SUMMARY OF

TENSES
 We use tenses of verbs to refer to actions or
situations in the present, in the past and in the
future
past
 There are different sorts of tenses:
simple tenses
continuous tenses
perfect tenses
perfect continuous tenses
past
 present tenses

present simple
present continuous
present perfect
past

present perfect continuous

present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

FORM
The present simple is formed with the infinitive of the main verb.
The negative and interrogative are formed with the present tense
of the verb to do + infinitive.

Examples
I start ( he starts) work at 8.30 a.m.
When do I start work?
I dont start work until 9.00 a..m. / He doesnt start work until 9.00
a..m.
present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

USE
1. for habitual and repeated actions

Example
I play blues harp and dobro guitar
present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

USE
1. for habitual and repeated actions
2. with adverbs (or expressions) of frequency
( often usually sometimes -seldom rarely always
occasionally never twice a week - on Tuesdays most of
the time ....)
Example
He often arrives late
present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

USE
1. for habitual and repeated actions
2. with adverbs (or expressions) of frequency
3. Certain verbs are usually only used in the simple form

verbs of the senses see- hear- smell notice recognize

verbs of emotions want desire refuse forgive wish care love hate like
dislike
verbs of thinking think feel realize understand know mean suppose
believe expect remember forget

Example
Do you see what I mean?
She likes my brother very much.
I suppose he realizes that now.
present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

USE
1. for habitual and repeated actions
2. with adverbs (or expressions) of frequency
3. Certain verbs are usually only used in the simple form
4. for something that is permanently true

Example
Water boils at 100 C.
present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

on the time diagram

past now future

I get up at 7.30 a.m. every day.

present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

FORM
This tense is formed with the present tense of the verb to be +
present participle of the main verb.

Examples
Im watching television.
What are you doing?
He isnt coming.
present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

USE
1. For actions happening at the moment of speaking.

Example
Shes reading the newspaper.
present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

USE
1. For actions happening at the moment of speaking.
2. For a temporary state.

Example
The company is reorganizing its services.
present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

USE
1. For actions happening at the moment of speaking.
2. For a temporary state.
3. For a definite arrangement in the near future.

Example
Theyre signing the contract tomorrow.
 present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

USE
1. For actions happening at the moment of speaking.
2. For a temporary state.
3. For a definite arrangement in the near future.

Some verbs are not usually used in a continuous form

verbs of senses see hear smell notice - recognize
verbs of emotion want desire refuse forgive wish care love hate
like - dislike
verbs of thinking think feel realize understand know mean
suppose believe expect remember - forget
verbs of possessing own owe belong - possess
some other verbs seem appear (seem) contain consist keep
(continue) - matter
present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

on the time diagram

past now future

Im adjusting the rotating speed

present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

FORM
This tense is formed with the present tense of the verb to have +
past participle of the main verb.

Examples
Ive finished.
Where have you been?
I havent talked to him.
present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

USE
1. Actions in the recent past with just, recently, already, at last,
lately

Example
He has just immersed the temperature probe into the molten steel.
present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

USE
1. Actions in the recent past with just, recently, already, at last,
lately
2. General experience with ever never before so far

Example

This is the highest carbon ratio Ive ever seen.

present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

USE
1. Actions in the recent past with just, recently, already, at last,
lately
2. General experience with ever never before so far
3. The indefinite past: we are interested in what happened, not in
when it happened.

Example
I have seen the report. (I know what it is about.)
He has sold the company.
They have had lunch.
present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

USE
1. Actions in the recent past with just, recently, already, at last,
lately
2. General experience with ever never before so far
3. The indefinite past: we are interested in what happened, not in
when it happened.
4. Actions starting in the past and continuing to the present, with
for or since.
Example
The operation has been suspended for two months.
The firm has had a Belgian branch since October last year.
present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

on the time diagram

relationship with the

present moment

past now future

I ve just arrived.
present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

on the time diagram

past ? ? ? now future

Have you been to France?

present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

on the time diagram

past now future

They have revised their report.

present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

on the time diagram

past now future

We have conducted experiments on this phenomenon

for almost two years.
present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

FORM
This tense is formed with the present perfect of the verb to be +
present participle of the main verb.

Examples
I ve been writing code for our new data-mining program.
Has she been trying to contact me?
She hasnt been writing at all.
present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

USE
We use this tense for actions started in the past, continuing to the
present and probably continuing into the future. We often use it
with for or since.

Examples
I ve been trying to persuade him for ten years now.
We ve been practicing this routine since last Wednesday.
present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

on the time diagram

past now future

1984 2004

I ve been driving driving lorries for twenty years.....

In this sentence, the duration is emphasized, either
positively or negatively.

So I know what Im talking about!

So its high time I quit.
present simple present continuous present perfect present perfect continuous

on the time diagram

past now future

1984 2004

I ve driven a Volkswagen for twenty years.....

In this sentence, the duration is indicated, but the
car brand is emphasized.

Clearly I have confidence in this car.

 past simple
past continuous
past perfect
past perfect continuous
past

past tenses
 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous

FORM
This tense is formed by adding -ed to the infinitive. The negative
and interrogative are formed with the past tense of the verb to do
+ infinitive of the main verb

Examples
They arrived at head quarters an hour ago.
When did he finalize this deal?
I didnt finish until 12 oclock.
 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous

USE
1. For actions completed at a definite time in the past.

Example
We signed the contract last Friday at 2 oclock.
 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous

USE
1. For actions completed at a definite time in the past.
2. For actions which are already completed in the past: the time is
understood but not stated.

Example
Did you arrive in time?
 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous
USE
1. For actions completed at a definite time in the past.
2. For actions which are already completed in the past: the time is
understood but not stated.
3. The unreal past tense is used after the verb to wish and after
words and phrases such as if only; its time; suppose etc.
The simple past tense implies that the speaker knows that the
wish or the idea is impossible. Note that the wish refers to the
present time.

Examples
If I only knew his name.
I wish I were at home now.
If I were in his shoes, I would fix his wagon without much scruples.
Its time I went home.
 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous

on the time diagram

past 15.30 now future

I arrived at 15.30 sharp.

 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous

FORM
This tense is formed with the past tense of the verb to be + present
participle of the main verb.

Examples
I was watching TV at 8 oclock yesterday.
Where were you looking for my glasses this time?
I wasnt eavesdropping at all!
 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous

USE
1. To emphasize the continuity of the past action.

Examples
She was playing tennis with a friend.
He was discussing production planning for the coming week.
 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous

USE
1. To emphasize the continuity of the past action.
2. To describe an action in progress at a certain time in the past.

Examples
At 6 p.m. I was still sleeping.
At a quarter past nine I was having breakfast.
Prices were going up all the time.
 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous

USE
1. To emphasize the continuity of the past action.
2. To describe an action in progress at a certain time in the past.
3. To describe an interrupted past action.

Examples
When he arrived, I was studying the quarterly reports.
 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous

USE
1. To emphasize the continuity of the past action.
2. To describe an action in progress at a certain time in the past.
3. To describe an interrupted past action.
4. To express repeated past actions which caused irritation,
annoyance. ( with always, forever)

Examples
He was always trying to influence the personnel director.
She was forever paring her nails during meetings.
 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous

on the time diagram

past now future

I was working all day yesterday.

 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous

on the time diagram

past now future

I was working all day yesterday.

yesterday

past now future

I worked all day yesterday.

 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous

on the time diagram

past now future

1. I was working all day yesterday.

yesterday

past now future

2. I worked all day yesterday.

While (1) emphasizes the continuity of the action, (2) only indicates
that the action took place yesterday.
 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous

on the time diagram

past now future

8.30 p.m.

I was watching TV at 8.30 last night.

 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous

on the time diagram

8.30 p.m.

past now future

3. I was watching TV at 8.30 last night.

8.30 p.m.

past now future

4. I watched TV at 8.30 last night.

Whereas 3. indicates that the action started before and continued after a certain point in
time, 4. indicates that the action happened (started) at 8.30
 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous

on the time diagram

I was browsing through your report ...

past now future

when he knocked at my office door.

 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous

FORM
This tense is formed with the past tense of the verb to have + past
participle of the main verb.

Examples
I had never seen so many measuring tools.
What assistance had he given?
He hadnt expected this outcome.
 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous

USE
1. We use this tense to describe one past action happening before
another past action.

Example
The customer had left the shop by the time I found his order form.
 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous

USE
1. We use this tense to describe one past action happening
before another past action.
2. We use it when necessary to indicate the sequence of two
actions.

Example
He had already cleared the screen when I got behind his desk.
 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous

USE
1. We use this tense to describe one past action happening
before another past action.
2. We use it when necessary to indicate the sequence of two
actions.
3. We often us it when the second action is understood, but not
stated.
Example
I hadnt realized! (until you told me.)
 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous

on the time diagram

past had watched future

dinner TV now

1. When I had had dinner, I watched TV.

had watched
past TV now future
dinner

2. I had dinner before I watched TV.

In (1) the sequence of actions is expressed by the past perfect

tense; whereas in (2) the sequence of actions is indicated by
the use of before
 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous

FORM
This tense is formed with the past perfect tense of the verb to be +
present participle of the main verb.

Examples
She had been working as a secretary for two years when she was
promoted.
What had she been writing all day?
He hadnt been listening to that tape for that long.
 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous

USE
1. We use this tense to describe a continuous past action
happening before another past action.
We often use it with for + time period.

Example
We had been waiting for thirty minutes when they arrived.
 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous

USE
1. We use this tense to describe a continuous past action
happening before another past action.
We often use it with for + time period.
2. We use this tense to emphasize the continuity or duration of
the past action.
Example
I had been waiting for my exam results for six weeks. (before I got
them.)
 past simple past continuous past perfect past perfect continuous

on the time diagram

past 10 minutes
now future

1. I had been waiting for 10 minutes when she arrived.

past now

2. I waited for 10 minutes before she arrived.

Whereas in (1) the past perfect continuous indicates both the sequence of
the actions and the continuity of the first action; in (2) the sequence of the
actions is indicated by before. (1.) emphasizes the duration.
 future tenses

future simple
future continuous
future perfect
future perfect continuous
going to
present continuous
present simple
past
 future simple future continuous future perfect future perfect continuous
going to ... present continuous present simple

USE
We use this tense to express a pure future. Actions expressed in
the simple future are bound to happen because of the course of
time. This means that the speaker has no power over the events,
that he cannot control what will happen. For this reason this tense
is also called the uncertain future..

Examples
He will be sixteen years old next Friday.
The baby will be born next month
 future simple future continuous future perfect future perfect continuous
going to ... present continuous present simple

USE
1. We often use this tense with particular verbs; such as think
know believe suppose expect hope to express beliefs,
convictions, hope, expectations, knowledge and opinions about
the future.

Examples
I think Brazil will win.
I dont suppose she will be promoted now
 future simple future continuous future perfect future perfect continuous
going to ... present continuous present simple

USE
1. We often use this tense with particular verbs; such as think
know believe suppose expect hope to express beliefs,
convictions, hope, expectations, knowledge and opinions about
the future.
2. We often use it with particular adverbs such as: probably
possibly perhaps to express uncertainty about the future.
Examples
He will probably ask the general manager.
This matter will probably not be raised before the commissions
first meeting
 future simple future continuous future perfect future perfect continuous
going to ... present continuous present simple

USE
1. We often use this tense with particular verbs; such as think
know believe suppose expect hope to express beliefs,
convictions, hope, expectations, knowledge and opinions about
the future.
2. We often use it with particular adverbs such as: probably
possibly perhaps to express uncertainty about the future.
3. The simple present is used in conditional clauses and time
clauses. The simple future is used in the main clause (not in the
if-clause).
Examples
He ll help you if you ask him.
I ll tell him the news as soon as I see him.
He ll be arrested the moment he sets foot on Schengen soil.
 future simple future continuous future perfect future perfect continuous
going to ... present continuous present simple

FORM
This tense is formed with the present tense of the verb to be +
going to + infinitive of the main verb.

Examples
I m going to watch this football match on TV tonight.
What are you going to do about this ?
She isnt going to give this party next week
 future simple future continuous future perfect future perfect continuous
going to ... present continuous present simple

USE
1. We use this tense to talk about present intentions and plans for
future actions.

Examples
I m going to pass my exams next month.
I m going to spend two weeks in Spain this summer.
 future simple future continuous future perfect future perfect continuous
going to ... present continuous present simple

USE
1. We use this tense to talk about present intentions and plans for
future actions.
2. We also use going to in order to express subjective certainty on
the part of the speaker.

Examples
This boat is going to sink.
Its going to rain, by the look
 future simple future continuous future perfect future perfect continuous
going to ... present continuous present simple

USE
1. We use this tense to indicate definite future arrangements,
actions planned in the near future. We nearly always use a
future time expression with it.

Examples
He s starting his new job next Monday.
I m taking the 11 oclock train to Berlin
 future simple future continuous future perfect future perfect continuous
going to ... present continuous present simple

USE
1. We use this tense to indicate definite future arrangements,
actions planned in the near future. We nearly always use a
future time expression with it.
Note: do not confuse intention ( to be + going to + verb) and
arrangement (to be + present participle).

Examples
Im going to stay in London. = intention
Im going to London next weekend = arrangement
 future simple future continuous future perfect future perfect continuous
going to ... present continuous present simple

FORM
This tense is formed with the infinitive of the main verb. The
negative and interrogative are formed with the present tense of to
do + infinitive

Examples
The plane takes off at 7.30 local time.
The match begins at 14.00 hours.
You leave from Kennedy airport at noon, and arrive in Paris at
15.00 hours GMT.
 future simple future continuous future perfect future perfect continuous
going to ... present continuous present simple

USE
We use this tense to talk about planned future actions. We usually
use it to describe travel plans, time tables, departures, arrivals.

Examples
The bus leaves at 15.30.
The reception starts at 19.00 hours.
The ferry leaves Dover at 12.30 tomorrow and we arrive at Calais
at 13.15.
 future simple future continuous future perfect future perfect continuous
going to ... present continuous present simple

FORM
This tense is formed with the future simple of to be + present
participle of the main verb.

Examples
We ll be flying to Rome this time next week.
What will you be doing this time next week?
They wont be sitting in the classroom at 6 oclock tomorrow.
 future simple future continuous future perfect future perfect continuous
going to ... present continuous present simple

USE
We use this tense for actions that will be in progress at a certain
time in the future.

Examples
At 11.45 next Friday, I ll be doing my chemistry exam.
I ll be hiking through the States this time next year.
 future simple future continuous future perfect future perfect continuous
going to ... present continuous present simple

on the time diagram

past now future

This time next week Ill be taking my driving test.

 future simple future continuous future perfect future perfect continuous
going to ... present continuous present simple

USE
1. The future continuous is also used to express long-term
arrangements, especially for travelling.

Examples
The band will be travelling through Scandinavia at the end of the
month. They will be giving three performances there.
 future simple future continuous future perfect future perfect continuous
going to ... present continuous present simple

USE
1. The future continuous is also used to express long-term
arrangements, especially for travelling.
2. The future continuous is also used to ask very polite questions
about future activities. By using the future continuous tense,
the speaker asking the questions shows that he does not want
to influence the other persons decision in any way at all.
Examples
Where will you be having dinner, Sir? (secretary to boss)
What will you be having, Madam? (waiter to customer)
 future simple future continuous future perfect future perfect continuous
going to ... present continuous present simple

USE
1. The future continuous is also used to express long-term
arrangements, especially for travelling.
2. The future continuous is also used to ask very polite questions
about future activities. By using the future continuous tense,
the speaker asking the questions shows that he does not want
to influence the other persons decision in any way at all.
3. The future continuous is also used to make deductions about
what is happening at the moment of speaking.
Examples
He will be working in his garden now. Otherwise, he would have
heard the phone.
She hasnt begun making up the beds. She will still be doing the
washing up.
 future simple future continuous future perfect future perfect continuous
going to ... present continuous present simple

FORM
This tense is formed with will + have + past participle of the main
verb.

Examples
They ll have finalized their business by noon.
Will they have copied all that material by Friday morning?
They wont have organized this course by the end of this year.
 future simple future continuous future perfect future perfect continuous
going to ... present continuous present simple

USE
We use this tense to describe actions which we know will (or will
not) be completed by a certain time in the future.

Examples
I ll have finished this book by the end of the week.
 future simple future continuous future perfect future perfect continuous
going to ... present continuous present simple

on the time diagram

past now future

Examples end of next week

By the end of next week, Ill have finished my exams.

 future simple future continuous future perfect future perfect continuous
going to ... present continuous present simple

FORM
This tense is formed with the future perfect tense of to be +
present participle of rthe main verb.

Examples
By the end of this year, we ll have been experimenting with this
polymer for more than three months.
How long will you have been living in that shack by the end of this
year?
I wont have been living here for more than five years by the end of
this year.
 future simple future continuous future perfect future perfect continuous
going to ... present continuous present simple

USE
We use this tense to describe continuous and repeated actions
which begin before a certain time in the future and will probably
continue after that time.

Examples
By the end of this academic year, Ill have been teaching for 30
years.
 future simple future continuous future perfect future perfect continuous
going to ... present continuous present simple

on the time diagram

past future
now
end of this academic year

Example
By the end of this academic year, Ill have been teaching for 30
years.