Present simple and past simple:
We use the present simple and the past simple:
- to show how often things happen. We never go out/ went out during the weeks.
- for permanents situations. She lives/ lived with her parents.
- for general truths and facts. Carl doesn't speak/ didn't speak French.
- for states. Does Dana have/ Did Dana have red hair?
- for the future (in timetables). Term starts next Monday.
- for the future (in time clauses). I'll call you when I get back.
- for single completed actions. I met our new neighbours yesterday.
Continuous Tenses:
The present contiuous and past continuous tenses refer to:
- events happening at a particularly moment. I can't come now. I'm doing my homework./ When you called, I was having a bath.
- temporary situations or events. We're staying in a wonderful hotel./ We were living in London for a few months last summer.
- changing and developing situations. This area is developing quickly because of tourism./ By the 60s, many Spanish resorts were growing very quickly.
- the future (or te future in the past). John and Matt are going to France this summer./ I was worried becuse we were having a test the next day.
Present Perfect Simple:
We use the present perfect simple:
We often use the present perfect simple with the superlative and with ordinal numbers (first, second, third, etc). She's the nicest person I've ever met. and It's the second argument we've had today!
The present perfect simple can also be used to refer to the future in time clauses after when, as soon as, etc. I'll invite round when we've finished dinner.
- for actions and situations continuing up to now. We've been engaged for the last six months.
- for a series of actions continuing up to now. We've had an argument every day this week!
- for completed actions at a time in the past which is not mentioned. Has he ever told you that he loves you?
- for completed actions where the important thing is the present result. I've finished my homework so I'm free now.
We often use the present perfect simple with the superlative and with ordinal numbers (first, second, third, etc). She's the nicest person I've ever met. and It's the second argument we've had today!
The present perfect simple can also be used to refer to the future in time clauses after when, as soon as, etc. I'll invite round when we've finished dinner.
Past Perfect Simple:
We use the past perfect simple:
Note: We can often choose between using the past perfect simple and the past simple, as there is little or no difference in meaning.
- for actions and situations continuing up to a moment in the past. They'd been engaged for three years before they got married.
- for completed actions before a moment in the past. I'd asked Sam to go out with me several times before he finally said yes!
- for completed actions where the important thing is the result at a moment in the past. We'd just had some bad news so we decided not to go to the party.
- in reported speech. Charlotte said she'd never met such nice people.
- in third conditional sentences. If you'd told me you were in trouble, I'd have offered to help.
- for wishes about the past. I wish I hadn't split up with Jenny.
Note: We can often choose between using the past perfect simple and the past simple, as there is little or no difference in meaning.
- They were engaged for three years before they got married.
- They'd been engaged for three years before they got married.
Present Perfect Continuous and Past Perfect Continuous:
We use the Present Perfect Continuous:
- for events and actions continuing up to the present moment or stopping just before it. I'm bored because I've been working all day.
- for events and actions continuing up to a particular moment in the past or stopping just before it. Tom was tired when I saw him because he had been playing football.
The future:
There are a number of different ways of expressing the future in English, such as:
- Will and be going to:
- Will:
- Going to:
- Present simple:
- Present continuous:
- Modals:
- Future perfect simple:
- Future perfect continuous:
- Future continuous: