Tenses show when an action happens. There are three main tenses: Present (now), Past (before now), and Future (after now). Each tense has four forms: Simple, Continuous, Perfect, and Perfect Continuous.
Use for habits, facts, and routines. Structure: Subject + base verb (+ s/es for he/she/it). Example: I eat breakfast at 8 AM. She drinks coffee every morning.
Use for actions happening right now or around now. Structure: Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing. Example: I am reading a book right now. They are studying for the exam.
Use for past actions with a connection to now, or experiences. Structure: Subject + have/has + past participle. Example: I have visited London twice. She has finished her homework.
Use for completed actions in the past. Structure: Subject + past tense verb. Example: I walked to school yesterday. She ate pizza for dinner last night.
Use for actions that were in progress at a specific time in the past. Structure: Subject + was/were + verb-ing. Example: I was watching TV when you called.
Use for actions that happened before another past action. Structure: Subject + had + past participle. Example: I had already eaten when she arrived.
Use for predictions, promises, and spontaneous decisions. Structure: Subject + will + base verb. Example: I will call you tomorrow. It will rain later.
Use for actions that will be in progress at a specific future time. Structure: Subject + will be + verb-ing. Example: This time next week, I will be flying to London.
Use for actions that will be completed before a specific future time. Structure: Subject + will have + past participle. Example: By next month, I will have finished the course.
Start with the simple tenses. Once you master them, move to continuous and perfect tenses. Use the English Conversation app to practice all tenses in real conversations.
Improve Your English with AI Teachers
Practice speaking with 15 unique AI personas, learn grammar, build vocabulary — all in one app.
Download Free