How to Use the Verb Tenses in English with Examples
LikeWhat are Verb Tenses?
As you might recall from some English lessons, verb tenses in grammar are structures that allow us to communicate and express ideas, situations and actions relating to the moment in which they develop, that is, taking into account the different structures of present, past and future.
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- the simple (Present Simple, Past Simple, Future Simple)
- the continuous (Present Continuous, Past Continuous, Future Continuous)
- the perfect (Present Perfect, Past Perfect, Future Perfect)
- the perfect continuous (Present Perfect Continuous, Past Perfect Continuous, Future Perfect Continuous)
Identifying the characteristics of each of them and using the correct tenses in English will allow us to communicate effectively and to be able to convey ideas in a natural way, making it clear whether an event happened in the past, if it is happening at the very moment in which we are speaking or if it will happen in the future.
Additionally, it’s important to remember that each verb tense is divided into different verb forms, which indicate the exact moment when an action or situation takes place.
English Verb Tenses Chart with Examples
| Tense | Present | Past | Future |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple |
Structure: Subject + base verb (add -s or -es for he, she, it). Examples:
|
Structure: Subject + past tense verb. Example:
|
Structure: Subject + will + base verb. Examples:
|
| Perfect |
Structure: Subject + have/has + past participle. Example: I have worked here for five years. |
Structure: Subject + had + past participle. Example: I had worked before I went home. |
Structure: Subject + will have + past participle. Examples: She will have finished by the time we arrive. |
| Continuous |
Structure: Subject + am/is/are + verb + -ing. Examples: I am working right now. |
Structure: Subject + was/were + verb + -ing. Examples: She was studying when I called. |
Structure: Subject + will be + verb + -ing. Examples: I will be working at 5 PM tomorrow. - |
| Perfect Continuous |
Structure: Subject + have/has + been + verb + -ing. Examples:
|
Structure: Subject + had + been + verb + -ing. Examples:
|
Structure: Subject + will have been + verb + -ing. Examples: She will have been studying for three hours by noon. |
Present Tenses in English
- Simple Present Tense: Use for regular actions, general truths, or facts.
- Present Perfect Tense: Use for actions that happened at an unspecified time or actions that started in the past and continue in the present.
- Present Continuous Tense: Use for actions happening right now or around the present time.
- Present Perfect Continuous Tense: Use for actions that started in the past and continue to the present, with focus on the duration.
Past Tenses in English
- Simple Past Tense: Use for actions that happened at a specific time in the past.
- Past Perfect Tense Use for an action that happened before another action or a specific point in the past.
- Past Continuous Tense: Use for actions that were happening at a specific time in the past.
- Past Perfect Continuous Tense: Use for actions that were ongoing before another action in the past, with focus on duration.
Future Tenses in English
- Simple Future Tense: Use for actions that will happen in the future.
- Future Perfect Tense: Use for actions that will be completed before a certain time in the future.
- Future Continuous Tense : Use for actions that will be happening at a specific time in the future.
- Future Perfect Continuous Tense: Use for actions that will be ongoing until a specific point in the future, with focus on duration.
Understanding English verb tenses isn't as difficult as it seems, especially if you know when to use each one and how to form its structure. We recommend practising regularly and doing exercises on verb tenses. This will help you become familiar with their usage and apply each structure correctly.
If you're still unsure, you can always find an English language tutor near you to guide you. Good luck!