Present Simple

The Present Simple Tense is one of the most commonly used tenses in English. It has several functions and is used
in various contexts.

+ : Subject + verb (+s) - : Subject + am/is/are not

+ : Subject + am/is/are ? : (Question word+) do/does + subject + verb ?
- : Subject + do/does not + verb ? : (Question word +) am/is/are+ subject ?

1. General Truths and Facts

We often use the present simple to state truths and to describe things which we feel are facts or permanent
situations.
People need food.
The Earth rotates round its axis.

2. Regular Actions or Habits

Used for actions that happen regularly, habits, or routines. Time expressions like always, often, sometimes, every
day, etc., are often used.
I play tennis every Tuesday.
I wake up at 7 a.m. every day.

3. Scheduled Events in the Near Future

Used for fixed plans, timetables, or schedules (especially with transportation, events, etc.).
The train leaves at 6 p.m.
The movie starts in 10 minutes.
School begins at 8:30 a.m.

4. Permanent States or Conditions

Used for situations or states that are generally true or unlikely to change.
She lives in London.
They work at a hospital.
The building stands on Main Street.

5. Séries of events/actions
We use the present simple to describe a series of events or actions, to give instructions, directions, or recipes.
You take the second left and then go straight.
First, add the sugar, then stir it.
Press the red button to start the machine.

We use the present simple when we want to express the immediacy of an event e.g. in sports commentaries.
He passes the ball to the striker, and he scores!
The player takes a shot and misses.
The pianist begins the concerto with a flourish.

6. Headlines and News Reports

Used in news headlines to describe events in a concise and dramatic way, even if the event occurred in the past.
Fire destroys downtown building.

7. Storytelling or Narratives
Used in storytelling, jokes, or anecdotes to create a sense of immediacy or to make events feel vivid.
So, this guy walks into a bar and orders a drink.
Suddenly, the dog jumps over the fence.
A man calls his friend and says, "Guess what happened!"

Common Time Expressions with Present Simple

Adverbs of frequency : always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never
Time phrases : every day, every week, on Mondays, at night, in the morning
 Present Continuous

The present continuous tense is used for actions happening now or around the present time, as well as for certain
future plans.

+ : Subject + am/is/are + verb ing

- : Subject + am/is/are not + verb ing
? : (question word +) am/is/are + subject + verb ing ?

1. Things Which Are True Now

The present continuous describes an action in progress at the moment of speaking or around the time of speaking.
The action is likely to continue alter the time of speaking, but is likely to stop at some point, i.e. it is temporary.

They are playing soccer.

I’m reading a really great book.
We are studying very hard these days.
I am staying with my friend this week.
She is working on a new project these days.

Compare :
She lives in London. (Permanent)
She’s living in London. (Temporary)

2. Future Plans or Arrangements

We use the present continuous to talk about fixed plans or arrangements in the near future, especially when the
time is mentioned.

We are meeting them tomorrow.

He is leaving for Paris next week.

3. Repeated Actions (With 'Always')

We use the present continuous to express annoyance or irritation with repeated actions, if we want to criticise or
complain about an annoying habit.

She is always borrowing my things without asking!

They are constantly complaining about the weather.

4. Changing or Developing Situations

We use the present continuous to describe actions, states, or trends that are changing.

British summers are getting hotter and winters are getting wetter.
His health is improving day by day.

5. Background Events in Narratives

Sometimes used the present continuous to describe actions happening in the background of a narrative or story.
As she walks into the room, the children are laughing and playing.

Important Notes
1. Non-Action Verbs: Verbs that describe states, emotions, or possession (e.g., know, like, love, own, belong) are
usually not used in the present continuous. Use the present simple instead:
Incorrect: I am knowing the answer.
Correct: I know the answer.

2. Stative Verbs in Continuous Form: Some state verbs can take the continuous form when they imply a temporary
or ongoing action:
I am thinking about your idea. (temporary action)
I think you’re right. (general opinion)
 Present Perfect

The present perfect tense is used to connect the past to the present in various ways, such as describing
experiences, completed actions, or ongoing situations.

+: Subject + have/has + past participle

-: Subject + have/has not + past participle
?: (Question word +) have/has + subject + past participle ?

1. Unspecified Past Actions Connected to the Present

The present perfect is used for actions that happened at some point in the past, but the exact time is not specified.
The focus is on the result or relevance of the action now.

She has visited Paris.

I have lost my keys (and I still don’t have them).

2. Life Experiences
To talk about actions or events that happened during a person's life. We don't say when the experience happened,
and the person needs to be alive now.

He has climbed Mount Everest.

Have you ever eaten sushi?

We also use the present perfect to talk about actions which happened in the past but may happen again in the
future.

I've only been to Hong Kong once, but l'd love to go again. (My life is still continuing, so I may go to Hong Kong
again.)
Alex has phoned Ella three times. (= and he might phone her again)

Compare :
John Grisham has written some of the most successful legal thrillers.
=> The author is still alive and is able to write more successful books.
Agatha Christie wrote a huge number of thrillers.
=> The author is dead and therefore can’t write any more books.

3. Recent Actions or News

We can use the present perfect simple to talk about an action completed in the past which has some relevance to
the present. We often use this form to talk about recent actions.

She has just finished her homework.

They have already left.
Have you finished your project yet?

Ever (at any time in your live) and never (at no time in your life).

4. Ongoing Situations or States

We use the present perfect simple to talk about states that started in the past and are still continuing in the present.
We often use the prepositions for (+ period of time) and since (+ point in time).

I have lived in this city for 10 years.

They have known each other since childhood.
I've known Karen since 1994.
The Manor House has stood on this spot for over two hundred years. (It’s still here)

With an unfinished time word (this month, this week, today). The period of time is still continuing.
I haven't seen her this month.
I've spent this morning writing an essay. (= it's still morning)
The builders have started working on the kitchen this week (= it's still this week).

5. Achievements
To highlight achievements or milestones in the present that are the result of past efforts.

Scientists have discovered a new planet.

She has won several awards.

6. With 'How Many/How Much'

To ask or describe quantities or amounts up to the present.

How many books have you read this year?

We have eaten three pizzas today!

7. Repeated Actions Over Time

To talk about actions that have happened multiple times in the past up to now.

I have watched that movie five times.

She has called him several times today.

8. For unfinished actions and events, often with still or yet.

I still haven't sent the email.

I haven't sent the email yet.

Differences from Other Tenses

Present Perfect vs. Past Simple:

Use present perfect for actions with no specific time or relevance to the present.
Use past simple when the time is clear or finished.
o Present Perfect: I have eaten breakfast (time unspecified or still relevant).
o Past Simple: I ate breakfast at 7 AM (time specified).

Present Perfect vs. Present Perfect Continuous:

o Use present perfect for completed actions:
I have read the book.
o Use present perfect continuous for ongoing actions:
I have been reading the book for two hours.
 Present Perfect Continuous

The present perfect continuous tense is used to describe actions or situations that started in the past and have
continued up to the present or just recently stopped.

+ : Subject + has/have + been + verb(ing)

- : Subject + has/have + not + been + verb(ing)
? : Has/Have + subject + been + verb(ing)?

1. Actions Started in the Past and Continuing into the Present

We use the present perfect continuous to talk about an ongoing state or action which began in the past and is still
continuing or has just finished.

She has been reading for two hours.

We have been working on this project since Monday.
He has been running, so he’s out of breath.
I have been cooking, and the kitchen smells delicious.

2. Actions Emphasising Duration

We use the present perfect continuous to emphasise how long an action has been happening, especially when
using words like for or since.

She has been practicing the piano for three hours.

They have been waiting for the bus since 8 AM.

3. Temporary or Repeated Actions

We use the present perfect continuous to describe actions that are temporary or have been repeated over time.

I have been going to yoga classes lately.

He has been fixing his car all week.

Differences from Related Tenses

1. Present Perfect Continuous vs. Present Perfect

Present Perfect Continuous emphasises the duration or ongoing nature of an action:
We have been cleaning the house for three hours. (Focus on the process)
Present Perfect focuses on completed actions or their results:
We have cleaned the house. (Focus on the result)

2. Present Perfect Continuous vs. Past Continuous

Present Perfect Continuous links the action to the present:
She has been working on her essay for hours. (She may still be working.)
Past Continuous refers to an action in progress at a specific time in the past:
She was working on her essay when the phone rang.

Common Mistakes
Using Stative Verbs: Avoid using stative verbs (e.g., know, love, belong) in the present perfect continuous.
Incorrect: I have been knowing her for years.
Correct: I have known her for years.
 Past Simple

The past simple tense is used to describe actions, events, or situations that happened and were completed at a
specific time in the past.

+: Subject + past simple (verb ed) +: Subject + was/were

-: Subject + did not + verb -: Subject + was/were not
?: (Question word +) did + subject + verb ? ?: (Question word +) was/were + subject ?

1. Completed Actions in the Past

The past simple is used for actions that happened and were finished at a specific time in the past, even if the time
isn't always stated explicitly.

I watched a movie last night.

She went to the store yesterday.

We use it with finished actions, states or habits in the past when we know from general knowledge that the time
period has finished. This includes when the person we are talking about is dead.

Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa.

Julius Caesar invaded Britain in 55 b.c.

2. Actions at a Specific Time in the Past

The past simple is used when the action happened at a clearly stated time in the past.

We met in 2015.
They arrived at 8 o'clock.
She called me three days ago.

3. A Series of Completed Actions

To describe a sequence of events that happened one after another in the past.

He woke up, brushed his teeth, and left for work.

They finished dinner, paid the bill, and went home.

We use it with finished actions, states or habits in the past that we have introduced with the present perfect or
another tense. This is sometimes called 'details of news'.
I've hurt my leg. I fell off a ladder when I was painting my bedroom.

4. Actions in Stories or Narratives

To describe actions in past storytelling, especially for historical events or fictional accounts.

The knight fought bravely against the dragon.

In 1969, humans landed on the moon.

Differences from Other Tenses

1. Past Simple vs. Present Perfect

Past Simple is for actions completed in the past with a specific time reference.
Present Perfect is for actions connected to the present with no specific time mentioned.

2. Past Simple vs. Past Continuous

Past Simple describes a completed action.
Example: I watched TV last night. (Finished action)
Past Continuous describes an action in progress at a specific time in the past.
Example: I was watching TV when she called. (Ongoing action interrupted by another action)
 Used To

The "used to" tense is a structure used to talk about past habits, repeated actions, or states that are no longer true.

1. Talking About Past Habits

Use "used to" to describe actions or activities that happened regularly in the past but no longer occur.

Structure: Subject + used to + base verb

I used to play basketball every weekend.
She used to go to the gym after work.

2. Describing Past States

Use "used to" to describe states, conditions, or situations that were true in the past but are not true anymore.
They used to live in a small village.
He used to be very shy.

3. Negative Form
To make a negative sentence, use "didn't use to" (note there is no "d" in "use").

Structure: Subject + didn’t use to + base verb

I didn't use to like coffee, but now I drink it every day.
She didn't use to own a car.

4. Question Form
To ask a question, use "Did ... use to" (again, no "d" in "use").

Structure: Did + subject + use to + base verb?

Did you use to watch cartoons as a child?
Did they use to live in this neighbourhood?
 Past Continuous

The past continuous tense is used to describe actions or events that were ongoing at a specific time in the past.

+: Subject + was/were + verb ing

-: Subject + was/were not + verb ing
?: (Question word +) was/were + subject + verb ing ?

1. Actions in Progress at a Specific Time in the Past

The past continuous describes actions that were happening at a particular moment in the past.

At 8 PM yesterday, I was watching TV.

They were playing soccer when it started raining.

2. Actions Interrupted by Another Action

We use the past continuous to contrast an ongoing action with a single event which interrupts it. We use the past
simple for the single event.

I was cooking dinner when the phone rang.

He was studying when his friends arrived.

3. Two Simultaneous Actions

We can use the past continuous for two actions in progress at the same time.

She was reading while he was writing.

The kids were playing outside, and the dog was barking.

4. Setting the Scene in a Story

The past continuous is often used to provide background information or set the scene in narratives.

The sun was shining, and the birds were singing.

People were chatting and laughing at the party.

5. Repeated Actions in the Past (with Annoyance)

To describe actions that happened repeatedly in the past, often with a sense of annoyance or criticism.
Words like always or constantly are often used.

He was always forgetting his keys.

They were constantly arguing about small things.

Differences from Related Tenses

1. Past Continuous vs. Past Simple

Past Continuous focuses on the ongoing nature of the action:
I was reading a book when he called. (focus on the ongoing action)
Past Simple focuses on the completed action:
I read a book yesterday. (focus on the finished action)
 Past Perfect

The past perfect tense is used to show that one action happened before another action or time in the past.

+: Subject + had + past participle

-: Subject + had not + past participle
?: (Question word +) had + subject + past participle ?

1. Actions Completed Before Another Action in the Past

The past perfect describes an action that was completed before another past action. We can include a specific time
reference.

She had finished her homework before the movie started.

By the time we arrived, they had left.
By the time the UN task force arrived, the rebel forces had taken the province.
When we arrived, the film had started (= first the film started, then we arrived).

We can use the past perfect to make a sequence of events clear. We use the past perfect for the earlier action and
the past simple for the later.

Compare :
When we got back the babysitter went home. (Sequence 1: we got back 2: the babysitter went home)
When we got back the babysitter had gone home. (Sequence 1: the babysitter went home 2: we got back)

The past perfect can also refer to actions that were finished by a particular time in the past.

By 8 PM, he had cleaned the entire house.

She had studied French for two years by 2020.

To explain the cause of something in the past. The past perfect shows the earlier action that led to the later result.

He was tired because he had worked all day.

They were upset because they had missed the train.

2. Reported Speech
The past perfect is used in indirect speech to show that an action happened before the moment of reporting.

He said that he had seen the movie.

She told me she had finished her project.

Differences from Related Tenses

1. Past Perfect vs. Past Simple

Past Perfect emphasises that one action happened before another.
She had left before we arrived.
Past Simple describes actions in chronological order without emphasising the sequence.
She left, and then we arrived.

2. Past Perfect vs. Present Perfect

Past Perfect refers to actions completed before a point in the past.
They had finished the project before the deadline.
Present Perfect refers to actions completed at an unspecified time before now.
They have finished the project.

Common Mistakes

Mixing Past Perfect and Past Simple:

Incorrect: Before he arrived, I finished my homework.
Correct: Before he arrived, I had finished my homework.

Using Past Perfect Without a Clear Reference Point:

Incorrect: I had gone to the park. (No reference to another past action or time.)
Correct: I had gone to the park before it started raining.
 Past Perfect Continuous

The past perfect continuous tense is used to describe actions that were ongoing in the past before another past
action or time reference. It emphasises the duration or continuity of the action.

+: Subject + had been + verb ing

-: Subject + had not + been + verb ing
?: (Question word +) had + subject + been + verb ing ?

1. Actions That Were Ongoing Before Another Past Action

We use the past perfect continuous to talk about actions that had started and were continuing up to a certain point
in the past, before being interrupted by another action or event.

She had been studying for hours before she took the test.
We had been waiting for 30 minutes when the bus finally arrived.

2. Emphasising Duration or Cause in the Past

It is often used to stress the duration of an action or explain the cause of a past situation or result.

He was tired because he had been working all day.

They were hungry because they had not been eating properly.

3. Actions That Were Recently Completed in the Past

This tense can also describe actions that had just finished before another past event, especially if there is visible
evidence or results in the past.

She had been crying, so her eyes were red.

The ground was wet because it had been raining earlier.

Differences from Related Tenses

1. Past Perfect Continuous vs. Past Perfect

Past Perfect Continuous focuses on the ongoing nature or duration of the action:
I had been studying for hours before the exam. (Focus on duration or process)
Past Perfect focuses on completed actions:
I had studied for the exam. (Focus on result or completion)

2. Past Perfect Continuous vs. Past Continuous

Past Perfect Continuous describes an action that happened before another past action or time:
She had been working there for three years before she moved to another company.
Past Continuous describes an action that was ongoing at a specific time in the past:
She was working there when I visited her office.
 Future Simple

The future simple tense is used to describe actions or events that will happen in the future.

+: Subject + will + verb

-: Subject + will not + verb
?: (Question word +) will + subject + verb ?

1. To Express a Decision Made at the Moment of Speaking

The future simple is used when making spontaneous decisions or promises.

I will help you with your homework.

She will call you back later.

In a similar way, we often use 'will' when we're talking about a decision at the moment of speaking.
We are usually making an offer or promise or talking about something that we want to do.

A: I'm cold. B: I'll close the window.

2. To Make Predictions about the Future

Used to talk about what we think or believe will happen in the future, often based on opinion, experience, or
intuition.

It will rain tomorrow.

I think she will win the competition.

3. To Express Future Facts or Certainties

For events or actions that are certain to happen in the future. Schedule events, express schedule or actions in the
future.

The sun will rise at 6 AM.

Summer will start in June.

4. To Make Promises, Offers, or Threats

To express commitments or guarantees.

I will always love you. (promise)

We will carry your bags for you. (offer)
If you don’t study, you will fail the test. (threat)

5. To Express Hopes, Assumptions, or Uncertain Plans

Used with words like I hope, I think, I believe, probably, perhaps, etc.

I think we will get there on time.

Perhaps she will agree to join us.

6. To Make Requests or Suggestions (Polite Form)

Used for polite or formal requests or to propose something.

Will you help me with this project?

Will we go to the park this weekend?

´Shall' is used mainly in the forms 'shall I?' and 'shall we?' in British English. These forms are used when you want
to get someone's opinion, especially for offers and suggestions.

Shall I open the window? (= Do you want me to open the window?)

 Be Going To

The construction "be going to" is used to express intentions, plans, predictions, or actions in the near future.

+ : Subject + am/is/are + going to + base verb

- : Subject + am/is/are + not + going to + base verb
? : Am/Is/Are + subject + going to + base verb?

Pronunciation note going to is often pronounced gonna. You may see it spelt this way in comic books and pop
songs.

1. Plans or Intentions
To describe things someone intends to do in the future. These are often decisions made before the time of
speaking.

I am going to start a new job next month.

She is going to bake a cake for the party.

2. Predictions Based on Evidence

To make predictions about the future when there is evidence in the present that something will happen.

Look at those clouds! It is going to rain soon.

He is going to fail the test if he doesn’t study.

3. Future Actions in a Sequence

For actions that are part of a planned sequence in the near future.

First, we are going to visit the museum, and then we’ll have lunch.
I am going to call my mom after this meeting.

4. Warnings or Strong Determination

To express warnings, strong intentions, or firm decisions.

You are going to regret this decision!

I am going to make sure this never happens again.
 Future Continuous

The future continuous tense describes actions that will be in progress at a specific time in the future.

+: Subject + will be + verb ing

-: Subject + will not be + verb ing
?: (Question word +) will + subject + be + verb ing ?

1. Actions in Progress at a Specific Time in the Future

The future continuous is used to talk about actions that will be ongoing at a particular moment in the future.

At 8 PM tonight, I will be watching the movie.

This time tomorrow, they will be flying to New York.

2. Ongoing Actions During a Future Period

We use the future continuous to describe actions that will happen over a period of time in the future.

We will be working on the project all day tomorrow.

She will be studying for her exams throughout next week.

3. Polite or Indirect Questions About Future Plans

The future continuous is often used to ask about someone’s future plans in a polite or indirect way.

Will you be using the car later?

Will he be coming to the meeting tomorrow?

4. Predicting Future Actions or Events

We use the future continuous to predict that an action will be happening as part of the normal course of events
in the future (not necessarily planned or deliberate).

He will be traveling a lot for work in the coming months.

The children will be playing outside when you arrive.

5. Emphasising Routine Actions in the Future

The tense can describe actions that are expected to happen as part of a routine or schedule.

Don’t call at 7 PM; I will be having dinner then.

They will be taking the train to London every morning next week.

Differences from Related Tenses

1. Future Continuous vs. Future Simple

Future Simple describes a completed action in the future:
I will watch the movie tonight. (Focus on the completion of the action.)
Future Continuous describes an ongoing action:
I will be watching the movie at 8 PM. (Focus on the action in progress.)
 Future Perfect

The future perfect tense is used to describe actions that will be completed before a specific time in the future. It
focuses on the completion of an action or event.

+: Subject + will have + past participle

-: Subject + will not have + past participle
?: (Question word +) will + subject + have + past participle ?

1. Actions Completed Before a Specific Time in the Future

The future perfect expresses actions that will be finished by a certain point in the future. The exact time can be
stated explicitly or implied.

By next week, she will have finished her report.

They will have left by the time you arrive.

2. Actions Completed Before Another Future Action

It can describe an action that will be completed before another action occurs in the future.

He will have cooked dinner before they come home.

I will have completed the project by the time my boss checks it.

3. Estimations or Assumptions About the Past from a Future Perspective

The future perfect can also be used to make logical assumptions or predictions about what must have happened
by a specific point in the future.

By now, she will have received the email.

He will have heard the news by tomorrow.

Differences from Related Tenses

1. Future Perfect vs. Future Simple

Future Simple describes a general action that will happen in the future:
He will finish the report tomorrow. (Focus on the action itself.)
Future Perfect emphasises the completion of the action by a specific point:
He will have finished the report by tomorrow. (Focus on the fact that it’s done.)

2. Future Perfect vs. Future Continuous

Future Continuous focuses on an action that will be ongoing at a certain time:
At 5 PM, I will be working on my essay. (Emphasis on the action in progress.)
Future Perfect focuses on an action that will be completed by that time:
By 5 PM, I will have finished my essay. (Emphasis on completion.)

Common Mistakes
Using Present Perfect Instead:
Incorrect: I have finished my work by tomorrow.
Correct: I will have finished my work by tomorrow.

Misusing Time Expressions:

Incorrect: I will have graduated last year.
Correct: I graduated last year. (Future perfect cannot refer to the past.
 Future Perfect Continuous

The future perfect continuous tense is used to describe actions that will have been ongoing for a certain duration
by a specific point in the future. It emphasises the duration of an action up to a point in the future.

+: Subject + will have been + verb ing

-: Subject + will not have been + verb ing
?: (Question word +) will + subject + have + been + verb ing ?

1. Actions Continuing Up to a Future Point

The tense is used to describe an action that started in the past or present and will continue up to a specific time
in the future.

By 6 PM, I will have been working for eight hours.

By the end of this month, they will have been living in the city for a decade.

2. Emphasising Duration in the Future

To stress the length of time an action will have been happening at a specific point in the future, often using words
like for and by.

By next summer, she will have been studying medicine for five years.
When he retires, he will have been teaching for 40 years.

3. Actions Anticipated to Continue

The tense can describe actions that are expected to continue into the future but may not necessarily stop at the
specific point mentioned.

By the time we get there, the children will have been playing for hours.
He will have been running his company for three years by next April.

Differences from Related Tenses

1. Future Perfect Continuous vs. Future Perfect

Future Perfect Continuous emphasises the duration of an action:
By midnight, I will have been studying for six hours. (Focus on time spent studying)
Future Perfect emphasises the completion of an action:
By midnight, I will have finished studying. (Focus on finishing the task)

Common Mistakes
Misusing Non-Action Verbs: Stative verbs (e.g., know, love, belong) are not used in the future perfect continuous.
Incorrect: By next year, I will have been knowing her for a decade.
Correct: By next year, I will have known her for a decade.