TENSESTENSES

• PRESENT TENSE

• PAST TENSE

• FUTURE TENSE

PRESENT TENSEPRESENT TENSE

• PRESENT SIMPLE

• PRESENT CONTINUOUS

• PRESENT PERFECT

• PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

PRESENT SIMPLE TENSEPRESENT SIMPLE TENSE

FormulaSubject + Base Form of Verb + ObjectFor ExampleStudents study in the universityHe plays cricket in the groundNoteS or Es is always added in the verb whenwe have singular subject. e.g. He, She, It

PRESENT SIMPLEPRESENT SIMPLE

The simple present tense is used:1. To express a habitual action He drinks tea every morning2. To express general truths The sun rises in the east3. To talk about things that stay the same

for a long time She works in television

PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSEPRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE

FormulaSubject + (am, is, are) + BFV (ing) + ObjectFor ExampleI am working at the moment.They are going to play football.Note“Is” is used for singular subject and “Are” is

used for the plural subject.

PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSEPRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE

The Present continuous tense is used:1. To talk about an action that is happening

now. They are working on computer now2. To talk about something that is

happening during this period of time but not exactly at the time of speaking.

I am learning English language at evening classes these days.

PRESENT PERFECTPRESENT PERFECT

Formula

Subject + (Has, Have) + Past Participle + O

For Example

He has spoken in German

They have eaten their meal.

Note

Third form of verb is used in this tense. “Has” is used for singular subject and “Have” is used for plural subject.

PRESENT PERFECT TENSEPRESENT PERFECT TENSE

Present perfect is used:

1. To indicate completed activities in the immediate past.

He has just gone out

2. To share the experience.

I have driven the Limousine

PRESENT PERFECT PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS CONTINUOUS

FormulaSubject + (has been, have been) + BFV (ing)+

Since/For + ObjectFor ExampleThey have been building the bridge for several

months.NoteSince is used for specific time e.g. Morning,

Tuesday, July, 2001.For is used for period of time e.g. 6 days, 2

months, 5 years.

PRESENT PERFECT PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS CONTINUOUS

1. The present perfect continuous is used for an action which began at some time in the past and is still continuing; as,

• He has been sleeping for five hours.

• Children have been playing since 4 o’clock