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 past

present perfect
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 verbs of emotions see- hear- smell notice recognize 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 verbs of emotion verbs of thinking verbs of possessing see hear smell notice - recognize want desire refuse forgive wish care love hate like - dislike think feel realize understand know mean suppose believe expect remember - forget 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 1984

now 2004

future

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 1984

now 2004

future

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.