English Grammar
Tenses

The word tense is from the Latin word tempus, which means time. English marks tense in verbs. The tense of a verb shows the time of an action or event.

English has three tenses: the past, the present and the future.

The present tense refers to the moment of speaking. With most English verbs the present tense is marked by the suffix –s in the third person singular but otherwise has no marking at all.

The past tense refers to a time before the moment of speaking. With most English verbs, the past tense is marked by the suffix –ed, though a number of verbs have an irregular past tense.

The future tense correlates with time later than the time of speaking.

Each of these three main tenses has four forms: the simple, the progressive, the perfect and the perfect progressive The simplpresent tense Form
Affirmative Negative Question
I write. I do not write Do I write?
She writes. She does not write. Does she write?
You write. You do not write. Do you write?






When the subject is a third person pronoun (e.g. he, she, it) or a singular countable noun, the verb takes –s marking in the simple present tense.

Compare:
I write with a pen.
He writes with a pen. (NOT He write with a pen.)
They work at a bank.
She works at a bank. (NOT She work at a bank.)
Uses of the simple present tense

We use the simple present tense to talk about permanent situations, or about things that happen regularly, repeatedly or all the time.
He goes for a walk every morning.
I get up at 6.30.
Ann works for an insurance company.
John writes with his left hand.
timeless truths

We use the simple present tense to express timeless truths.
The earth revolves round the sun.
Heat expands bodies.
Mongooses kill snakes.
series of events

When we talk about completed actions and events that happen as we speak or write, we usually use the simple present. This happens, for example, in demonstrations and commentaries.
The two boxers sparred for some time. Suddenly Joe Louis jumps at his opponent and with a terrific upper cut knocks him out for the full count.
here comes … etc.

Note the structure here comes … and there goes …
There goes the dinner bell.
Here comes the villain of the piece.

Pronoun subjects come directly after here and there.
Here she comes.
There it goes.
talking about the future

The simple present is used to refer to future events which are time tabled.
Her train leaves at 3 o' clock.
The next flight is at 5 o' clock tomorrow morning.
The match begins at 9 am.
I start my new job tomorrow.

The simple present is often used instead of will … in subordinate clauses that refer to the future.
I will phone you when I get home.
formal correspondence

Some fixed phrases that are used in letter-writing can be expressed either in the simple present (more formal) or in the present progressive (less formal).
We look forward to hearing from you. (less formal: We are looking forward to hearing from you.)
I enclose my cheque for $100. (less formal: I am enclosing …)essive.
The present progressive tense
Affirmative Negative Question
I am writing. I am not writing. Am I writing?
She is writing. She is not writing. Is she writing?
You are writing. You are not writing. Are you writing?





Uses of the present progressive tense
to denote time around now

We use the present progressive to talk about temporary actions and situations that are going on ‘around now’.
It is raining.
I am writing letters.
She is having a bath at the moment.
Hurry up! We are all waiting for you.
What are you doing? I am doing my homework.
The kettle is boiling.

The present progressive suggests that the action began before the moment of speaking; it is going on at the moment of speaking and will probably go on after the moment of speaking.
developing and changing situations

The present progressive can be used to talk about developing and changing situations.
The universe is expanding.
It is getting darker.
The climate is getting warmer.
You are getting younger every day.
talking about the future

We often use the present progressive to talk about the future.
She is leaving for Mumbai on Monday.
What are you doing tomorrow evening?
Janet is coming soon.
physical feelings

Verbs that refer to physical feelings (e.g. hurt, ache, feel) can often be used in simple or progressive tenses without much difference of meaning.
My tooth aches. OR My tooth is aching.
How do you feel? OR How are you feeling?
verbs not used in progressive forms

There are some verbs which are never or hardly ever used in progressive forms.

Examples are: believe, love, doubt, hate, suppose, prefer, imagine, realise, understand, know, want, remember, wish, like, need etc.
I like his attitude. (NOT I am liking …)
I rang her up because I needed to talk. (NOT … because I was needing to talk.)
I have only known her for two days. (NOT I have only been knowing her …)

Some other verbs are not used in progressive forms when they have certain meanings.

Examples are: feel (= have an opinion), see (= understand), think (= have an opinion), look (= seem).
I am seeing the doctor at eight o’clock.
I see (= understand) what you mean. (NOT I am seeing what …)
I am feeling fine. OR I fell fine.
I feel (= have an opinion) we shouldn’t do it. (NOT I am feeling we shouldn’t do it.)
I think (= have an opinion) she is right. (NOT I am thinking …)
Formation of questions and negatives

Affirmative sentences in the present continuous tense can be converted into negative sentences by putting not after be (is, am, are).
I am writing.
I am not writing.
She is singing.
She is not singing.
They are waiting for us.
They are not waiting for us.

Sentences in the present continuous tenses can be converted into questions by putting be before the subject.
They are going to the park. (Statement)
Are they going to the park? (Question)
He is writing letters. (Statement)
Is he writing letters? (Question)
I am making a cake. (Statement)
Am I making a cake? (Question)
It is raining. (Statement)
Is it raining? (Question)

The present perfect tense
Affirmative Negative Question
I have written I have not written. Have I written?
She has written. She has not written. Has she written?
You have written. You have not written. Have you written?






Uses of the present perfect tense
past events connected with the present

We can use the present perfect tense to say that a finished action or event is connected with the present in some way.
He has broken his leg. (His leg is broken now.)
Somebody has let the cat in. (The cat is in now.)
Our dog has died. (Our dog is dead.)
recent events

We normally use the present perfect for giving news of recent events.

And here are the main points of the news again. The rupee has fallen against the dollar. The number of unemployed has reached ten million. There has been a plane crash …

Note that after using the present perfect to announce a piece of news, we usually change to simple or progressive tenses to give the details.

The present perfect is not used to talk about a finished event, if we say when it happened.

Compare:
There has been a plane crash near Tokyo.
There was a plane crash near Tokyo last night.
I have had a word with the boss.
I had a word with the boss today.
with indefinite time adverbs

We often use the present perfect tense for past events when we are thinking of a period of time continuing up to the present – for example when we use indefinite time adverbs like ever, before, never, yet and already.
I am sure we have met before.
Have you ever seen a ghost?
Has he come yet?

With more definite expressions of ‘time up to now’ (e.g. today, this week) we usually prefer a simple past tense in affirmative clauses. In questions and negatives, we use the present perfect.
I have spoken to him about my holiday.
I spoke to him today about my holiday. (more natural than I have spoken to him today ...)
Have you seen Alice this week?
I haven’t seen Alice this week.
I saw Alice this week. (more natural than I have seen Alice this week)
past events that cannot be attributed to a definite time

The present perfect is used to talk about past events that cannot be attributed to a definite time.
I have visited Africa and Latin America.
He has done a lot for me.
I have never known him to be angry.
I have been to Europe twice.
continuation up to now

We often use the present perfect to talk about how long present situations have lasted.
We have known each other for ten years.
We have lived in this city since 1995.
I have studied hard for years.
present perfect and simple past: differences

We do not use the present perfect with expressions that refer to a completely finished period of time, like yesterday, last week, when, then, five years ago, in 1995. The simple past is used with this meaning.
I saw Alice yesterday. (NOT I have seen Alice yesterday.)
I was born in 1979.
She died three years ago.
John left ten minutes ago.
American English

In American English, the simple past is often used to give news.
Did you hear? France declared/has declared war on Britain.
(GB Have you heard? France has declared war on Britain.)
Lucy just called. (GB Lucy has just called.)
Honey, I lost/ have lost the keys. (GB Honey, I have lost the keys.)
this is the first time etc.

We use a present perfect tense in sentences constructed with this/it/that is the first/second/third/only/best/worst/etc.
This is the fifth time you have asked me the same question.
It is one of the most interesting books I have ever read.
The present perfect progressive tense I have not been writing. affairmative negative Question
I have been writing I have not been writing? Have I been writing?
She has been writing. She has not been writing. Has she been writing?
You have been writing. You have not been writing. Have you been writing?






Uses of the present perfect progressive tense

We use the present perfect progressive to talk about situations which started in the past and are still going on, or which have just stopped and have present results.
I have seen reading since morning.
We have been waiting for ages.
‘You look exhausted.’ ‘Yes, I have been running. ’

We cannot use the present perfect progressive with expressions that refer to a finished period of time.
present progressive and present perfect progressive: differences

Both the present perfect progressive and present progressive can be used to talk about situations which started in the past and are still going on. The difference is that the present perfect progressive has an ‘up to now’ focus. It is common when we are talking about how long a situation has lasted.
It is raining again.
It has been raining since Christmas. (NOT It is raining since Christmas.)
I am learning English.
I have been learning English for two years. (NOT I am learning English for two years.)

present perfect and present perfect progressive: differences

Both the present perfect and present perfect progressive can be used to talk about recent actions and situations that have present results. There is an important difference. The present perfect progressive focuses on the idea of continuity. The present perfect, on the other hand, looks more at the ideas of completion.
I have been painting the house. (focus on continuous activity)
I have painted two rooms since lunchtime.
I have been reading your book. (focus on continuous activity)
I have read your book. (focus on completion)
temporary and permanent

We prefer the present perfect progressive to talk about more temporary actions and situations; when we talk about longer-lasting or permanent situations we often use the present perfect.
He has been standing at the gate all day.
For 1000 years the castle has stood on the hill above the village.
I have been living in Mumbai for the last month.
My parents have lived in Chennai all their lives
Present tenses to talk about the future
When we talk about future events which have already been planned or decided, or which we can see are on the way, we often use present tenses.


the present progressive

The present progressive is used mostly to talk about personal arrangements and fixed plans, especially when the time and place have been decided.
What are you doing this weekend?
I am seeing Alice tomorrow.
What are we having for dinner?
the simple present

The simple present can be used to talk about future events which are part of a timetable.
The train leaves at half past six tomorrow morning.
What time does the bus arrive in Chennai?
The summer term starts on April 10th.
be going + infinitive

The structure be going to can be used to talk about plans, especially in an informal style. Going to puts an emphasis on the idea of intention.
When are you going to get a job?
We are going to buy a new home.
John says he is going to call in this evening.

The going to structure can also be used to predict the future on the basis of present evidence.
She is going to have a baby in June.
Look at the sky. It is going to rain.
present progressive and be going to: differences

The present progressive emphasises the idea of fixed arrangement; going to emphasises the idea of intention or previous decision.
I am getting a new job. (It is already arranged.)
I am going to get a new job. (I have decided to.)
Who is cooking lunch? (asking about arrangements)
Who is going to cook lunch? (asking about a decision)

We do not normally use the present progressive to make predictions about events that are outside people’s control.
It is going to rain. (NOT It is raining.)
Look out! We are going to crash. (NOT we are crashing.)
Things are going to get better soon. (NOT Things are getting better soon.)

The present progressive and be going to can both be used to insist that people do things or do not do things.
She is taking/going to take that medicine whether she likes it or not.
You are not wearing/going to wear that skirt to school.
You are not coming/going to come with me.
simple future and present progressive: differences

Often shall/will and present-tense forms are possible with similar meanings.
What will you do next year?
What are you doing next year?
What are you going to do next year?

We prefer present tenses when we are talking about future events that have already been arranged.
I am seeing Alice on Wednesday. (The arrangement exits now.)

In predictions, we use going to when we have outside evidence for what we say. We prefer will when we are talking about what we know, or believe or have calculated.
Look out. He is going to fall. (There is outside evidence.)
Don't lend him your car. He is a terrible driver. He will crash it. (the speaker's opinion) The simple past tense
Affirmative Neg ative Question
I wrote. Idid not write Did I write?
She wrote. She did not write. Did she write?
You wrote. You did not write. Did you write?




Uses of the simple past tense

We use the simple past tense to talk about many kinds of past events: short, quickly finished actions, longer situations, and repeated events.
I spent all my childhood in Canada.
I visited my grandfather yesterday.
John left 10 minutes ago.

The simple past is common in story-telling.
Once upon a time there lived a rich man. One day, he met a beautiful princess and …

The simple past is often used with references to finished periods and time expressions.
He died last year.
I met her yesterday morning.
The past progressive tense
Affirmative Negative Question
I was writing. I was not writing. Was I writing?
She was writing. She was not writing. Was she writing?
You were writing. You were not writing. Were you writing?







use
to talk about past events in progress

The past progressive is used to talk about events that were in progress around a particular past time.
‘What were you doing yesterday evening?’
‘I was watching TV.’
At 7 am this morning, I was doing my homework.

The past progressive is also used to stress that an activity was in progress at every moment during a period of time.
I was resting all day yesterday.
past progressive and simple past

We often use the past progressive together with a simple past tense. The past progressive refers to a longer background action or situation; the simple past refers to a shorter action or event that happened in the middle of the longer action.
I was having a bath when the telephone rang.
As I was driving down the street, I saw Peter.
They were sleeping when the thieves broke in.
past progressive and simple past: differences
Duration

The past progressive is used to talk about temporary actions or situations. For longer, more permanent situations we use the simple past.
It happened while I was living in Mumbai last year.
I lived in Chennai for ten years while I was a child.
repeated actions

We do not normally use the past progressive to talk about repeated or habitual past actions. The simple past is used with this meaning.
I phoned him four times. (NOT I was phoning four times.)
I rang the bell seven times. (NOT I was ringing the bell seven times.)

However, the past progressive can be used with always, continually and similar words to talk about things that happened repeatedly and unexpectedly.
He was always bringing us nice gifts.
I didn’t like him - he was continually making troubles.
The past perfect tense
Affirmative Negative Question
I had written. I had not written. Had I written?
She had written. She had not written. Had she written?
You had written. You had not written. Had you written?







Uses of the past perfect tense
to refer to the ‘earlier past’

The past perfect tense denotes an action completed at some point in the past before some other past action commenced. When two actions in the past have to be referred to, the past perfect is used for the earlier action and the simple past for the later one.
I had seen him twice before he left for New York.
The train had left before I reached the station.
The patient had died before the doctor came.
She had left before I reached home.

Note that we can use time conjunctions (e.g. after, before, as soon as) to talk about two actions or events that happen one after the other. Usually the past perfect is not necessary in these cases, though it can be used.
After he (had) finished his exam, he went to London.
As soon as I (had) put the phone down, it rang again.
to talk about unrealized hopes and wishes

The past perfect can be used to talk about an unrealized hope, wish etc.
I had hoped that Ann would be a doctor, but she wasn't good at science.
to talk about past events that did not happen

After if, wish and would rather, the past perfect can be used to talk about past events that did not happen.
If I had gone to university, I would have studied science.
I wish you had told me the truth.
The past perfect progressive tense
Affirmative Negative Question
I had been writing. I had not been writing. Had I been writing?
She had been writing. She had not been writing. Had she been writing?



use

We use the past perfect progressive to talk about longer actions or situations which had continued up to the past moment that we are thinking about, or shortly before it.
The President had been speaking for about half an hour when trouble started.
When I found Ann, I could see that she had been crying.
I had been reading the novel for hours when the lights suddenly went out.
past perfect and past perfect progressive: differences

The perfect progressive tenses are often used to talk about more temporary actions and situations; when we talk about longer-standing or permanent situations we prefer perfect tenses.
My legs were stiff because I had been standing still for a long time.
They lived in a castle which had stood on a hill above the village for 1000 years.
Past verb forms with present or future meaning

A past verb form does not always have a past meaning. Verbs like I had, you went and I was wondering are often used to talk about the present or the future.


after if, unless, supposing etc.

After if, unless and words with similar meanings, we often use past verb forms to refer to the present or the future.
If I had the money now I would buy a car.
You look as if you were just about to scream.
after it’s time, would rather and wish

After these expressions, past verb forms can have present or future meanings.
I wish I had a better memory.
Ten o’clock – it is time you went home.
distancing in questions, requests etc.

We can make questions, requests and offers more polite by using past tenses. Common expressions are I wondered, I thought, I hoped, did you want.
I thought you might like some coffee.
I wondered if you were free this evening.
modal auxiliaries

The modal auxiliaries would, should, could and might usually have present or future meanings.
Would you lend me some money?
Could you help with me for a moment?
She should be here soon.
The simple future tense
Affirmative Negative Question
I shall/will write. I shall/will not write Will I write?
She will write. She will not write. Will she write?
You will write.. You will not write. Will you write?





British people use I shall/I will and we shall/ we will with no difference of meaning in most situations. However, shall is becoming much less common than will. Shall is not normally used in American English.


use
to give information about the future

We use the simple future tense to give or ask for information about the future.
I will phone you tonight.
She will be here in a couple of minutes.
I will go to London tomorrow.

We often use the simple future tense in predictions of future events - to say what we think, guess or calculate will happen.
I shall be rich and famous one day.
It will rain tonight.
You will never get a job.
conditional use

The simple future tense is often used to express conditional ideas, when we say what will happen if something else happens.
If it rains the match will be cancelled.
Don’t leave me. I will cry.
Future continuous tense

Grammar
Affirmative Negative Question
I shall/will be writing. I shall/will not be writing. Shall/will I be writing?
She will be writing. She will not be writing. Will she be writing?
You will be writing. You will not be writing. Will You be writing?





use

We use the future progressive to say that an activity will be in progress at a particular moment in the future.
This time tomorrow I will be lying on the beach.

The future progressive is also used to talk about future events which are fixed or arranged. It does not suggest the idea of personal intention.
We shall be visiting Darjeeling in the summer.
I will be seeing you one of these days, I think.
He will be having a nap in the afternoon.
predicting the present

The future progressive can also be used to say what we think or guess is probably happening now.
Don’t phone now – they will be having lunch.
polite enquiries

The future progressive can be used to make polite enquiries about people's plans.

Compare:
Will you be coming with me? (a polite enquiry about what has been arranged)
Are you coming with me? (pressing for a decision)
Will you come with me? (an instruction or order.)
The future perfect tense
Affirmative Negative Question
I shall/will have written. I shall/will not have written. Shall/will I have written?
She will have written. She will not have written. Will she have written?
You will have written. You will not not have written. Will you have written?






We use the future perfect tense to say that something will have been done, completed or achieved by a certain time in the future.
We will have completed half the course by Christmas.
The builders say they will have finished the roof by Monday