Verb Tense Tutorial
Verb Tense Tutorial
Verb Tense Tutorial
Verb tenses are tools that English speakers use to express time in their language. You may find
that many English tenses do not have direct translations in your language. That is not a problem.
By studying this verb tense tutorial, you will learn to think like a native English speaker.
Before you begin the verb tense lessons, it is extremely important to understand that NOT all
English verbs are the same. English verbs are divided into three groups: Normal Verbs, NonContinuous Verbs, and Mixed Verbs.
Group I Normal Verbs
Most verbs are "Normal Verbs." These verbs are usually physical actions which you can see
somebody doing. These verbs can be used in all tenses.
Normal Verbs
The second group, called "Non-Continuous Verbs," is smaller. These verbs are usually things you
cannot see somebody doing. These verbs are rarely used in continuous tenses. They include:
Abstract Verbs
Possession Verbs
The third group, called "Mixed Verbs," is the smallest group. These verbs have more than one
meaning. In a way, each meaning is a unique verb. Some meanings behave like "Non-Continuous
Verbs," while other meanings behave like "Normal Verbs."
Mixed Verbs
to appear:
to have:
to hear:
to look:
to miss:
to see:
to smell:
to taste:
to think:
to weigh:
to be:
NOTICE: Only rarely is "to be" used in a continuous form. This is most commonly done when a
person is temporarily behaving badly or stereotypically. It can also be used when someone's
behavior is noticeably different.
to feel:
NOTICE: The second meaning of "feel" is very flexible and there is no real difference in
meaning between "I don't feel well today" and "I am not feeling well today."
Verb Tense Overview with Examples
Simple Present
Simple Past
Simple Future
If you are having
problems, I will help you
study English.
I am going to study
English next year.
Present Continuous
Past Continuous
Future Continuous
I will be studying English
when you arrive tonight.
I am studying English
now.
Present Perfect
Past Perfect
Present Perfect
Continuous
Future Perfect
I will have studied every
tense by the time I finish
this course.
I am going to have
studied every tense by
the time I finish this
course.
Future Perfect
Continuous
Sentences can be active or passive. Therefore, tenses also have "active forms" and "passive
forms." You must learn to recognize the difference to successfully speak English.
Active Form
In active sentences, the thing doing the action is the subject of the sentence and the thing
receiving the action is the object. Most sentences are active.
[Thing doing action] + [verb] + [thing receiving action]
Examples:
Passive Form
In passive sentences, the thing receiving the action is the subject of the sentence and the thing
doing the action is optionally included near the end of the sentence. You can use the passive form
if you think that the thing receiving the action is more important or should be emphasized. You
can also use the passive form if you do not know who is doing the action or if you do not want to
mention who is doing the action.
[Thing receiving action] + [be] + [past participle of verb] + [by] + [thing doing action]
Examples:
Passive
Simple
Present
Present
Continuous
Simple Past
Past
Continuous
Present
Perfect
Present
Perfect
Continuous
Past Perfect
Past Perfect
Continuous
Simple
Future
will
Simple
Future
be going to
Future
Continuous
will
Future
Continuous
be going to
Future
Perfect
will
Future
Perfect
be going to
Future
Perfect
Continuous
will
Future
Perfect
Continuous
be going to
Used to
Would
Always
Future in
the Past
Would
Future in
the Past
Was Going
to
Simple Present
FORM
Use the Simple Present to express the idea that an action is repeated or usual. The action can be a
habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens. It can also be
something a person often forgets or usually does not do.
Examples:
I play tennis.
The Simple Present can also indicate the speaker believes that a fact was true before, is true now,
and will be true in the future. It is not important if the speaker is correct about the fact. It is also
used to make generalizations about people or things.
Examples:
California is in America.
New York is a small city. It is not important that this fact is untrue.
Speakers occasionally use Simple Present to talk about scheduled events in the near future. This
is most commonly done when talking about public transportation, but it can be used with other
scheduled events as well.
Examples:
Speakers sometimes use the Simple Present to express the idea that an action is happening or is
not happening now. This can only be done with Non-Continuous Verbs and certain Mixed Verbs.
Examples:
I am here now.
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever,
still, just, etc.
Examples:
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
Verb Tense Exercise 16 Present and Past Tenses with Non-Continuous Verbs
Present Continuous
FORM
Examples:
Use the Present Continuous with Normal Verbs to express the idea that something is happening
now, at this very moment. It can also be used to show that something is not happening now.
Examples:
I am sitting.
I am not standing.
Is he sitting or standing?
In English, "now" can mean: this second, today, this month, this year, this century, and so on.
Sometimes, we use the Present Continuous to say that we are in the process of doing a longer
action which is in progress; however, we might not be doing it at this exact second.
Examples: (All of these sentences can be said while eating dinner in a restaurant.)
Sometimes, speakers use the Present Continuous to indicate that something will or will not
happen in the near future.
Examples:
The Present Continuous with words such as "always" or "constantly" expresses the idea that
something irritating or shocking often happens. Notice that the meaning is like Simple Present,
but with negative emotion. Remember to put the words "always" or "constantly" between "be"
and "verb+ing."
Examples:
It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses.
Also, certain non-continuous meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses.
Instead of using Present Continuous with these verbs, you must use Simple Present.
Examples:
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever,
still, just, etc.
Examples:
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
Verb Tense Exercise 16 Present and Past Tenses with Non-Continuous Verbs
Simple Past
FORM
Use the Simple Past to express the idea that an action started and finished at a specific time in the
past. Sometimes, the speaker may not actually mention the specific time, but they do have one
specific time in mind.
Examples:
We use the Simple Past to list a series of completed actions in the past. These actions happen 1st,
2nd, 3rd, 4th, and so on.
Examples:
I finished work, walked to the beach, and found a nice place to swim.
He arrived from the airport at 8:00, checked into the hotel at 9:00, and met
the others at 10:00.
Did you add flour, pour in the milk, and then add the eggs?
The Simple Past can be used with a duration which starts and stops in the past. A duration is a
longer action often indicated by expressions such as: for two years, for five minutes, all day, all
year, etc.
Examples:
The Simple Past can also be used to describe a habit which stopped in the past. It can have the
same meaning as "used to." To make it clear that we are talking about a habit, we often add
expressions such as: always, often, usually, never, when I was a child, when I was younger, etc.
Examples:
The Simple Past can also be used to describe past facts or generalizations which are no longer
true. As in USE 4 above, this use of the Simple Past is quite similar to the expression "used to."
Examples:
People paid much more to make cell phone calls in the past.
Clauses are groups of words which have meaning but are often not complete sentences. Some
clauses begin with the word "when" such as "when I dropped my pen..." or "when class began..."
These clauses are called when-clauses, and they are very important. The examples below contain
when-clauses.
Examples:
When-clauses are important because they always happen first when both clauses are in the
Simple Past. Both of the examples above mean the same thing: first, I paid her one dollar, and
then, she answered my question. It is not important whether "when I paid her one dollar" is at the
beginning of the sentence or at the end of the sentence. However, the example below has a
different meaning. First, she answered my question, and then, I paid her one dollar.
Example:
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever,
still, just, etc.
Examples:
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
Verb Tense Exercise 12 Simple Past, Present Perfect, and Past Perfect
Verb Tense Exercise 16 Present and Past Tenses with Non-Continuous Verbs
Past Continuous
FORM
Use the Past Continuous to indicate that a longer action in the past was interrupted. The
interruption is usually a shorter action in the Simple Past. Remember this can be a real
interruption or just an interruption in time.
Examples:
You were not listening to me when I told you to turn the oven off.
While John was sleeping last night, someone stole his car.
While I was writing the email, the computer suddenly went off.
In USE 1, described above, the Past Continuous is interrupted by a shorter action in the Simple
Past. However, you can also use a specific time as an interruption.
Examples:
IMPORTANT
In the Simple Past, a specific time is used to show when an action began or finished. In the Past
Continuous, a specific time only interrupts the action.
Examples:
When you use the Past Continuous with two actions in the same sentence, it expresses the idea
that both actions were happening at the same time. The actions are parallel.
Examples:
I wasn't paying attention while I was writing the letter, so I made several
mistakes.
They were eating dinner, discussing their plans, and having a good time.
USE 4 Atmosphere
In English, we often use a series of parallel actions to describe the atmosphere at a particular
time in the past.
Example:
When I walked into the office, several people were busily typing, some
were talking on the phones, the boss was yelling directions, and
customers were waiting to be helped. One customer was yelling at a
secretary and waving his hands. Others were complaining to each other
about the bad service.
The Past Continuous with words such as "always" or "constantly" expresses the idea that
something irritating or shocking often happened in the past. The concept is very similar to the
expression "used to" but with negative emotion. Remember to put the words "always" or
"constantly" between "be" and "verb+ing."
Examples:
Clauses are groups of words which have meaning, but are often not complete sentences. Some
clauses begin with the word "when" such as "when she called" or "when it bit me." Other clauses
begin with "while" such as "while she was sleeping" and "while he was surfing." When you talk
about things in the past, "when" is most often followed by the verb tense Simple Past, whereas
"while" is usually followed by Past Continuous. "While" expresses the idea of "during that time."
Study the examples below. They have similar meanings, but they emphasize different parts of the
sentence.
Examples:
It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses.
Also, certain non-continuous meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses.
Instead of using Past Continuous with these verbs, you must use Simple Past.
Examples:
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever,
still, just, etc.
Examples:
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
The salesman was helping the customer when the thief came into the store.
Active
The customer was being helped by the salesman when the thief came into
the store. Passive
Verb Tense Exercise 16 Present and Past Tenses with Non-Continuous Verbs
Present Perfect
FORM
We use the Present Perfect to say that an action happened at an unspecified time before now. The
exact time is not important. You CANNOT use the Present Perfect with specific time expressions
such as: yesterday, one year ago, last week, when I was a child, when I lived in Japan, at that
moment, that day, one day, etc. We CAN use the Present Perfect with unspecific expressions
such as: ever, never, once, many times, several times, before, so far, already, yet, etc.
Examples:
The concept of "unspecified time" can be very confusing to English learners. It is best to
associate Present Perfect with the following topics:
TOPIC 1 Experience
You can use the Present Perfect to describe your experience. It is like saying, "I have the
experience of..." You can also use this tense to say that you have never had a certain experience.
The Present Perfect is NOT used to describe a specific event.
Examples:
We often use the Present Perfect to talk about change that has happened over a period of time.
Examples:
Japanese has become one of the most popular courses at the university
since the Asian studies program was established.
TOPIC 3 Accomplishments
We often use the Present Perfect to list the accomplishments of individuals and humanity. You
cannot mention a specific time.
Examples:
We often use the Present Perfect to say that an action which we expected has not happened.
Using the Present Perfect suggests that we are still waiting for the action to happen.
Examples:
We also use the Present Perfect to talk about several different actions which have occurred in the
past at different times. Present Perfect suggests the process is not complete and more actions are
possible.
Examples:
I have had four quizzes and five tests so far this semester.
She has talked to several specialists about her problem, but nobody knows
why she is sick.
When we use the Present Perfect it means that something has happened at some point in our lives
before now. Remember, the exact time the action happened is not important.
Sometimes, we want to limit the time we are looking in for an experience. We can do this with
expressions such as: in the last week, in the last year, this week, this month, so far, up to now,
etc.
Examples:
She graduated from university less than three years ago. She has worked
for three different companies so far.
NOTICE
"Last year" and "in the last year" are very different in meaning. "Last year" means the year
before now, and it is considered a specific time which requires Simple Past. "In the last year"
means from 365 days ago until now. It is not considered a specific time, so it requires Present
Perfect.
Examples:
With Non-Continuous Verbs and non-continuous uses of Mixed Verbs, we use the Present Perfect
to show that something started in the past and has continued up until now. "For five minutes,"
"for two weeks," and "since Tuesday" are all durations which can be used with the Present
Perfect.
Examples:
Although the above use of Present Perfect is normally limited to Non-Continuous Verbs and noncontinuous uses of Mixed Verbs, the words "live," "work," "teach," and "study" are sometimes
used in this way even though they are NOT Non-Continuous Verbs.
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever,
still, just, etc.
Examples:
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
Verb Tense Exercise 12 Simple Past, Present Perfect, and Past Perfect
Verb Tense Exercise 16 Present and Past Tenses with Non-Continuous Verbs
We use the Present Perfect Continuous to show that something started in the past and has
continued up until now. "For five minutes," "for two weeks," and "since Tuesday" are all
durations which can be used with the Present Perfect Continuous.
Examples:
Why has Nancy not been taking her medicine for the last three days?
You can also use the Present Perfect Continuous WITHOUT a duration such as "for two weeks."
Without the duration, the tense has a more general meaning of "lately." We often use the words
"lately" or "recently" to emphasize this meaning.
Examples:
IMPORTANT
Remember that the Present Perfect Continuous has the meaning of "lately" or "recently." If you
use the Present Perfect Continuous in a question such as "Have you been feeling alright?", it can
suggest that the person looks sick or unhealthy. A question such as "Have you been smoking?"
can suggest that you smell the smoke on the person. Using this tense in a question suggests you
can see, smell, hear or feel the results of the action. It is possible to insult someone by using this
tense incorrectly.
REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs/ Mixed Verbs
It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses.
Also, certain non-continuous meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses.
Instead of using Present Perfect Continuous with these verbs, you must use Present Perfect.
Examples:
Sam has been having his car for two years. Not Correct
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever,
still, just, etc.
Examples:
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
NOTE: Present Perfect Continuous is less commonly used in its passive form.
More About Active / Passive Forms
EXERCISES AND RELATED TOPICS
Verb Tense Exercise 16 Present and Past Tenses with Non-Continuous Verbs
Past Perfect
FORM
You had not studied English before you moved to New York.
The Past Perfect expresses the idea that something occurred before another action in the past. It
can also show that something happened before a specific time in the past.
Examples:
Tony knew Istanbul so well because he had visited the city several times.
She only understood the movie because she had read the book.
We were not able to get a hotel room because we had not booked in
advance.
A: Had you ever visited the U.S. before your trip in 2006?
B: Yes, I had been to the U.S. once before.
With Non-Continuous Verbs and some non-continuous uses of Mixed Verbs, we use the Past
Perfect to show that something started in the past and continued up until another action in the
past.
Examples:
We had had that car for ten years before it broke down.
By the time Alex finished his studies, he had been in London for over eight
years.
They felt bad about selling the house because they had owned it for more
than forty years.
Although the above use of Past Perfect is normally limited to Non-Continuous Verbs
and non-continuous uses of Mixed Verbs, the words "live," "work," "teach," and
"study" are sometimes used in this way even though they are NOT Non-Continuous
Verbs.
IMPORTANT Specific Times with the Past Perfect
Unlike with the Present Perfect, it is possible to use specific time words or phrases with the Past
Perfect. Although this is possible, it is usually not necessary.
Example:
She had visited her Japanese relatives once in 1993 before she moved in
with them in 1996.
MOREOVER
If the Past Perfect action did occur at a specific time, the Simple Past can be used instead of the
Past Perfect when "before" or "after" is used in the sentence. The words "before" and "after"
actually tell you what happens first, so the Past Perfect is optional. For this reason, both
sentences below are correct.
Examples:
She had visited her Japanese relatives once in 1993 before she moved in
with them in 1996.
She visited her Japanese relatives once in 1993 before she moved in with
them in 1996.
HOWEVER
If the Past Perfect is not referring to an action at a specific time, Past Perfect is not optional.
Compare the examples below. Here Past Perfect is referring to a lack of experience rather than an
action at a specific time. For this reason, Simple Past cannot be used.
Examples:
She never saw a bear before she moved to Alaska. Not Correct
She had never seen a bear before she moved to Alaska. Correct
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever,
still, just, etc.
Examples:
You had previously studied English before you moved to New York.
Had you previously studied English before you moved to New York?
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
George had repaired many cars before he received his mechanic's license.
Active
Many cars had been repaired by George before he received his mechanic's
license. Passive
Verb Tense Exercise 12 Simple Past, Present Perfect, and Past Perfect
Verb Tense Exercise 16 Present and Past Tenses with Non-Continuous Verbs
FORM
You had been waiting there for more than two hours when she finally
arrived.
Had you been waiting there for more than two hours when she finally
arrived?
You had not been waiting there for more than two hours when she finally
arrived.
We use the Past Perfect Continuous to show that something started in the past and continued up
until another time in the past. "For five minutes" and "for two weeks" are both durations which
can be used with the Past Perfect Continuous. Notice that this is related to the Present Perfect
Continuous; however, the duration does not continue until now, it stops before something else in
the past.
Examples:
They had been talking for over an hour before Tony arrived.
She had been working at that company for three years when it went out of
business.
Mike wanted to sit down because he had been standing all day at work.
James had been teaching at the university for more than a year before he
left for Asia.
A: How long had you been studying Turkish before you moved to Ankara?
B: I had not been studying Turkish very long.
Using the Past Perfect Continuous before another action in the past is a good way to show cause
and effect.
Examples:
Betty failed the final test because she had not been attending class.
If you do not include a duration such as "for five minutes," "for two weeks" or "since Friday,"
many English speakers choose to use the Past Continuous rather than the Past Perfect
Continuous. Be careful because this can change the meaning of the sentence. Past Continuous
emphasizes interrupted actions, whereas Past Perfect Continuous emphasizes a duration of time
before something in the past. Study the examples below to understand the difference.
Examples:
It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses.
Also, certain non-continuous meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses.
Instead of using Past Perfect Continuous with these verbs, you must use Past Perfect.
Examples:
The motorcycle had been belonging to George for years before Tina bought
it. Not Correct
The motorcycle had belonged to George for years before Tina bought it.
Correct
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever,
still, just, etc.
Examples:
You had only been waiting there for a few minutes when she arrived.
Had you only been waiting there for a few minutes when she arrived?
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
Chef Jones had been preparing the restaurant's fantastic dinners for two
years before he moved to Paris. Active
The restaurant's fantastic dinners had been being prepared by Chef Jones
for two years before he moved to Paris. Passive
NOTE: Passive forms of the Past Perfect Continuous are not common.
More About Active / Passive Forms
EXERCISES AND RELATED TOPICS
Verb Tense Exercise 16 Present and Past Tenses with Non-Continuous Verbs
Simple Future
Simple Future has two different forms in English: "will" and "be going to." Although the two
forms can sometimes be used interchangeably, they often express two very different meanings.
These different meanings might seem too abstract at first, but with time and practice, the
differences will become clear. Both "will" and "be going to" refer to a specific time in the future.
FORM Will
[will + verb]
Examples:
FORM Be Going To
"Will" often suggests that a speaker will do something voluntarily. A voluntary action is one the
speaker offers to do for someone else. Often, we use "will" to respond to someone else's
complaint or request for help. We also use "will" when we request that someone help us or
volunteer to do something for us. Similarly, we use "will not" or "won't" when we refuse to
voluntarily do something.
Examples:
If I am elected President of the United States, I will make sure everyone has
access to inexpensive health insurance.
"Be going to" expresses that something is a plan. It expresses the idea that a person intends to do
something in the future. It does not matter whether the plan is realistic or not.
Examples:
Both "will" and "be going to" can express the idea of a general prediction about the future.
Predictions are guesses about what might happen in the future. In "prediction" sentences, the
subject usually has little control over the future and therefore USES 1-3 do not apply. In the
following examples, there is no difference in meaning.
Examples:
IMPORTANT
In the Simple Future, it is not always clear which USE the speaker has in mind. Often, there is
more than one way to interpret a sentence's meaning.
No Future in Time Clauses
Like all future forms, the Simple Future cannot be used in clauses beginning with time
expressions such as: when, while, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc. Instead of
Simple Future, Simple Present is used.
Examples:
When you will arrive tonight, we will go out for dinner. Not Correct
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever,
still, just, etc.
Examples:
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
Future Continuous
Future Continuous has two different forms: "will be doing " and "be going to be doing." Unlike
Simple Future forms, Future Continuous forms are usually interchangeable.
FORM Future Continuous with "Will"
You will be waiting for her when her plane arrives tonight.
Will you be waiting for her when her plane arrives tonight?
You will not be waiting for her when her plane arrives tonight.
You are going to be waiting for her when her plane arrives tonight.
Are you going to be waiting for her when her plane arrives tonight?
You are not going to be waiting for her when her plane arrives tonight.
REMEMBER: It is possible to use either "will" or "be going to" to create the Future Continuous
with little difference in meaning.
Complete List of Future Continuous Forms
USE 1 Interrupted Action in the Future
Use the Future Continuous to indicate that a longer action in the future will be interrupted by a
shorter action in the future. Remember this can be a real interruption or just an interruption in
time.
Examples:
He will be studying at the library tonight, so he will not see Jennifer when
she arrives.
Notice in the examples above that the interruptions (marked in italics) are in Simple Present
rather than Simple Future. This is because the interruptions are in time clauses, and you cannot
use future tenses in time clauses.
USE 2 Specific Time as an Interruption in the Future
In USE 1, described above, the Future Continuous is interrupted by a short action in the future.
In addition to using short actions as interruptions, you can also use a specific time as an
interruption.
Examples:
REMEMBER
In the Simple Future, a specific time is used to show the time an action will begin or end. In the
Future Continuous, a specific time interrupts the action.
Examples:
When you use the Future Continuous with two actions in the same sentence, it expresses the idea
that both actions will be happening at the same time. The actions are parallel.
Examples:
Tonight, they will be eating dinner, discussing their plans, and having a
good time.
In English, we often use a series of Parallel Actions to describe atmosphere at a specific point in
the future.
Example:
Like all future tenses, the Future Continuous cannot be used in clauses beginning with time
expressions such as: when, while, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc. Instead of
Future Continuous, Present Continuous is used.
Examples:
It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses.
Also, certain non-continuous meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses.
Instead of using Future Continuous with these verbs, you must use Simple Future.
Examples:
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever,
still, just, etc.
Examples:
You will still be waiting for her when her plane arrives.
Will you still be waiting for her when her plane arrives?
You are still going to be waiting for her when her plane arrives.
Are you still going to be waiting for her when her plane arrives?
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
Future Perfect
Future Perfect has two different forms: "will have done" and "be going to have done." Unlike
Simple Future forms, Future Perfect forms are usually interchangeable.
FORM Future Perfect with "Will"
You will have perfected your English by the time you come back from the
U.S.
Will you have perfected your English by the time you come back from the
U.S.?
You will not have perfected your English by the time you come back from
the U.S.
You are going to have perfected your English by the time you come back
from the U.S.
Are you going to have perfected your English by the time you come back
from the U.S.?
You are not going to have perfected your English by the time you come
back from the U.S.
NOTE: It is possible to use either "will" or "be going to" to create the Future Perfect with little or
no difference in meaning.
Complete List of Future Perfect Forms
The Future Perfect expresses the idea that something will occur before another action in the
future. It can also show that something will happen before a specific time in the future.
Examples:
By the time he gets home, she is going to have cleaned the entire house.
Will she have learned enough Chinese to communicate before she moves
to Beijing?
By the time I finish this course, I will have taken ten tests.
How many countries are you going to have visited by the time you turn
50?
Notice in the examples above that the reference points (marked in italics) are in Simple Present
rather than Simple Future. This is because the interruptions are in time clauses, and you cannot
use future tenses in time clauses.
USE 2 Duration Before Something in the Future (Non-Continuous Verbs)
With Non-Continuous Verbs and some non-continuous uses of Mixed Verbs, we use the Future
Perfect to show that something will continue up until another action in the future.
Examples:
I will have been in London for six months by the time I leave.
Although the above use of Future Perfect is normally limited to Non-Continuous Verbs and noncontinuous uses of Mixed Verbs, the words "live," "work," "teach," and "study" are sometimes
used in this way even though they are NOT Non-Continuous Verbs.
REMEMBER No Future in Time Clauses
Like all future forms, the Future Perfect cannot be used in clauses beginning with time
expressions such as: when, while, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc. Instead of
Future Perfect, Present Perfect is used.
Examples:
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever,
still, just, etc.
Examples:
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
They will have completed the project before the deadline. Active
The project will have been completed before the deadline. Passive
They are going to have completed the project before the deadline. Active
The project is going to have been completed before the deadline. Passive
Future Perfect Continuous has two different forms: "will have been doing " and "be going to
have been doing." Unlike Simple Future forms, Future Perfect Continuous forms are usually
interchangeable.
FORM Future Perfect Continuous with "Will"
You will have been waiting for more than two hours when her plane finally
arrives.
Will you have been waiting for more than two hours when her plane finally
arrives?
You will not have been waiting for more than two hours when her plane
finally arrives.
You are going to have been waiting for more than two hours when her
plane finally arrives.
Are you going to have been waiting for more than two hours when her
plane finally arrives?
You are not going to have been waiting for more than two hours when
her plane finally arrives.
NOTE: It is possible to use either "will" or "be going to" to create the Future Perfect Continuous
with little or no difference in meaning.
Complete List of Future Perfect Continuous Forms
USE 1 Duration Before Something in the Future
We use the Future Perfect Continuous to show that something will continue up until a particular
event or time in the future. "For five minutes," "for two weeks," and "since Friday" are all
durations which can be used with the Future Perfect Continuous. Notice that this is related to the
Present Perfect Continuous and the Past Perfect Continuous; however, with Future Perfect
Continuous, the duration stops at or before a reference point in the future.
Examples:
They will have been talking for over an hour by the time Thomas arrives.
She is going to have been working at that company for three years when
it finally closes.
James will have been teaching at the university for more than a year by
the time he leaves for Asia.
How long will you have been studying when you graduate?
We are going to have been driving for over three days straight when we
get to Anchorage.
A: When you finish your English course, will you have been living in New
Zealand for over a year?
B: No, I will not have been living here that long.
Notice in the examples above that the reference points (marked in italics) are in Simple Present
rather than Simple Future. This is because these future events are in time clauses, and you cannot
use future tenses in time clauses.
USE 2 Cause of Something in the Future
Using the Future Perfect Continuous before another action in the future is a good way to show
cause and effect.
Examples:
Jason will be tired when he gets home because he will have been jogging
for over an hour.
Claudia's English will be perfect when she returns to Germany because she is
going to have been studying English in the United States for over two
years.
If you do not include a duration such as "for five minutes," "for two weeks" or "since Friday,"
many English speakers choose to use the Future Continuous rather than the Future Perfect
Continuous. Be careful because this can change the meaning of the sentence. Future Continuous
emphasizes interrupted actions, whereas Future Perfect Continuous emphasizes a duration of
time before something in the future. Study the examples below to understand the difference.
Examples:
Like all future forms, the Future Perfect Continuous cannot be used in clauses beginning with
time expressions such as: when, while, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc.
Instead of Future Perfect Continuous, Present Perfect Continuous is used.
Examples:
You won't get a promotion until you will have been working here as long as
Tim. Not Correct
You won't get a promotion until you have been working here as long as
Tim. Correct
It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses.
Also, certain non-continuous meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses.
Instead of using Future Perfect Continuous with these verbs, you must use Future Perfect .
Examples:
Ned will have been having his driver's license for over two years. Not
Correct
Ned will have had his driver's license for over two years. Correct
ADVERB PLACEMENT
The examples below show the placement for grammar adverbs such as: always, only, never, ever,
still, just, etc.
Examples:
You will only have been waiting for a few minutes when her plane arrives.
Will you only have been waiting for a few minutes when her plane arrives?
You are only going to have been waiting for a few minutes when her plane
arrives.
Are you only going to have been waiting for a few minutes when her plane
arrives?
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
The famous artist will have been painting the mural for over six months by
the time it is finished. Active
The mural will have been being painted by the famous artist for over six
months by the time it is finished. Passive
The famous artist is going to have been painting the mural for over six
months by the time it is finished. Active
The mural is going to have been being painted by the famous artist for
over six months by the time it is finished. Passive
NOTE: Passive forms of the Future Perfect Continuous are not common.
More About Active / Passive Forms
Used To
FORM
[used to + VERB]
Example:
It is better not to use "used to" in questions or negative forms; however, this is sometimes done
in informal spoken English. It is better to ask questions and create negative sentences using
Simple Past.
USE 1 Habit in the Past
"Used to" expresses the idea that something was an old habit that stopped in the past. It indicates
that something was often repeated in the past, but it is not usually done now.
Examples:
"Used to" can also be used to talk about past facts or generalizations which are no longer true.
Examples:
George used to be the best student in class, but now Lena is the best.
Oranges used to cost very little in Florida, but now they are quite expensive.
Both Simple Past and "Used to" can be used to describe past habits, past facts and past
generalizations; however, "used to" is preferred when emphasizing these forms of past repetition
in positive sentences. On the other hand, when asking questions or making negative sentences,
Simple Past is preferred.
Examples:
You did not play the piano when you were young.
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
Would Always
FORM
You would always take your surfboard with you when you went to the
beach.
Would you always take your surfboard with you when you went to the
beach?
You would not always take your surfboard with you when you went to the
beach.
Like "used to" and Simple Past, "would always" expresses the idea that something was an old
habit which stopped in the past. It says that an action was often repeated in the past, but it is not
usually done now. Unlike "used to" and Simple Past, "would always" suggests that someone
willingly acted that way and sometimes expresses annoyance or amusement at the habit. It also
often suggests the habit was extreme. To express the opposite idea, we can say "would never" to
indicate that someone never did something in the past, but now they do.
Examples:
Sam and Mary would always choose the most exotic vacation destinations.
Sally would not always arrive early to class. She came late once or twice.
Mindy would not always walk to school. Sometimes, she took the bus.
Jeff would never pay for drinks when we went out together with our friends.
Refusing to do something or normally not doing something is also a form of
habit.
"Would always" is not exactly the same as "used to" or the Simple Past. "Would always" cannot
be used to talk about past facts or generalizations. It can only be used for repeated actions.
Examples:
Sarah would always be shy, but now she is very outgoing. Not Correct
In addition to "would always," English speakers often use "would constantly," "would often,"
"would forever" or simply "would." Although the last form "would" is correct, it is not suggested
because it can easily be confused with other verb forms such as the Conditional or Future in the
Past. Similarly, speakers can use "would rarely," "would occasionally" and "would seldom" to
express the idea that an action was not often repeated.
Examples:
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples:
Like Simple Future, Future in the Past has two different forms in English: "would" and "was
going to." Although the two forms can sometimes be used interchangeably, they often express
two different meanings.
FORM Would
[would + VERB]
Examples:
Future in the Past is used to express the idea that in the past you thought something would
happen in the future. It does not matter if you are correct or not. Future in the Past follows the
same basic rules as the Simple Future. "Would" is used to volunteer or promise, and "was going
to" is used to plan. Moreover, both forms can be used to make predictions about the future.
Examples:
Jane said Sam was going to bring his sister with him, but he came alone.
plan
Like all future forms, Future in the Past cannot be used in clauses beginning with time
expressions such as: when, while, before, after, by the time, as soon as, if, unless, etc. Instead of
using Future in the Past, you must use Simple Past.
Examples:
I already told Mark that when he would arrive, we would go out for dinner.
Not Correct
I already told Mark that when he arrived, we would go out for dinner. Correct
ACTIVE / PASSIVE
Examples: