Verb+Tense+Tutorial


 * Verb Tense Tutorial**

A verb indicates the time of an action, event or condition by changing its form. Through the use of a sequence of tenses in a sentence or in a paragraph, it is possible to indicate the complex temporal relationship of actions, events, and conditions

There are many ways of categorizing the twelve possible verb tenses. However, the most common method of categorizing very tenses is according to the time frame: past tenses, present tenses, and future tenses. The progressive verb tenses are sometimes referred to as continuous verb tenses, as this form of verbs shows continuing action.

The following chart was designed to clarify and simplify the proper use of the verb tenses. It explains when to use a specific verb tense, how to form that verb tense, and some examples of the tense.

Present** || **Simple Past** || **Simple Future** || Base form of the verb (for third-person singular, add –s or -es) || **How to Form:** Base form + -ed for regular verbs. Many verbs have an irregular past-tense form. To find the past-tense form of a verb, look up its base form in a dictionary. || **How to Form:** Will/shall + base form. || Use to describe customary or habitual actions, and general truths.
 * **Simple
 * **How to Form:**
 * **When to Use:**

I walk to school every day. He walks to school every day. (habitual action) The earth is round. (general truth) || **When to Use:** Use to describe actions that took place at a specific time in the past.

Sam mailed the letter yesterday.

Use to describe actions that occurred over a period of time in the past, but are no longer occurring in the present.

To get to school when I was in high school, I walked every day. || **When to Use:** Use to describe actions that are expected to take place after the present.

Bridget will sing at the concert next week. I shall clean my room tomorrow.

NOTE - According to traditional rules of grammar, use shall in first person (I or we) and use will in second and third person. (you, he, they). However, to show determination, promise, obligation, or permission, use will in the first person, and use shall in the second or third person. || Progressive** || **Past Progressive** || **Future Progressive** || Am / is / are + present participle (-ing). || **How to Form:** Was/were + present participle (-ing). || **How to Form:** Will + be + present participle (-ing). || Use to describe actions occurring now, in the present time.
 * **Present
 * **How to Form:**
 * **When to Use:**

I am studying English now. She is studying English now. They are studying English now. || **When to Use:** Use to describe an action that was occurring a specific time in the past.

Hilda was ironing when I came to visit. My neighbors were cleaning when I came to visit.

Use to describe an action that lasted for a period of time in the past.

Joe was typing while Jeff was dictating the information. They were laughing while I was slipping all over on the ice. || **When to Use:** Use to describe actions that will be in progress in the future.

I shall be smiling with the students enter my classroom.

Mr. Holub will be smiling when the students enter his classroom || Perfect** || **Past Perfect** || **Future Perfect** || Have / has + past participle. || **How to Form:** Had + past participle || **How to Form:** Will + have + past participle || Use to describe actions that began in the past and continue to the present with the sense that they will continue in the future.
 * **Present
 * **How to Form:**
 * **When to Use:**

Mary has taken piano lessons since last summer. I have taken piano lessons since last summer.

Use to describe actions that occurred more than once in the past.

Bridget has performed in every play held at the school. I have performed in every play held at the school.

Use to describe actions that happened at an unknown time in the past.

Our neighbors have purchased a new car. He has purchased a new car.

Use to describe a completed action given extra emphasis.

Yes, we have studied for the test. Yes, she has studied for the test. || **When to Use:** Use to describe an action that was completed by a definite time, or before another action was completed in the past.

I had finished studying by ten o’clock.

After the little boy had fallen down the step, be cried for his mother.


 * NOTE -** It is grammatically proper to use the verb had twice in a row when you are using the past perfect tense.

Peter had had many girlfriends before he and Alicia were married. || **When to Use:** Use to describe actions that will be completed before another future action, or before a specific time in the future.

The boys will have eaten their dinner before their father comes home. I shall have lost five pounds by the end of this month. || Progressive** || **Past Perfect Progressive** || **Future Perfect Progressive** || Have/has + been + present participle (-ing). || **How to Form:** Had + been + present participle (-ing). || **How to Form:** Will + have + been + present participle (-ing). || Use to describe actions that have been performed recently.
 * **Present Perfect
 * **How to Form:**
 * **When to Use:**

I have been making supper. She has been making supper.

Use to describe actions that have started in the past, and have continued into the present.

Sandy has been exercising for two hours. I have been exercising for two hours. || **When to Use:** Use to emphasize the duration of an action that was completed before another action in the past.

I had been waiting for my husband for forty minutes when my husband finally walked into the restaurant. || **When to Use:** Use to describe actions that have been in progress for a period of time in the future before another event or time in the future.

As of this year, Seth will have been teaching for six years. As of this year, I shall have been teaching for fourteen years. ||