Hey there!
Understanding English grammar can feel like a puzzle, especially when it comes to all the tenses. This week, we are diving into the essential structures of past and present tenses, with a quick breakdown and easy-to-remember example sentences.
Let’s simplify your grammar journey together!
Past tenses:
Past Simple
(used for actions that happened at a specific time in the past)
subject + past form of verb
e.g. I visited London last summer.
Past Continuous
(used for actions that were ongoing/in progress in the past)
subject + was/were + verb + -ing
e.g. They were watching a movie when I called.
Past Perfect
(used for actions that were completed before another action in the past)
subject + had + past participle
e.g. By the time he arrived, I had already left.
Past Perfect Continuous
(used for actions that were ongoing up to a certain point in the past (focusing on the duration))
subject + had been + verb + -ing
e.g. They had been waiting for an hour before the bus came.
Present tenses:
Present Simple
(used for actions that happened at a specific time in the past)
subject + base verb (add -s for 3rd person singular)
e.g. He walks to school every day.
Present Continuous
(used for actions happening now or current trends)
subject + am/is/are + verb + -ing
e.g. They are studying for their exams.
Present Perfect
(used for actions that happened at an unspecified time before now and has a connection to the present)
subject + has/have + past participle
e.g. I have visited London.
Present Perfect Continuous
(used for actions that started in the past and continue to the present (focusing on the duration))
subject + has/have been + verb + -ing
e.g. She has been working here for three years.
At The English Life Academy, we delve into all the essentials and beyond - from future tenses to conditionals and advanced grammar. Join us to enhance your fluency and boost your confidence in English!
All the best and we hope to meet you in class!
Benjamin & Cami