Welcome! In this lesson, you’ll
learn how to correctly use 10 essential English tenses to talk about the
past, present, and future. These tenses will take you from beginner (A1)
to upper-intermediate (B2) level.
We’ll look at examples, rules, and
simple exercises so you can practice right away.
Present
Continuous (I am doing)
We use the present continuous
to describe:
- An action happening right now.
- An action in progress that hasn’t finished yet.
Structure:
Subject + auxiliary verb to be + verb + -ing
- She is driving to work.
- I’m reading a good book.
Negative form:
Add not after the auxiliary verb:
- I am not reading.
- She isn’t working.
Present
Simple (I do)
We use the present simple
for:
- Facts and general truths.
- Routines and habits.
Structure:
Subject + bare infinitive (add -s only for he/she/it).
- Alex works as a nurse.
- He drives to work every day.
Negative form:
Use do not / does not:
- I don’t drive.
- She doesn’t like coffee.
Comparing
Present Simple and Present Continuous
- Present Continuous
→ something happening now or still in progress.
- Present Simple
→ facts, routines, and repeated actions.
Examples:
- I’m filming a video right now. (action in progress)
- I film a video every week. (routine)
Past
Simple (I did)
We use the past simple for
actions that started and finished in the past.
Structure:
- Regular verbs: add -ed (work → worked).
- Irregular verbs: change completely (go → went, see →
saw).
Negative form:
Use did not + base verb:
- I did not go to the park.
Past
Continuous (I was doing)
We use the past continuous
for:
- A longer action in progress at a time in the past.
- A background action interrupted by a shorter one.
Structure:
Subject + was/were + verb + -ing
- At 10 a.m., I was playing tennis.
- I was taking a shower when you called.
Present
Perfect (I have done)
We use the present perfect
for:
- Past experiences without saying when.
- Actions with a connection to the present.
Structure:
Subject + have/has + past participle.
- I have been to Japan.
- I have lost my keys. (still lost now)
Negative form:
- I haven’t finished.
- She hasn’t eaten yet.
Present
Perfect Continuous (I have been doing)
We use this tense for:
- Actions that started in the past and continue now.
- Actions that only recently finished.
Structure:
Subject + have/has + been + verb + -ing
- I have been learning Spanish for 10 years.
- It has been raining.
Past
Perfect (I had done)
We use the past perfect to
describe one action that happened before another in the past.
Structure:
Subject + had + past participle.
- Sarah had finished her homework before she ate dinner.
- I had packed my suitcase before leaving.
Past
Perfect Continuous (I had been doing)
We use this tense to:
- Emphasize the duration of a past action before another
past event.
- Show cause and effect.
Structure:
Subject + had been + verb + -ing
- I had been working all day before I got home.
- She was tired because she had been running.
Future
with “Will” (I will do)
We use will for:
- Decisions made at the moment of speaking.
- Promises, offers, and general future intentions.
Structure:
Subject + will + verb
- I’ll close the window.
- I’ll help you with that box.
Negative form:
- I won’t go tomorrow.
Future
with “Going To” (I am going to do)
We use going to for:
- Plans already decided in the past.
- Predictions that are obvious.
Structure:
Subject + am/is/are + going to + verb
- I’m going to buy a new phone on Saturday.
- Careful! You’re going to fall.
Future
with Present Continuous (I am doing tomorrow)
We use the present continuous
for:
- Fixed, concrete future plans.
Examples:
- I’m visiting my grandparents tomorrow.
- She isn’t working tomorrow.
Future
with Present Simple (The train leaves tomorrow)
We use the present simple
for:
- Scheduled events, timetables, and routines.
Examples:
- My plane leaves at 7 a.m. tomorrow.
- Classes start next week.
Final Tips
✅ Use present continuous for actions now or definite
future plans.
✅ Use past simple for completed past actions, past
continuous for background actions.
✅ Use perfect tenses to connect past actions with
other times or emphasize duration.
✅ For the future, choose between will, going to,
present continuous, or present simple depending on context.
With practice, these 10 tenses will
help you express yourself clearly in English across all time frames.
.webp)
0 Comments