3rd Class English Tenses Tenses

A Poem

Tenses tell the time,

they are the basis

of English Grammar,

mastering them

is not an easy crammer.

But if you strive

you will be on the way,

to achieve efficiency

in the usage of tenses every day.

English language will then

seem more easy and flexible

Your ability to express

will improve in double.

For tenses are the

Roots of the tree

on which English Grammar

stands you see.  

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This lesson will help you to:

• learn the different types of tenses used in English Grammar.
• learn to identify the types of tenses of a given sentence.
• apply the correct form of tenses in the construction of sentences.  

QUICK CONCEPT REVIEW

Tense of a sentence gives you an idea of the time when the incident mentioned in a statement takes place.  

TYPES OF TENSES

Tenses can be- divided into three types.

PRESENT TENSE

Present tense can be further sub divided into (1) Simple Present, (2) Present Continuous, (3) Present Perfect, (4) Present Perfect Continuous.

1. Simple Present Tense: A sentence is called simple present tense when it describes an action that occurs daily or as a habit. Even for universal truths we use Simple Present Tense. It is also used for the actions which may occur in the future but are in form of time table.  

Structure

1st form of verb is used as simple present tense. Examples:

• The sun sets in the west. (universal truth)
• All the cars stop at this crossing, (regular action)
• Michael teaches social studies in a school, (regular action) 
• Rajdhani leaves at seven in the morning, (as per time table) 
• The teacher said if she works hard she will pass.
• I drink tea. (Regular habit).

2. Present Continuous: In the present continuous tense, the action is on going/still going on and hence continuous. The present continuous tense is used to talk about actions that are happening at this current moment and will go on for some time.  

Structure

Is/am/are+ verb +ing.

Examples:

• Please wait for a moment, Shyam is talking to Mary.
• We are late: he will be waiting for us at the restaurant now.
• Mom, I am playing football.
• Are they still living here?
• She is having her breakfast now.  

PAST TENSE

1. Simple Past Tense: Simple past tense is used to narrate an action of the past. The verb in the past tense usually ends with an '-ed'. It can also be changed by making the change of the vowel as in 'drink' - 'drank'. Past tense is also made by changing the complete word,as,go - went.  

Structure

2nd form of verb.

Examples:

• Katie worked in that office for almost four years.
• He passed away in 1999.
• We went for the movie yesterday.   
• Three years ago, I studied at the Canada University.

2. Post Continuous Tense: Post tense indicates activities that have already happened in the past and have been completed before the time of mention. It means that the action took place in the past and occurred continuously for some time and then ended in the past itself.

Structure

was/ were+ verb+ ing.

Examples:

• He was washing the dishes, while she was cooking dinner.
• I was working at 11p.m yesterday.
• We were playing football when it started to rain.
• She was reading a thriller novel when I called her.
• What were you doing when Sam arrived?
• I was walking down the street yesterday when the police van was patrolling the city. 

FUTURE TENSE

1. Simple Future Tense: This tense is used for the actions which will occur later, in future. They are usually planned action, thought or a belief. 

Structure

will/ shall + 1st form of verb.

Examples:

• She will not come tomorrow.
• Will you come to play with me after school?
• I will go to the market tomorrow.              
• I will reach home by 7p.m.
• I think, India will win the match.

2. Future Continuous Tense: This tense defines those actions which will occur in future and will continue for some time.  

Structure

'will' + 'be' + 1st form of verb+ ing.

Examples:

• Today, she will be walking all the way to her house from her office. 
• I will be watching the new movie next week.
• By this time tomorrow, I will be at home watching TV.