Tenses
Past, present, and future tenses — simple, continuous, perfect, and perfect continuous
What are Tenses?
Tenses indicate when an action happens (time) and whether it is ongoing or completed (aspect). English has 12 tense forms combining 3 times (past, present, future) with 4 aspects (simple, continuous, perfect, perfect continuous).
Present Tenses
Present Simple
Habits, general truths, and regular actions. Form: V/V-s (3rd person singular).
She works in a hospital.
Water boils at 100°C.
A single man of large fortune must want a wife.
From novelPresent Continuous
Actions happening right now or temporary situations. Form: am/is/are + V-ing.
I am reading a book right now.
Present Perfect
Past action with present relevance, or experience. Form: have/has + V3 (past participle).
I have visited Paris twice.
Present Perfect Continuous
Action that started in the past and is still continuing. Form: have/has been + V-ing.
She has been studying English for three years.
Past Tenses
Past Simple
Completed actions in the past. Form: V2 (past tense) / did + not + V.
I visited my grandmother last week.
Past Continuous
Action in progress at a specific time in the past. Form: was/were + V-ing.
I was sleeping when the phone rang.
Past Perfect
Action completed before another past action. Form: had + V3.
She had left before I arrived.
Future Tenses
Future Simple
Future predictions, spontaneous decisions, promises. Form: will + V.
I will call you tomorrow.
Future Continuous
Action in progress at a future time. Form: will be + V-ing.
This time tomorrow, I will be flying to London.