English Verb Tenses Overview

Front

What is the Simple form of a verb used to indicate?

Back

The Simple form shows that the action takes place in the present, past, or future without indicating its duration or completion.

Front

How is the Present Simple formed?

Back

The Present Simple is formed from the infinitive without the particle 'to'. In the third person singular, the ending '‑s' is added.

Front

What are the uses of the Present Simple?

Back

1. Customary, repeated actions. 2. Actions and states characterizing a given person. 3. Universal truths. 4. Actions going on at the present moment. 5. A future action.

Front

How is the Past Simple formed?

Back

The Past Simple is formed by adding 'ed' or 'd' to the stem for regular verbs, or by changing the root vowel for irregular verbs.

Front

What does the Past Simple denote?

Back

An action performed within a period of time which is already over, cut off from the present.

Front

How is the Future Simple formed?

Back

The Future Simple is formed by means of the auxiliary verbs 'shall' and 'will' and the infinitive without 'to' of the notional verb.

Front

What is the Future Simple in the Past?

Back

It is formed by means of the auxiliary verbs 'should' and 'would' and the infinitive without 'to' of the notional verb, denoting an action which was future from the point of view of the past.

Front

What does the Continuous form denote?

Back

An action in progress at the present moment or at a given moment in the past or future.

Front

How is the Present Continuous formed?

Back

The Present Continuous is formed by means of the Present Indefinite of the auxiliary verb 'to be' and Participle I of the notional verb.

Front

What is the use of the Past Continuous?

Back

It denotes an action which was going on at a definite moment in the past.