room. While Kenneth was cleaning the living room, Sam was washing the dishes. We were all thinking about our holidays.

USE (CLICK TO READ)

1 2 3 2

A rhinoceros was swatting flies with its tail when suddenly a fly bit him.

Questions
WAS/WERE +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

Subject +

Verb (continuous form)

e.g. walking, going, taking, etc.

EXAMPLES Was she going to the theater when it started raining? What were the defenders doing when Kenneth struck the ball? Were you painting your house yesterday at 5 PM. Was Mary shopping when the mall was burning.

USE (CLICK TO READ)

2 2 1 3

Negative Sentences
Subject +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

WASN'T / WEREN'T +

Verb (continuous form)

e.g. walking, going, taking, etc.

EXAMPLES He asked me why I wasn't having dinner at the hotel. We weren't playing football when the earthquake began.

USE (CLICK TO READ)

1 2

Past Perfect
Basic form Subject + HAD + Verb (past participle form)

Quick examples
I had written the letter before you came home. If she had studied hard, she would have passed the English language exam. I wish I had been brave enough.

Mary looked as if she had not slept for 48 hours. We use the Past Perfect tense to emphasize that an action in the past finished before another action in the past started. This tense is also used in reported speech, third conditional sentences, or to show dissatisfaction with the past.

Use
1. 2. 3. 4. Completed action before another action in the past Third conditional sentences Reported speech Dissatisfaction with the past

Use 1: A completed action before another action in the past

The first use of this tense is to emphasize that one action in the past happened before another action in the past. I had finished my homework before I went playing football. John had never been to London before we went there last year.

Good to know
People (especially native speakers) do not use the Past Perfect in above sentences very often. For example, they will say: After I washed my car, I went to fill up. Rather than: After I had washed my car, I went to fill up. This is because "after" and "before" tell the listener which action happened first. Still, keep in mind that it is better to use the Past Perfect, especially in written English or when writing exams.

To understand this use better, watch this interactive animation: My son Julius had never seen a camel before we went together to the zoo in summer 1990.

Explanation
In this cartoon, you can see a man who says: "My son, Julius, had never seen a camel, before we went together to the Zoo in summer 1990 ". Why is the Past Perfect used in this example? Click on the button labled "event 1". The father asks his son, Julius, the following question: "Have you ever seen a camel?". Julis replies that he has never seen it. In the next scene, they are in the Zoo, watching the animal. Notice that the event 1 occured before event 2. It means that the use of Past Perfect is correct here.

Use 2: Third conditional

Use the Past Perfect with third conditional sentences.

If we had gone by taxi, we wouldn't have been late. If Mary had studied harder, she would have passed the exam. This use is the so-called hypothetical past: we are talking about things that never happened.

I wish I had fixed my umberella. (but I didn't) If only I had known the answer to that question. (but I didn't)

Use 3: Reported speech

Use the Past Perfect with sentences in reported speech. Mary said she had already seen this film. He asked if I had read Harry Potter.

Use 4: Dissatisfaction with the Past

We often use the Past Perfect to show our dissatisfaction with the past. Such sentences typically start with "I wish ..." or "If only ...". I wish I had taken more food. I'm hungry now. If only I had taken more food. I'm hungry now. The Past Perfect is also used with expressions such as "as if" and "as though": John looked as if he had done something terrible. She looked as though she hadn't slept all night.

Form
To form a sentence in the Past Perfect, what you need is: 1. The proper conjugation of the auxiliary verb "to have" in the past form. 2. The Past Participle of your verb. 1. Auxiliary verb "to have" The past form of the auxiliary verb "to have" is "had": Mary had finished her homework before Mike came home. Mary has finished her homework before Mike came home. Mary hads finished her homework before Mike came home. 2. The Past Participle The past participle of a verb is a verb form that appears with the perfect tenses. The past participle can be either regular or irregular. The regular verbs are formed by adding "-ed" to the verb:

Verb

Past Participle

talk

talked

Verb

Past Participle

explain

explained

use

used

deliver

delivered

include

included

achieve

achieved

The formation of the irregular verbs does not follow one rule. Therefore, they should be memorized.

Verb

Past Participle

Learn more

be

been

be

become

become

become

see

seen

see

go

gone

go

eat

eaten

eat

grow

grown

grow

Positive Sentences
Subject +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

HAD +

Verb (past participle form)

e.g. gone, taken, done, etc.

EXAMPLES Before I went to the park, I had finished my work. If he had made the right choice, he wouldn't be unhappy now. Mary said she had already seen this movie before. I wish I had had enough courage to kiss her!

USE (CLICK TO READ)

1 2 3 4

Questions
HAD +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

Subject +

Verb (past participle form)

e.g. gone, taken, done, etc.

EXAMPLES Had she eaten the dinner before she went to the cinema?

USE (CLICK TO READ)

Negative Sentences
Subject +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

HADN'T +

Verb (past participle form)

e.g. gone, taken, done, etc.

EXAMPLES

USE (CLICK TO READ)

I had not seen this movie before we went to the cinema yesterday to see it. If he hadn't made the mistake, he would be happy now. Mary said she had not visited her father for a long time. I wish I hadn't done it!

2 3 4

Past Perfect Continuous

Basic form Subject + HAD + BEEN + Verb (continuous form)

Quick examples
The boys had been quarreling for half an hour when we arrived home. I had been dating Angelina for 3 years before we got married. If it hadn't been raining, we would have gone to the park. She told me that she had been working as a teacher for over 40 years.

Use
1. 2. 3. 4. The Past Perfect Continuous is used to talk about actions or situations that were in progress before some other actions or situations. There are also other uses. Duration of a past action up to a certain point in the past Showing cause of an action or situation Third conditional sentences Reported speech

Use 1: Duration of a Past Action

The main use of the Past Perfect Continuous is to express actions or situations that were in progress before some other actions or situations. The boys had been quarreling for half an hour when we arrived home. I had been dating Angelina for 3 years before we got married.

Use 2: Showing Cause

Use this tense to show cause of an action or situation in the past. John was in a detention because he had been misbehaving. The road was wet because it had been raining. I had to go on a diet because I had been eating too much sugar. Jessica got sunburnt because she had been lying in the sun too long.

Use 3: Third Conditional

Remember that this tense is also used in third conditional sentences. If it hadn't been raining, we would have gone to the park.

Use 4: Reported Speech

This tense also appears in Reported speech. She said she knew Charlie had been lying to her. Reported Speech

Form
Positive Sentences
Subject +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

HAD +

BEEN +

Verb (continuous form)

e.g. walking, going, taking, etc.

[ Father: When I looked at our daughter Kathy I knew she had been crying. (Use 1) ]

EXAMPLES I had been running for an hour before I twisted my angle. It was wet outside: It had been raining. If I had known it, I wouldn't have bought it. Mary said she had never been swimming so much in one day.

USE (CLICK TO READ)

1 2 3 4

[ He said he had been training. (Use 4, Reported Speech) ]

Questions
HAD +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

Subject +

BEEN +

Verb (continuous form)

e.g. walking, going, taking, etc.

EXAMPLES

USE (CLICK TO READ)

For how many hours had Fred been painting the house when the ladder fell? How long had the player been playing before he scored?

The difference between the Present Perfect Continuous and Past Perfect Continuous

Negative Sentences
Subject +
e.g. he, she, a dog, etc.

HAD + NOT +

BEEN +

Verb (continuous form)

e.g. walking, going, taking, etc.

EXAMPLES

USE (CLICK TO READ)

Mary hadn't been waiting for longer than 10 minutes. He said he was't tired because he hadn't been working that day. If it hadn't been raining, we would have played football. If I hadn't been studying all night, I would have problems with this test now.

1 3 3

Future Simple
Basic form

Subject + WILL + Verb (present form)

Quick examples
I will clean up my room. I promise! The telephone is ringing. I will pick it up! I think it will rain. He will stay there for hours, doing nothing. The Future Simple is used in many situations such as when making promises or predictions.

Use
1. 2. 3. 4. Promises Unplanned actions Predictions based on experience or intuition Habits (obstinate insistence, usually habitual)

Going to
You can also use going to to express future. We use it to express predictions based on observing the present situation: It's going to rain. Look at the clouds! Read more

Use 1: Promises
The first use of the Future Simple to make promises. I promise I will buy you this toy. Promise you will never leave me!

Use 2: Unplanned actions

Use this tense also to talk about unplanned (spontaneous) decisions. Don't worry! I will help you with this problem. I will close the window. It's starting to rain.

Use 3: Predictions
We often use the Future Simple when making a prediction based on experience or intuition. It will rain in a moment. It will get more difficult.

Use 4: Habits
The last use of this tense is interesting: we can also use the Future Simple to express habits. She will bit her lip if she is thinking or if she's nervous about something. He will always make noise when we are sleeping.

Shall
You can also use shall to express future in Future Simple. It is more formal than will, and usually appears in formal speeches, agreements or guarantees. Examples: The guarantee shall be provided on the following conditions: (...) We shall never surrender!

Form
Contracted forms (more)
WILL = 'LL She'll dance = she will dance WILL + NOT = WON'T She won't dance = she will not dance

Declarative Sentences
Subject Auxiliary verb Verb

+
e.g. I/a dog etc.
Remember

+
will e.g.work/go/make

Remember, you should never use will to say what somebody has already arranged or decided to do in the future: Correct: Mike is moving to New Jersey next month. Incorrect: Mike will move to New Jersey next month. Read more I think he will regret his choice. (Use 3) I will come back at 10 p.m. (Use 1) If you will keep your watch half an hour slow it is hardly surprising that you are late for your appointments. (Use 4) John will keep dropping his towel on the floor after a bath. (Use 4) I will visit my grandma at hospital. (Use 1 or Use 2) Let's buy the snacks at the supermarket it will be cheaper that way. (Use 3) [ When I'm 60 years old, I will be completely bald. (Use 3) ]

Questions
Auxiliary verb Subject Verb

+
will e.g. I/a dog etc.

+
e.g.work/go/make

Remember
We often use "will" with:

probably, most likely

I'll probably drop in on uncle.

I think

This gift is great. I think we'll love it.

I'm sure

It's not going to be boring there. I'm sure there will be a lot of boys at your age

I wonder (if, what, when, etc.)

It's a bit late. I wonder if he'll come.

I expect

I haven't seen Matthew today. I expect he'll call today.

Will Will Will Will

he be surprised when he sees me? (Use 3) Mark be able to do the shopping before 10 a.m.? (Use 3) there be plenty of people in church? (Use 3) you study harder? (Use 1)

Negative Sentences
Subject Auxiliary verb Verb

+
e.g. I/a dog etc.

+
will not e.g.work/go/make

I won't take any heavy equipment with me. (Use 2) I'm sorry I won't be able to help you with your English today. (Use 2) I expect that Sally will not clean up her room, unless you help her. (Use 3)

Future Continuous
Basic form Subject + WILL + BE + Verb (continuous form)

Quick examples
Tomorrow at this time, I will be taking my English langauge exam. Ben won't be eating the dinner now. He usually eats it around noon! Will you be comingto the party tonight? We mainly use the Future Continuous to indicate that we will be in the middle of doing something in a specified time in the future. There are also two other uses, listed below:

Use
1. Future actions in progress 2. Guesses about the present or the future 3. Polite questions about somebody's intention

Good to know
If you want to learn about somebody's intentions, you should always use the Future Continuous rather than the Present Simple. Using the Future Simple implies that you want to influence somebody's decision. Questions become much more objective if formed in the Future Continuous. Compare: Will you come home? (= I want you to come home) Will you be coming home? (= I just want to know)

Use 1: Future actions in progress

The first use of the Future Continuous is to express future action in progress. In an hour, I will be sitting in front of my TV. In the evening, I will be baking a birthday cake.

Use 2: Guesses
Use this tense also to make guesses about something in the present or future. He won't be coming any time soon. He is still at the office. Beatrice will be getting married very soon.

Use 3: Questions
And the last use of the tense is to make polite questions about something or somebody. Will you be coming home before or after 10 PM? Will you be goingto the supermarket? I have something to buy.

Form
Contracted forms (more)
Important

The Future Perfect appears in two forms: "will" form and "going to" form which can be used interchangably. Example: "She will have finished" means "she is going to have finished"

Declarative Sentences
Subject e.g. I/a dogetc.

Auxiliary verb

Auxiliary verb

Verb + ing

+
will

+
be

+
e.g.working/going/making

She'll be having a bath when I'm back home. (Use 1) Tomorrow at nine, I will be hosing off (=washing with a hose) my car. (Use 1) This time next week,I am going to be throwing a party. (Use 1) I'll be watching TV when my mother arrives. (Use 1) They will be geting home just about now. (Use 2) Notice Like any of the Future Tenses, Future Continuous cannot be used in sentences beginning with: while, when,before, by the time, if, etc.

By the time, you will be finishing your paiting.

[ Tomorrow at this time, I will be getting bored at school! (Use 1) ]

Questions
Auxiliary verb Subject Auxiliary verb Verb + ing

+
will

+
I/you/we etc. be

+
dancing / taking

Is she going to be cooking when we knock at the door? (Use 1) Will Mark be playing football at 6 p.m.? (Use 1) Will you be using the screwdriver? (Use 3)

Negative Sentences
Subject e.g. I/a dogetc.

Auxiliary verb

Auxiliary verb

Verb + ing

+
will not

+
be

+
e.g.working/going/making

We won't be having supper tomorrow before 8 o'clock. (Use 1) Iam not going to be learning English tomorrow at this time. (Use 1) John won't be sleeping now (= I think John isn't sleeping now) (Use 2)

Future Perfect

Basic form Subject + WILL HAVE + Verb (past participle form)

Quick examples
I will have graduated from university by May. Patrick will have lived in Hong Kong for 20 years by the next month. The train will have left by now. We use the Future Perfect tense to talk about actions that will be finished before some point in the future. We also use this tense to express situations that will last for a specified period of time at a definite moment in the future. The last use is to express certainty that an action was completed.

Use
1. Completion before a specified point in the future 2. Actions or situations that will last in the future (for a specified time) 3. Certainty that an action was completed

Use 1: Completion before a specified point in the future

The first use of this tense is to talk about future actions that will be finished before some specified point in the future. Before they come, we will have cleaned up the house. John will have eaten the whole cake, by the time the birthday party starts!

Use 2: Duration in the Future

Another use of this tense is to talk about actions will last after a given point in the future. By the next year, I will have known Monica for 30 years. Patrick will have lived in Hong Kong for 20 years by 2012.

Common Time Expressions

Time expressions that are commonly used with the Future Perfect: By By the time

Before By tomorrow/7 o'clock/next month Until/till

Use 3: Certainty About the Near Past

The last use is to express conviction that something happened in the near past. The train will have left by now. We have to look for another way to get there. (I'm sure the train has left) The guests will have arrived at the hotel by now. (I'm sure the guests have arrived at the hotel)

Form
Contracted forms (more)
WILL = 'LL Example: She'll have finished = she will have finished WILL + NOT = WON'T Example: She won't have finished = she will not have finished

Important
The Future Perfect appears in two forms: "will" form and "going to" form which can be used interchangably. Example: "She will have finished" means "she is going to have finished"

Positive Sentences
Auxiliary verb Auxiliary verb

Subject

Past participle

+
e.g. I/a dog etc. will

+
have

+
e.g.eaten/given/goneetc.

Examples

Use

I will have retired by the end of this year.

(Use

1)

I read 40 pages a day. If I keep up the pace, I will have read the book by Tuesday.

(Use 1)

Questions
Auxiliary verb Auxiliary verb

Subject

Past participle

+
will e.g. I/a dogetc.

+
have

+
e.g.eaten/given/goneetc.

Examples

Use

Will they have graduated from Cambridge by July 2009?

(Use 1)

Will I have retired by the end of the year?

(Use 1)

Will you have bought a new processor by the end of this week?

(Use 1)

Negative Sentences
Auxiliary verb + not will not

Subject

+
e.g. I/a

Auxiliary verb

Past participle

+
e.g.eaten/given/goneetc.

have

dog etc.

Examples

Use

They won't have graduated from from Cambridge by July 2009.

(Use 1)

My uncle won't have retired by the end of the year.

(Use 1)

Future Perfect Continuous

Basic form Subject + WILL HAVE BEEN + Verb (past participle form)

Quick examples
By the next year, I will have been working as a teacher for 30 years. We will be making a rest stop in half an hour, because you will have been driving the car for 6 hours by then. We use the Future Perfect Continuous tense to express situations that will last for a specified period of time at a definite moment in the future. We also use this tense to express certainty about the cause of some future situation.

Use
1. Duration at a definite moment in the future 2. Cause of a future situation

USE 1: Duration
We use this tense to express situations that will last for a specified period of time at a definite moment in the future. It is important that we expect these situations to last longer. Before they come, we will have been cleaning the house for 5 hours. By the next year, Ben and his wife will have been living together for 50 years. [ By the next month, I will have been saving money for a new house for 4 years ]

Common Time Expressions

Time expressions that are commonly used with the Future Perfect Continuous: By tomorrow / 8 o'clock

This year / month / week Next year / month / week

USE 2: Cause
English speakers also use this tense when they want to express certainty about the cause of some future situation. By this time, he will have been working for 12 hours, so he will be very tired. We will be making a rest stop in half an hour, because you will have been driving the car for 6 hours by then.

Form
Contracted forms (more) Positive Sentences
Auxiliary verb Auxiliary verb Auxiliary verb

Subject

Verb + ing

+
e.g. I/a dog etc. will

+
have

+
been

+
e.g.eating/giving/goingetc.

Examples

Use

We will have been driving 6 hours by the time we get home.

(Use 1)

In the summer Mike will have been tryingto find a new job for five months.

(Use 1)

Jane will be very tired when she comes home, because she will have been flyingover 24 hours.

(Use 1)

My father and I will have been breedingsheep for 20 years

(Use 1)

tomorrow.

By the year 2020, linguists will have been studying and defining the Indo-European language family for more than 200 years.
Note

(Use 1)

If duration of an activity (e.g. "since April", "for three hours") is unknown then the Future Continuous should be used instead of the Perfect Form. Example: I will be taking a bath. I will have been taking a bath.

Negative Sentences
Auxiliary verb Auxiliary verb Auxiliary verb

Subject e.g. I/a dog etc.

Verb + ing

+
will not

+
have

+
been

+
e.g.eating/giving/goingetc.

Examples

Use

She won't have been writing the book for four months by the end of October.
Note

(Use 1)

Negative sentences sound rather unnatural. This is probably because the answer to a question like, "Will she have been teaching for 30 years this year?", would simply be, "No, I don't think so".

Questions
Auxiliary verb Auxiliary verb Auxiliary verb

Subject

Verb + ing

+
will e.g. I/a dog etc.

+
have

+
been

+
e.g.eating/giving/goingetc.

Examples

Use

Will he have been writing the composition for a month by the end of February?
Good to know

(Use 1)

Questions beginning with "how long" are more common. How long will you have been learning German this year? How long will you have been trying to get your driving license this