Present Simple Tense - Detailed Grammar Explanation

1. Structure of Present Simple Tense

A. Affirmative Sentences

 Subject + Base Verb (add -s/-es for third-person singular).

o Examples:
 I read books.
 She reads books.
o Rules for -s/-es:

1. Add -s for most verbs: play → plays.

2. Add -es for verbs ending in -sh, -ch, -x, -s, -o: go → goes, fix →
fixes.
3. For verbs ending in a consonant + -y, change -y to -ies: study →
studies.
4. Do NOT add -s/-es to plural subjects (e.g., we, they).

Subject Form of Verb Example Sentence

I, You, We,
Base form I write emails every day.
They
He, She, It Add -s/-es She writes emails every day.

B. Negative Sentences

 Subject + Do/Does + Not + Base Verb

o Examples:
 I do not (don’t) play football.
 He does not (doesn’t) play football.

C. Interrogative Sentences

 Do/Does + Subject + Base Verb?

o Examples:
 Do you work here?
 Does she like pizza?

2. Uses of the Present Simple

A. Habits and Routines

 Examples:
o I wake up at 7 AM every day.
o She goes to the gym on Mondays.

B. General Truths and Facts

 Examples:
o The earth revolves around the sun.
o Water freezes at 0°C.
C. Scheduled Events (Future Meaning)

 Examples:
o The train leaves at 6 PM.
o The movie starts in 10 minutes.

D. States or Feelings (Stative Verbs)

 Verbs like know, love, hate, think, need, believe express states rather than
actions.
o Examples:
 I love chocolate.
 She knows the answer.

3.Common Time Expressions

These adverbs describe how often something happens.
Frequency
Adverb Examples
(%)
Always 100% She always eats breakfast.
Usually ~90% They usually go to bed early.
Often ~70% He often takes the bus.
Sometim
~50% We sometimes watch movies.
es
Rarely ~10% She rarely drinks coffee.
Never 0% He never lies.

 Position:
 Before the main verb: I always study in the morning.
 After the verb "to be": She is often late.

These are general phrases that describe habitual actions or schedules.

Expression Examples
At night I read books at night.
All the time She smiles all the time.
Every now and We meet every now and then.
then
From time to He calls me from time to time.
time

These phrases indicate specific times or patterns.

Expression Examples

Every day/week/month I go for a run every

 morning.
Once/twice a day/week She visits the gym twice a week.
On Mondays/Saturdays They play soccer on Sundays.
In the He studies in the evening.
morning/afternoon/evenin
g

Present Continuous Tense - Detailed Grammar Explanation

1. Structure of Present Continuous Tense

A. Affirmative Sentences

 Subject + am/is/are + Verb(-ing)

o Examples:
 I am studying for my exam.
 She is watching a movie.
 They are playing football.

B. Negative Sentences

 Subject + am/is/are + not + Verb(-ing)

o Examples:
 I am not working today.
 He is not coming to the party.
 We are not listening to music.

C. Interrogative Sentences

 Am/Is/Are + Subject + Verb(-ing)?

o Examples:
 Are you reading this book?
 Is she cooking dinner?
 Am I speaking too fast?

2. Uses of Present Continuous Tense

A. Actions happening right now (at the moment of speaking)

 Examples:
o She is talking to her friend.
o They are eating lunch.

B. Temporary actions (happening around now, but not necessarily at this

exact moment)

 Examples:
o I am working on a project these days.
o He is learning French this semester.

C. Future plans or arrangements

  Examples:
o We are visiting our grandparents this weekend.
o She is leaving for London tomorrow.

D. Changing situations or trends

 Examples:
o The weather is getting colder.
o More people are using electric cars.

3. How to Form the -ing Verb

1. Most verbs: Add -ing to the base form.

o Examples: play → playing, work → working.

2. Verbs ending in -e: Drop the -e and add -ing.

o Examples: write → writing, come → coming.

3. One-syllable verbs ending in consonant-vowel-consonant: Double the

last consonant and add -ing.
o Examples: run → running, sit → sitting.

4. Verbs ending in -ie: Change -ie to -y and add -ing.

o Examples: lie → lying, die → dying.
5. Common Time Expressions

These phrases indicate something is happening at this very moment:

Expression Examples
Now She is studying math now.
At the They are playing football at the
moment moment.
He is calling his friend right
Right now
now.

These phrases describe actions or events happening temporarily or around

the current time:

Expression Examples
Today I am working from home today.
This
They are staying with us this week.
week/month/year
These days She is learning Italian these days.
The present continuous is used for scheduled or planned future events, often
with these expressions:

Expression Examples
Tomorrow We are meeting them tomorrow.
Next
She is flying to New York next week.
week/month
On [specific day] They are coming on Monday.
Later I am visiting my grandmother later.

These phrases can indicate actions happening over a broader period:

Expression Examples
I am staying with my parents for
For now
now.
He is working part-time in the
In the meantime
meantime.
She is currently writing a new
Currently
book.

Examples of Sentences with Time Expressions

1. They are having lunch right now.

2. She is taking an online course this month.
3. I am meeting my teacher tomorrow.
4. He is living in London these days.
5. We are not working on the project at the moment.

Tips to Remember

Subject Affirmative Negative Interrogative

I I am eating.I am not eating. Am I eating?
She is not
He/She/It She is reading. Is she reading?
reading.
We/You/ They are not Are they
They are playing.
They playing. playing?

Notes: Annoying habits (usually with always)

Eg: My brother is always borrowing my CDs without asking.

Stative Verbs - Detailed Grammar Explanation

Stative verbs are verbs that describe a state of being, a condition, or a

situation that is generally unchanging or static over time
 Stative verbs do not describe actions; instead, they describe things like thoughts,
emotions, possession, senses, or existence.

Category Examples
Verbs of Feeling like, love, hate, prefer, fear
Verbs of Thought think, know, believe, understand
Verbs of Possession have, own, belong, contain
Verbs of Senses see, hear, smell, taste, feel
Verbs of Existence be, exist, remain, appear, seem

Exercise : Correct the Mistakes in These Sentences

1. She is loving chocolate cake.

2. I am knowing the answer to the question.
3. They are wanting to go on vacation.
4. He is having two brothers.
5. I am seeing the movie right now.

Past Simple Tense - Detailed Grammar Explanation

1. Structure of Past Simple Tense

A. Affirmative Sentences

 Subject + Verb (Past Form)

o Examples:
 I played football yesterday.
 She visited her grandmother last weekend.
 They studied for the test all night.

B. Negative Sentences

 Subject + did not (didn't) + Verb (base form)

o Examples:
 I didn't play football yesterday
 She didn't visit her grandmother last weekend.
 They didn't study for the test.

C. Interrogative Sentences (Questions)

 Did + Subject + Verb (base form)?

o Examples:
 Did you play football yesterday?
 Did she visit her grandmother last weekend?
 Did they study for the test?

2. Uses of Past Simple Tense

The Past Simple Tense is used for:

A. Completed Actions in the Past

It is used to describe actions that happened at a specific time in the past and are
now finished.

 Examples:
o I saw a great movie last night.
o He went to Paris last summer.

B. Sequence of Events in the Past

When we describe a series of actions or events in the past, we use the past simple to
list them in order.

 Examples:
o She woke up, brushed her teeth, and ate breakfast.
o They arrived at the airport, checked in, and waited for their flight.

C. Habits or Repeated Actions in the Past

We use the past simple to talk about past habits or things that were regularly done
in the past.

 Examples:
o When I was a child, I played outside every day.
o She went to the gym every morning when she lived in New York.

D. Facts or General Truths in the Past

Past simple can also describe facts or things that were true in the past but are no
longer the case.

 Examples:
o He was the president of the company last year.
o The film won several awards in 2015.

3. Regular vs. Irregular Verbs

A. Regular Verbs

Regular verbs form the past tense by adding -ed to the base form of the verb.

Base Verb Past Simple

walk walked
play played
work worked
talk talked

B. Irregular Verbs

Irregular verbs do not follow a set rule. Their past forms must be memorized as they
do not end in -ed.
 Base Verb Past Simple
go went
see saw
buy bought
have had

Pronunciation of "-ed" in Regular Verbs

The pronunciation of the -ed ending can vary depending on the final sound of the
verb's base form. There are three main pronunciations:

A. /t/ Sound

When the verb ends in -p, -k, -f, -s, -sh, -ch, -x, or -z, the -ed ending is
pronounced as /t/ (a soft "t" sound).

 Examples:
o Talk → Talked /tɔːkt/
o Work → Worked /wɜːrkt/
o Stop → Stopped /stɒpt/

B. /d/ Sound

When the verb ends in a voiced sound (all sounds produced with vibration of the
vocal cords, such as -b, -d, -g, -l, -m, -n, -r, or vowel sounds), the -ed ending is
pronounced as /d/.

 Examples:
o Play → Played /pleɪd/
o Call → Called /kɔːld/
o Cry → Cried /kraɪd/
o Live → Lived /lɪvd/

C. /ɪd/ Sound

If the verb ends in -t or -d, the -ed ending is pronounced as /ɪd/ (a "d" sound + "id").

 Examples:
o Wait → Waited /weɪtɪd/
o Need → Needed /niːdɪd/
o Visit → Visited /vɪzɪtɪd/

4. Time Expressions for Past Simple Tense

These expressions indicate that the action occurred at a specific moment in the
past.

 Yesterday
o I saw her yesterday.
 Last [week/month/year]
o They went to the beach last year.
 o She called me last week.
 Two days ago / Three months ago
o I met him two days ago.
o They visited their relatives three months ago.
 In [specific year]
o He moved to Paris in 2015.
 When I was [age]
o I learned how to swim when I was 10.
 At [a specific time]
o We arrived at 9 o'clock.

These expressions refer to actions that occurred over a duration or were

repeated in the past.

 Every [day/week/month/year]
o I visited my grandmother every weekend last year.
 Once/twice/three times...
o We went to the movies twice last month.
 For [a period of time]
o They lived in New York for five years.
 Since [a specific point in time]
o He worked at the company since 2010 (this would often be in present
perfect, but can also appear in past contexts).

These are general time-related words and phrases used in conjunction with
the Past Simple tense.

 In [the morning/the afternoon/the evening]

o I left the house in the morning.
 Earlier
o She called me earlier today.
 Last night/week/month/year
o They had a party last night.

Summary of Common Time Expressions for Past Simple

Time Expression Example Sentence

Yesterday I went to the park yesterday.
Last [week/month/year] We traveled to Japan last year.
Two days ago She left the office two days ago.
In [specific year] I graduated in 2005.
When I was [age] He moved to Canada when he was 15.
At [time] We arrived at 10 a.m..
People used to live without smartphones in the
In the past
past.
A long time ago They traveled across the world a long time ago.
 Time Expression Example Sentence
Once upon a time Once upon a time, there was a prince.
Every
She called him every week.
[day/week/month]
For [a period of time] They lived there for five years.

Past Continuous Tense - Detailed Grammar Explanation

1. Structure of the Past Continuous Tense

The Past Continuous is formed with:

Subject + was/were + verb-ing

 Was is used with singular subjects (I, he, she, it).

 Were is used with plural subjects (you, we, they).

Forming Negative Sentences in the Past Continuous

To form the negative of the Past Continuous, add not between was/were and the verb -ing.

 Subject + was/were + not + verb-ing

 Examples:
o I was not watching TV when you called.
o They were not playing football at that time.

The contracted form of was not is wasn't, and the contracted form of were not is weren't.

 Examples:
o She wasn't listening to the music.
o We weren't talking during the meeting.

Forming Questions in the Past Continuous

To form questions in the Past Continuous, invert the subject and the auxiliary verb was/were.

 Was/Were + subject + verb-ing?

 Examples:
o Was she reading when you arrived?
o Were they working at 10 PM last night?

If the answer is yes/no, you can reply with:

 Yes, I was.
 No, I wasn't.

2. Examples of Past Continuous Tense

 I was reading a book when the phone rang.

o (An action that was in progress when another action happened.)

 They were studying all day yesterday.

o (An action that was happening continuously over a period of time.)

 We were playing football at 5 PM.

 o (An action happening at a specific time in the past.

3. Usage of the Past Continuous Tense

A. To describe an action that was in progress at a specific time in the past

This usage emphasizes the continuity or duration of an action. We often mention a specific time when the action
was happening.

 Example:
o At 8 o'clock last night, I was watching a movie.
o (The action of watching a movie was in progress at 8 o'clock.)

B. To describe two or more actions happening at the same time in the past

The Past Continuous is often used to show that two actions were happening simultaneously in the past.

 Example:
o While I was cooking, my brother was studying.
o (Both actions were happening at the same time.)

C. To describe an interrupted action in the past

When one action was interrupted by another action, the action that was interrupted is often expressed in the Past
Continuous, and the interrupting action is in the Past Simple.

 Example:
o I was walking to the park when it started to rain.
o (The action of walking was interrupted by the action of rain starting.)

D. To describe an action that was happening regularly or repeatedly in the past (used with words like
"always")

The Past Continuous can also be used to describe actions that were happening regularly in the past, often showing
that the action was annoying or habitual.

 Example:
o He was always complaining about his job.
o (Shows a repeated or habitual action in the past.)

6. Common Time Expressions Used with the Past Continuous

Expression Example Sentence

At [specific time] He was reading at 6 PM.
While While I was working, they were talking.
When I was studying when the phone rang.
All [time period] She was working all day yesterday.
At that moment/time They were talking at that time.
Just (now) I was talking to her just now.
Right now She was reading right now when I saw her.
 Expression Example Sentence
Long [time period] He was traveling for a long time last year.
Every [time period] He was coming to class every week.
As/Just as As they were leaving, I was arriving.

7. Examples of the Past Continuous Tense in Context

Sentence Explanation
I was sleeping when the doorbell rang. The action of sleeping was interrupted by the ringing of the doorbell.
The action of studying was happening over a period of time in the
They were studying all night for the exam.
past.
The action of having dinner was happening when another action
We were having dinner when they arrived.
occurred.
He was always helping me with my
Describes a repeated action in the past, often showing it was habitual.
homework.
She was reading a book at 8 PM. An action in progress at a specific time in the past.

Exercise: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb (Past Continuous)

1. I ______ (study) at 9 PM last night when you called.

2. ______ you ______ (work) when the power went out?
3. He ______ (wait) at the bus stop all day yesterday.
4. We ______ (watch) the movie when you knocked on the door.
5. They ______ (have) dinner at that moment.
6. I ______ (not hear) the phone because I ______ (sleep).
7. She ______ (talk) to her friend while he ______ (drive).
8. They ______ (play) football when it suddenly started to rain.
9. While I ______ (read), my sister ______ (cook).
10. He ______ (work) for three hours when I called him.

Answers

1. I was studying at 9 PM last night when you called.

o (Past Continuous for action in progress at a specific time.)

2. Were you working when the power went out?

o (Past Continuous for a question about an action in progress.)

3. He was waiting at the bus stop all day yesterday.

o (Past Continuous for a long action in the past.)

4. We were watching the movie when you knocked on the door.

o (Past Continuous for action in progress interrupted by another action.)

5. They were having dinner at that moment.

o (Past Continuous for action happening at a specific time in the past.)

6. I didn't hear the phone because I was sleeping.

o (Past Continuous for action in progress when another action occurred.)

7. She was talking to her friend while he was driving.

o (Past Continuous for two simultaneous actions in the past.)
 8. They were playing football when it suddenly started to rain.
o (Past Continuous for action in progress interrupted by another action.)

9. While I was reading, my sister was cooking.

o (Past Continuous for two actions happening at the same time in the past.)

10. He was working for three hours when I called him.

 (Past Continuous for ongoing action that was interrupted.)

"Used to" - Detailed Grammar Explanation

The phrase "used to" is commonly used in English to describe actions, habits, or situations that were true in the past but no
longer are true in the present.

1. Structure of "Used to"

 Affirmative:
Subject + used to + base verb
Example:
o I used to play soccer every weekend.
o She used to live in Paris.

 Negative:
Subject + didn’t use to + base verb (Note: In negative sentences, "didn't" is used and "used to" becomes
"use to")
Example:
o I didn’t use to like coffee.
o They didn't use to visit their grandparents often.

 Question:
Did + subject + use to + base verb?
Example:
o Did you use to live here?
o Did he use to play the piano?

"Used to" - Detailed Grammar Explanation

The phrase "used to" is commonly used in English to describe actions, habits, or situations that were true in the
past but no longer are true in the present. It is typically used to express past habits or states that are different from
how things are now.

1. Structure of "Used to"

  Affirmative:
Subject + used to + base verb
Example:
o I used to play soccer every weekend.
o She used to live in Paris.

 Negative:
Subject + didn’t use to + base verb (Note: In negative sentences, "didn't" is used and "used to" becomes
"use to")
Example:
o I didn’t use to like coffee.
o They didn't use to visit their grandparents often.

 Question:
Did + subject + use to + base verb?
Example:
o Did you use to live here?
o Did he use to play the piano?

2. Usage of "Used to"

A. Past habits or repeated actions that no longer happen

 "Used to" is often used to describe past actions that were habitual or repeated, but have now stopped.

Example:

o I used to wake up early, but now I sleep in.

o She used to go jogging every morning, but she doesn't anymore.

B. Past states (conditions or situations)

"Used to" can also describe past situations or states that are no longer true in the present.

 Example:
o I used to be afraid of dogs when I was a child.
o They used to live in a small house before moving to the city.

C. Comparing past and present

It is commonly used to show a change in the present, contrasting it with the past.

 Example:
o He used to be very shy, but now he is confident.
o We used to spend a lot of time together, but now we're busy with work.

4. Examples of "Used to" in Sentences

Affirmative Negative Question

I used to read a lot of books. I didn't use to like coffee. Did you use to play the piano?
They used to travel every We didn't use to have a car. Did she use to work here?
 Affirmative Negative Question
summer.
He didn't use to like going to the
She used to be very shy. Did they use to live in London?
gym.

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of "used to"

1. I ______ (play) football every weekend when I was a child, but I don’t anymore.
2. She ______ (be) afraid of dogs, but now she loves them.
3. They ______ (live) in New York before moving to London.
4. We ______ (go) to the beach every summer when we were kids.
5. I ______ (not like) vegetables when I was young.
6. He ______ (work) as a teacher before becoming a lawyer.
7. My parents ______ (travel) a lot when they were younger.
8. Did you ______ (eat) a lot of junk food when you were younger?
9. She ______ (have) a pet rabbit, but now she has a cat.
10. I ______ (not understand) this subject when I first started studying it.

Exercise 2: Correct the mistakes

1. I used to going to the gym every day, but now I prefer jogging.
2. He didn’t used to enjoy swimming, but now he loves it.
3. They didn’t use to drink coffee when they were younger.
4. She use to live in a small town before moving to the city.

Exercise 2: Correct the mistakes

1. I used to going to the gym every day, but now I prefer jogging.
2. He didn’t used to enjoy swimming, but now he loves it.
3. They didn’t use to drink coffee when they were younger.
4. She use to live in a small town before moving to the city.