Names of tenses in English. An easy way to learn English tenses

Present Simple Tense(Russian: Present Simple) is used more often than any other tense in English. Therefore, to speak English well, you need to learn how to use this tense correctly.

How can the past and future be, when the past is no longer is, and the future is not yet? As for the present, if it were always present and never moved on to become the past, it would not be time, but eternity.

How can there be a past and a future when the past no longer exists and the future does not yet exist? What about the present? If it always existed, it would never become the past, which means it would not be time, but eternity.

~ Augustine of Hippo

The name itself Present Simple or the simple present tense already speaks for itself. And at first, many may mistakenly take it for a complete analogue of the present tense in Russian.

Yes indeed, Present Simple Tense (or Present Indefinite Tense) has a lot in common with it: we use this tense to describe simple, regular actions, habits, preferences. However, there are other special cases of using the Present Simple tense in English, which you will learn about by reading this article.

So, let's figure out in order what this Present Indefinite time is, how to form negation and questions in Present Simple, and how to use it correctly.

Which is correct: Present Simple or Present Indefinite?

“Everything ingenious is simple.” This is exactly how I would like to describe the times of the Simple group, because “simple” is translated into Russian as “simple,” and the times themselves denote simple everyday actions.

First, let's figure out why the well-known Present Simple Tense(Russian Present Simple tense) is very often also called Present Indefinite(Russian: Present Indefinite tense), and is there a difference between them.

Present Simple very often describes an action where time is uncertain. In examples I work in LA(Russian: I work in Los Angeles) or I live in NY(Russian: I live in New York) the verb expresses action in general; the time as such is not specified.

That is why Present Simple is also called Present Indefinite, because “indefinite” is translated as “uncertain”. And such a name in some cases better conveys the meaning of this time.

Although Present Simple called present (Russian present), it does not always describe the action that is happening now, at the present time. For the action occurring at the moment of speaking, it is used (Russian: Present continuous action).

So, as we see, Present Simple And Present Indefinite- these are just different names for the same time. By the way, in Russian, when translating, two terms are also used: the present simple and the present indefinite.

In linguistics and in teaching English, you may encounter both names, although the frequency of use of the names may vary depending on the region and the preferences of publishers who print textbooks for English learners.

Present Simple: reference table

Reference table: Rules for the formation of the affirmative form, negation and questions in the Present Simple and its use in English

As you can see from the table, verbs in the Present Simple affirmative form coincide with the infinitive form without the particle to in all persons. except for the 3rd person singular adding the ending -s/-es.

Auxiliary verbs do/does can be found in questions and negations, and not always. For example verb be(Russian be) and modal verbs can(Russian: can), must(Russian: to be due), need(Russian: need) form negative and interrogative forms in Present Simple without the help of an auxiliary verb.

In order to ensure that there are absolutely no questions left, let’s look at how affirmative, negative and interrogative forms are formed in more detail and analyze everything with examples.

Rules for the formation of Present Simple: affirmative sentences

The Present Simple is called simple because no auxiliary verbs are used to form its affirmative form. Below are rules and reference tables Present Simple for the formation of affirmative, negative and interrogative forms in English.

Formation of the affirmative form Present Simple

Basic table for the formation of the affirmative form in Present Simple and spelling rules for endings -(e)s for the 3rd person singular

Affirmative form of Present Simple- one of the few, for the formation of which no auxiliary verb is required, but endings are used, and then only in the 3rd person singular.

Remember!

To form an affirmative sentence in the Present Simple, use first form of the verb(infinitive) without particle to after the subject (the subject performing the action). If the subject is in the 3rd person singular. numbers, the ending is added to the verb -(e)s

For example:

I work in a hotel(Russian: I work in a hotel): I- subject, work- verb

We dance every Sunday(rus. We dance every Sunday): We- subject, dance- verb

My son plays in a band(Russian. My son plays in a band): my son- subject, plays- verb

If the action is done I(Russian) you(Russian: you, you), we(Russian we), they(Russian they), plural noun ( boys- boys, dogs- dogs, friends- friends), then the verb does not change in any way.

However, if the action is performed he(rus.on), she(Russian she), it(Russian it, this, singular number for inanimate objects), singular noun ( a girl- girl, a cat- cat Kitty, a friend- friend), then the ending -s, sometimes -es is added to the verbs.

Examples of affirmative sentences in Present Simple with translation:

Spelling rules for endings -s, -es in Present Simple.

Let's look at when verbs take an ending in the Present Simple tense -s, and when -es, and when they do not follow the rules, that is, they are exceptions.

1. An ending is added to most verbs in the Present Indefinite tense in the 3rd person singular -s:

play-plays(Russian plays)

sit-sits(Russian sits)

clean-cleans(Russian cleans)

2. Verbs that end in - s, -sh, -ch, tch, -x, -z, add ending -es. This is due to the history of the language and the ease of pronunciation: when there are two similar sounds next to each other, it is difficult for us to pronounce them without a linking vowel:

kiss-kisses(Russian kisses)

wish-wishes(Russian wishes)

march marches(Russian marching)

watch-watches(Russian looks)

box-boxes(Russian boxing)

buzz-buzzes(Russian buzzes)

3. Verbs ending in -o, also add the ending -es. Fortunately, there are few such verbs:

do-does(Russian does)

go-goes(Russian is coming)

4. If the verb ends in I agree and -y, ending is used -es. In this case -y changes to -i :

cry-cries(Russian cries, screams)

study-studies(Russian studies)

try-tries(Russian tries)

5. If the verb ends in vowel and -u, just adding the ending -s. There are no changes with -y:

play-plays(Russian plays)

pray-prays(Russian prays)

say-says(Russian speaking)

6. Verb have Present Simple does not add endings -s or -es. For the 3rd person singular the form is used has. Compare:

I have a cat(Russian: I have a cat, literally - I have a dog)

He has a dog(Russian: He has a dog, literally - He has a dog)

7. Verb be in the Present Simple tense has my forms: am, is, are, about which read further in this article.

Negative and interrogative sentences in the Present Simple

Present Simple: examples of negative sentences

Basic table for the formation of the full and shortened negative form in Present Simple.

To say that we are NOT doing something, we use an auxiliary verb in negative sentences do does(For he, she, it

Remember!

To form negative sentences in the Present Simple to the auxiliary verb do/does, which stands between the subject and the main predicate verb in the infinitive form, a negative particle is added not.

For example:

I don't watch(Russian: I don't watch)

They don't study(Russian: They don't study)

It doesn't paint(Russian: He doesn't draw)

The boy doesn't box(Russian: The boy does not box)

In the last two examples It doesn't paint(Russian: He doesn’t draw) and The boy doesn't box(Russian: The boy does not box), as you noticed, the main verbs paint And box used without ending -(e)s, which is used to form the affirmative form in the Present Simple, compare: He paints(Russian: He draws), He boxes(Russian: He is boxing)

Important!

When using an auxiliary verb does to form negation in Present Simple (3rd person singular) main verb loses ending -(e)s: doesn't go, doesn't watch, doesn't play

This is due to the fact that the auxiliary verb does already has an ending -es, and there is no need to use it in the main verb. Below are 10 more examples of negative Present Simple sentences.

Examples of negative sentences in Present Simple with translation:

Sentence in English	Translation	Sentence in English	Translation
I don't know. = I don’t know..	I don't know.	He doesn't know. = He doesn’t know.	He does not know.
We don't love cats. = We don't love cats	We don't like cats.	She does not love cats. = She doesn’t love cats	She doesn't like cats.
Friends don't lie. = Friends don't lie	Friends don't lie	My friend does not lie. = My friend doesn’t lie.	My friend is not lying.
My parents do not speak German. = My parents don’t speak German.	My parents don't speak German.	He does not speak German. = He doesn’t speak Germa	He does not speak German. = He doesn’t speak Germa
I don't like rude people. = I don’t like rude people.	I don't like rude people.	My sister does not like rude people. = My sister doesn’t like rude people.	My sister doesn't like rude people.

Forms don't And doesn't, as you probably already guessed, are a shortened form of don't And does not.

Abbreviated forms don't And doesn't are used in colloquial speech, but it is better to give preference to the full form don't And does not.

Present Simple: interrogative sentences

Reference table for the formation of simple and special questions in Present Simple and short answers

An auxiliary verb is also used to form questions in the Present Simple do(for 1st and 2nd person, 3rd person plural) or does(For he, she, it and for all nouns in the singular).

There are two types of questions: general and specific. General questions require a clear answer “Yes” or “No”, while specific ones are asked to clarify details and details.

Compare:

Do you like ice-cream? -Yes, I do(Russian. Do you like ice cream? - Yes)

Which ice cream do you like? - Chocolate(Russian. What kind of ice cream do you like? - Chocolate)

Remember!

To ask a general question in the Present Simple, you need to use an auxiliary verb do/does before the subject. Remember that when using an auxiliary verb does, ending -(e)s disappears at the main verb.

For example:

Do you live in Rostov?(Russian. Do you live in Rostov?)

Do they go to school?(Russian. Do they go to school?)

Does your brother have a car?(rus. Does your brother have a car?, dos. Does your brother have a car?)

Does the cat eat mice?(Russian: Does this cat eat mice?)

Remember!

To ask a special question (Wh-question) in the Present Simple, you need to put a question word What, Where, When etc. comes first, followed by an auxiliary verb do/does, then the subject and the main verb in the infinitive form, that is, without ending -(e)s .

For example:

Where do you live?(Russian. Where do you live?)

When do they go to school?(Russian: When do they go to school?)

What car does your brother have?(Russian. What kind of car does your brother have?)

Why does the cat eat mice?(eng. Why does this cat eat mice?)

Short answers to general questions in Present Simple are formed according to the scheme: Yes/No+ subject in the form of a personal pronoun ( I, he, we, you, etc.) and an auxiliary verb do/does for a positive answer or don"t/doesn"t for negative.

The auxiliary verb don"t/doesn"t in a short answer must be consistent with the subject: if they ask about your actions, then the answer will be about your actions, and not the actions of the interlocutor.

For example:

Do you love me?(Russian: Do you love me?) - Yes, I do(Russian: Yes, I love you) or No, I don't(Russian: No, I don’t like it)

Does your girlfriend like flowers?(rus. Does your girlfriend like flowers?) - Yes, she does(Russian: Yes, he loves) or No, she doesn't(Russian: No, he doesn’t like)

Below are 10 more examples of Present Simple interrogative sentences.

Examples of interrogative sentences in Present Simple with translation:

The verb to be in the Present Simple

Conjugation of the verb to be in the present tense: affirmative form, negation, questions and short answers

Everyone knows that there are exceptions to almost every rule. This could not have happened without Present Simple Tense.

Below are the verb conjugation tables to be in affirmative, negative and interrogative forms in Present Simple:

Table: conjugation of the verb to be (am, is, are) in the present tense, statement

Table: conjugation of the verb to be (am, is, are) in the present tense, negation

Table: conjugation of the verb to be (am, is, are) in the present tense, questions

As you can see, verb to be conjugates by persons in the Present Simple and has its own forms am, is, are. This is the only verb in English that has its own form depending on the person and number of the subject.

Rules for using Present Indefinite in English

Present Simple is a tense that is often used to describe regular actions that take place in the present.

As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, Present Indefinite- this is the time that we use not only to describe actions taking place in the present tense.

This is a tense that can describe various actions, both occurring regularly and once, occurring in the present or even those that will occur in the future.

So let's figure it out when to use Present Simple and what it conveys in English.

Present Simple for present tense

Present Indefinite is often used to refer to repeated actions in the present tense.

1. Present Simple is used to indicate condition, regular, repetitive actions, habits, daily routine.

In this meaning, Present Simple with a verb is often used adverbs of frequency(adverbs of frequency), designed to answer how often an action occurs:

100% always(Russian always)

85% usually(Russian usually)

60% often(Russian often)

50% sometimes(Russian sometimes)

10% hardly ever(Russian rarely)

0% never(Russian never)

You can find out more about the clue words for Present Simple in the article, but now let’s look at the examples:

2. We also use the Present Simple when we speak about scientific facts, laws of nature, generally accepted statements and known facts .

Examples of sentences with Present Simple:

3. Present Simple is also used when description of sequential actions, especially often found in the description of instructions, recipes, manuals.

Examples of sentences with Present Simple:

Present Simple for future tense

Using the Present Simple to denote future actions that occur on schedule

1. We use Present Indefinite indicating the future tense for schedules of trains, planes, theater and cinema shows, concerts etc.

In this case, the Present Simple shows that the action occurs regularly and is repeated with some frequency.

Examples of sentences with Present Simple:

2. Another use of the Present Simple for the future tense is subordinate clauses conditions (First Conditional).

(Russian: Conditional sentences of the first type) denotes a real action that will definitely be performed in the near future, subject to some condition.

In such sentences Present Simple used in sentences with if, even when the proposals refer to the future. They are translated into Russian using verbs in the future tense.

Examples of sentences with Present Simple:

3. A similar case of using the Present Simple to express the future tense is its use in subordinate clauses of time .

We use the Present Simple after conjunctions when, as soon as, until, unless, before, after in subordinate clauses that indicate future action.

Examples of sentences with Present Simple:

In future articles we will look in more detail at differences between Present Simple and other tenses in English that are relevant to the present.

Instead of a conclusion:

In this article, we tried to explain as simply as possible how the Present Simple is formed and when the Simple Indefinite tense should be used in English.

As you have seen, there is nothing easier than building affirmative, interrogative or negative sentences in the Present Simple to describe constant, regular activities that happen to you on a daily basis.

Now we invite you to test your knowledge by completing the following test on the Present Simple.

Exercises on Present Simple

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate form of the verb in the Present Indefinite:

go(es), travel(s), fly(s), do(es), use(s), drink(s), live(s), want(s), visit(s), look(s), like(s)

We often ____ to foreign countries.
She ____ her homework every evening.
I don't often ____ coffee.
My friend ____ in a very big house.
They always ____ us in summer.
Why do you ____ so sad?
Tom and Ann ____ to the cinema every Friday.
We never ____ to our grandparents, we usually ____ a train.
Lilly ____ swimming and sunbathing a lot.
Richard's parents ____ him to go to a private school.

In contact with

It is important to be able to correctly use tense constructions in the English language. Therefore, I suggest you remember 16 tenses of English using tables and pictures.
Naturally, let's start small, namely with the polyglot scheme of Dmitry Petrov, which I personally tested.

A simple but quite effective table of the three Simple tenses. The essence of the method is that you know it perfectly. You need to bring your knowledge to automation.

For example, to the question:

You should immediately know what time to use to answer. Remember how to correctly formulate a question or negative in each tense. Practice it every day until your knowledge becomes automatic.

Use of tenses in English

After you have thoroughly mastered the previous table by Dmitry Petrov, you can move on to the table with 16 English tenses.

And now, I propose to move on to illustrative examples. use of 12 English tenses. With the help of this wonderful image of a worm's dreams and everyday life:

A simple table of English tenses:

Time table. Active voice

In this table you can remember the time circumstances (hints) that suggest which tense should be used:

Time markers in English

Although in Russian we say “ V last month", " on next week", " V next year”, in English prepositions are not used before the words “next” and “last”:

• She is coming next Tuesday. - She's coming next/future Tuesday.
  (incorrect: “… on next Tuesday”).
• We met last June. - We met last June.
  (incorrect: “... in last June”).

**The expression “the other day” is translated into English differently for the past and future tense: “the other day” and “one of these days” - they cannot be interchanged and one cannot be used instead of the other.

*Continuous tenses in the past and future tenses can also indicate simultaneous actions. At the same time, it is not necessary that they all be long, one is enough. Therefore, in the Past Continuous and Future Continuous you can often see the conjunctions “when” (when) and “while” (while).

• He will be reading while the children will be swimming. - He will read while the children are swimming.
• I will be working when you come. - I'll be working when you come.
• I was watching TV while he was looking through the newspapers. - I was watching TV while he was looking through the newspapers.
• He was reading a book when I entered the room. - He was reading a book when I entered the room.
• While/When my mother was talking on the phone, I was having dinner. - While/When my mother was talking on the phone, I was having lunch.
• When my mother was talking on the phone, I switched the TV on. - When my mother was talking on the phone, I turned on the TV.

All English Tenses:

• How to learn Simple/Indefinite Tense? Talk about yourself, about what you are always used to doing, about how you usually behave or what you prefer. Chat with a native speaker or teacher about your habits and traditions in your family.
• How to learn Continuous / Progressive Tense? Talk about what you continue to do at a particular moment. Constantly, when doing any work, say what you are doing at a particular moment in English.
• How to learn Perfect Tense? Talk about what you have finished doing up to a certain point. Tell the teacher or any other interlocutor about your achievements and achievements, about what you managed to do. Try to prepare for an interview in English, in which you can tell about your victories and achievements.
• How to learn Perfect Continuous Tense? Tell us about a certain period in your life, about what you did for some time, what you devoted your life to until a certain point, what you were passionate about. Imagine that you are being interviewed - try to answer different questions.

The main difficulty of the English language for beginners is tenses. There are only 12 tenses in the English language, but due to the specifics of some tenses, confusion occurs. In this article I will tell you in detail about the tenses of the English language with an example of use.

From the article you will learn:

English tenses with examples and translation into Russian

In English, there are traditionally 12 tenses. English tenses are divided into 3 groups:

1. Simple (Indefinite),
2. Continuous (Progressive),
3. Perfect.

They, in turn, in combination with the basic tense forms Present, Past and Future, form the corresponding tenses. Let's start with the group Indefinite.

Present Simple (Presen Indefinite) - Present Simple

How is it formed:

I form of the verb. This form is used in all persons and numbers, except for the third person singular: then the endings – s, -es – are added.

When to use:

1. The action occurs with a certain frequency. Used with such adverbs as always (always), rarely (rarely), often (often), usually (usually), never (ever), etc., in addition, with the word every (every day, every month, every year etc.)

She never listens to me.- She never listens to me.

I always go abroad in summer.— In the summer I always go abroad.

He goes to the theater every weekend.— He goes to the theater every weekend.

2. The effect is scientifically proven.

Water boils at 100 degrees.— Water boils at 100 degrees.

3. The sequence of actions is described.

I get up, wash my hands and face, have breakfast etc.- I get up, wash my face, have breakfast, etc.

Present Continuous - Present Continuous

It should be noted that some English present tenses can indicate the future.

How is it formed:

verb to be + I form of the verb + ing ending.

When used: 1. the action is happening at the moment.

I am watching TV now.- I'm watching TV now.

2. the action will take place in the near future, which is planned (!).

I am flying to New York next month.— Next month I'm flying to New York.

Present Perfect - Present Perfect

The peculiarity is that the English tenses of the Perfect group can denote the past, although they are called present.

Formation: have / has + III form of the verb.

When to use the present perfect tense:

1. the action happened today, this year, this week, etc., i.e. the period has not yet ended.

Has not written 10 books and he is just twenty!- He wrote 10 books, and he’s only twenty! (Life is going)

We have met this month.— We saw each other this month (the month has not ended)

He has met me today.- Today he met me.

2. with adverbs yet (yet), just (only), recently (recently), ever (always), never (never), already (already), etc.

I have just found out about this.- I just found out about this.

I've never been to England.- I have never been to England.

She has already done this work.- She has already done this work.

3. Action in the past affects the present state

We have gone to the forest and now he has a cold.— We went to the forest, and he caught a cold.

Past Simple - Past Simple

How to form the past simple tense:

II form of the verb, i.e. verb + ending –ed (regular verbs), or II form of an irregular verb.

When to use:

1. The presence of a time marker yesterday (yesterday), last (past, last) or other.

He visited doctor last week.— Last week he visited the doctor.

I met him when I studied at the University.— I met him when I was at university.

2. The action happened in the past without any conditions.

I knew you would come.- I knew you would come.

3. Sequence of actions.

He took the taxi, asked to stop at the Time Square, looked through the window etc.— He took a taxi, asked to stop at Time Square, looked out the window, etc.

Past Continuous - Past Continuous

How to form the past continuous tense:

Verb to be in 2nd form + verb+ ing ending.

When to use:

1. The process lasted for a long time without interruption.

For example.

He was playing the piano the whole evening.— He played the piano all evening.

2. The process was interrupted by another activity.

They came in when she was speaking by the phone.— They came in while she was talking on the phone.

Past Perfect - Past Perfect

How is it formed:

2nd form of the verb have + 3rd form of the verb.

When to use:

1. When agreeing on times.

He said that he had not noticed you.- He said he didn't notice you.

2. One action happened before the other.

Example: He had left before I could figure out something.“He left before I could understand anything.”

3. There is a temporary excuse by.

He had made his decision by summer.— By the summer he made a decision.

Future Simple - Future Simple

How is it formed:

Shall (used only with 1st person) will+I form of the verb.

When to use:

The action will take place in the future. Used with time markers tomorrow, next, or a deadline is indicated.

I will call you tomorrow.- I'll call you tomorrow.

He will visit us in 3 weeks.— He will visit us in 3 weeks.

Future Continuous - Future Continuous

How is formed.

Auxiliary verb will/shall+be+1 verb form+ing

When used. The process continues into the future.

She will be dancing the whole day tomorrow.- Tomorrow she will dance all day.

Present Perfect Continuous - Present Perfect Continuous

How is it formed:

Have/has + been + verb+ing

When to use:

1. The action lasts from a moment in the past to a moment in the present (translated by the present)

I have been waiting for this moment all my life.“I’ve been waiting for this moment all my life.”

2. with the preposition since (s).

Their family has been owning this castle since 17th century.— Their family has owned this castle since the 17th century.

Past Perfect Continuous - Past Perfect Continuous

How is it formed:

Had + been + verb+ing

When to use:

One action is interrupted by another or is its cause.

I had been working hard the whole year, so I was exhausted. “I worked hard all year and was just exhausted.

Future Perfect Continuous - Future Perfect Continuous

English tenses such as Future Perfect Continuous Past Perfect Continuous are used extremely rarely.

How is it formed:

Will/shall + have + been + verb+ ing

When to use:

The period of past and future is affected, the preposition of time by.

For example: I will have been working in this company for 10 years by 1st May.- By May 1, it will be 10 years since I work in this company.

Thus, we looked at 10 tenses of the English language (all based on 3 main ones).

There is one topic in language learning that we can probably talk about endlessly. Of course, we mean tenses in English. It is sometimes difficult for students new to the language to get used to the way English-speaking people divide their time for themselves. In fact, each tense form in English has its own analogue in Russian, we just don’t distinguish these forms into separate groups. Therefore, understanding tenses is not at all difficult, and today you will see for yourself.

First, let's do a quick overview of all the time groups so you have an idea of ​​what we'll be talking about today. As in Russian, English sentences can be built in the past, present and future. But besides these tenses, English also has 4 tense forms, namely: Simple, Continuous, Perfect and Perfect Continuous. In general, it turns out that one idea can be expressed in twelve temporary forms. Each form has a different way of forming verbs that appear in a sentence. With their help you can determine the time. Detailed table for clarity:

Formation of tenses in English
Time/View	Simple	Continuous or Progressive (long)	Perfect	Perfect Continuous / Progressive (perfect continuous)
Past (past)	V2	to be (2nd form) + V-ing	had + V3	had + been + V-ing
Present (present)	V1	to be (1st form) + V-ing	have / has + V3	have / has + been + V-ing
Future (future)	will + V1	will be + V-ing	will + have + V3	will + have + been + V-ing

Having briefly examined English tenses, let's move on to their more detailed study and consider the rules for forming tenses with examples.

Why are tenses needed in English?

But first I would like to dwell on the question of why tenses of the English language are needed and whether it is worth learning them all. The tense system in English helps to correctly convey your thoughts to others. That is, you can make it clear what action we are talking about. Was it in the past or present? Has it already ended or is it still going on? Or maybe it happens regularly? - all these questions will disappear on their own , if it is known what tense was used in the sentence.

“So I’m just starting to learn the language, and I’ll immediately have to learn all 12 tenses of the English language?” - you ask. Ideally, yes, you need to learn all tenses. But, most likely, you will not be able to do this at once. Therefore, start your training from the times of the Simple group. Knowing the simple tense, you will be able to explain what happened or will happen to you, what you need and why. But you shouldn’t limit yourself to this time, and therefore, having dealt with it, gradually continue to study other groups. The latest one to consider is the Perfect Continuous group. It is often resorted to when the language level of the students already “exceeds” the average, because the tenses of this group are used quite rarely and are used more to demonstrate their knowledge.

Tenses in English: Simple group

Simple		Present	Past	Future
	+	V1	V2	will + V1
	—	do / does + not + V1	did + not + V1	will + not + V1
	?	Do/Does... V1?	Did...V1?	Will...V1?

Present Simple

Present Simple or simple present tense , is perhaps the most used. The use of this English tense is necessary to express regularly repeated actions, habits, schedules and facts.

As you may have noticed from the table above, the present tense is formed using a verb in its initial form, that is, in the form in which the word is indicated in the dictionary. However, this form may vary slightly depending on the person and number. So, if an action is performed by a third person in the singular, the verbs have an ending -s (-es):

To form negative and interrogative sentences, the auxiliary verb do is used. If it is used with third persons in the singular, then this verb turns into does, because it takes away the ending -s (-es) from the semantic verb.

Examples:

As you can see, this tense does not have any complex grammatical rules.

Past Simple

Past Simple or simple past tense in English is used to express the same simple repeated actions, but only in the past. To form it, a verb in the second form is used. It comes in two types. If the verb is regular, then it is enough to add the ending –ed. If it is irregular, then you just need to memorize the second form, because each irregular verb has its own one. Compare:

In this case, the person performing the action does not affect the verb in any way, that is, for all persons the form of the verb is the same. Let's look at the use of this time using examples:

To form negative and interrogative sentences in this case, the auxiliary verb did is used. It takes over the function of the past tense determiner, so the semantic verb returns to its initial form:

Future Simple

Future Simple or simple future tense in English is used to express simple actions that will happen in the future. It has the auxiliary verb will in all three sentence forms:

	She will help you.	She will help you.
	I will explain you how to do this.	I will explain to you how to do it.
	They will share their main ideas.	They will share their main ideas.
	You will not (won’t) remember anything.	You won't remember anything.
	She won't be available because she'll turn off her phone.	She won't be available because she'll turn off her phone.
	They won't sign the documents.	They won't sign the documents.
	Will you be with me?	You will be with me?
	Will they like the description of the product?	Will they like the product description?
	Will he lie or not?	Will he lie or not?

Tenses in English: Continuous group

Continuous / Progressive (Long)		Present	Past	Future
	+	to be (1st form) + V-ing	to be (2nd form) + V-ing	will be + V-ing
	—	to be (1st form) + not + V-ing	to be (2nd form) + not + V-ing	will + not + be + V-ing
	?	to be (1st form) ... V-ing?	to be (2nd form) ... V-ing?	Will... be V-ing?

Present Continuous

Present Continuous (Present Progressive) or present continuous tense in English (also known as continuous tense in English) is a tense that shows that an action is ongoing, that is, in the process of being performed at a given moment in time. It is usually constructed using the auxiliary verb to be, which is expressed in three forms, depending on person and number:

Examples:

	I am typing him a message right now.	I'm typing a message to him right now.
	We are watching TV all day long.	We watch TV all day.
	They are translating the text at the moment.	They are currently translating the text.
	He is not (isn’t) reading now.	He's not reading now.
	Jim isn’t writing a new post.	Jim doesn't write a new post.
	I am not (‘m not) learning Turkish.	I don't study Turkish.
	Is she working here till summer?	Is she working here until the summer?
	Are you doing this on purpose, huh?	You're doing this on purpose, right?
	Are they studying the course at the moment?	Are they currently studying this course?

Past Continuous

(Past Progressive) or past continuous tense is used to show that some action lasted at a certain point in the past. Its formation also requires auxiliary and semantic verbs. The same verb to be acts as an auxiliary verb, but only in the past tense:

Pronouns	to be in the past tense
I	was
We	were

The semantic verb is formed in the same way as for the present continuous tense.

Examples:

	I was sleeping when he called me.	I was sleeping when he called me.
	She was cooking while I was reading a newspaper.	She was cooking while I was reading the newspaper.
	They were watching a cartoon when the electricity was suddenly cut off.	They were watching a cartoon when suddenly the lights went out.
	He was not (wasn’t) surfing the Internet at 8 in the evening.	He wasn't surfing the Internet at 8 p.m.
	They were not (weren’t) talking to each other when I came in.	They weren't talking to each other when I walked in.
	I wasn't analyzing the results.	I didn't analyze the results.
	Was she laughing during your presentation?	Did she laugh during your presentation?
	Were they training in the evening?	Did they train in the evening?
	Was she teaching her student at 3 p.m.?	Was she tutoring her student at 3pm?

Future Continuous

Accordingly, the Future Continuous (Future Progressive) or future continuous tense shows an action that will occur at a specific moment in the future. All 3 sentence forms in this tense require an auxiliary verb will be and a semantic verb ending in –ing:

	When I come back, they will be listening to music.	When I return, they will listen to music.
	I will be passing the exam this time tomorrow.	Tomorrow at this time I will be taking the exam.
	They will be rehearing here at 9 p.m.	They will be rehearsing here at 9 pm.
	Diana will not (won’t) be recording a song tonight.	Diana won't be recording the song tonight.
	Unfortunately, I will not be spending time with my friends during my vacations.	Unfortunately, I won't be spending time with my friends during my vacation.
	They will not be building a website this time on Monday.	They will not be developing the website at this time on Monday.
	Will they be chilling the whole day?	Will they chill out all day?
	Will she be washing the dishes when we go downstairs?	Will she be washing the dishes when we go downstairs?
	Will they be conducting a research?	Will they do the research?

Tenses in English: Perfect group

Perfect (Perfect)		Present	Past	Future
	+	have / has + V3	had + V3	will + have + V3
	—	have / has + not + V3	had + not + V3	will + not + have + V3
	?	Have/Has…V3?	Had...V3?	Will... have V3?

Present Perfect

Present Perfect or present perfect tense is a tense in English used to express actions that have completed by now. It differs from the simple past tense in that it places emphasis on the result in the present that caused an action in the past.

This tense form requires the auxiliary verb have, which changes to has for the third person. But with verbs used as semantic ones, not everything is so simple. They are answered by the past participles. The participle can be formed in two ways:

• If the verb is correct, then it is enough to add the ending –ed:

Example sentences:

	The son has broken the window with a ball.	My son broke a window with a ball.
	My children have already made the list of presents.	My children have already made a gift list.
	I have heard this story many times.	I've heard this story many times.
	I have not (haven't) hurt people ever.	I have never hurt people.
	She has not (hasn't) decided yet.	She hasn't made a decision yet.
	They haven't learned these formulas by heart; that’s why I’m sure they have written cheat sheets	They didn't memorize these formulas, so I'm sure they wrote spurs.
	Has she been to Europe?	Has she been to Europe?
	Have you ever watched an eclipse?	Have you ever watched an eclipse?
	Have they met him yet?	Have they already met him?

Past Perfect

Or the past perfect tense is used to show that some action took place before a specific moment in the past. It is formed using the auxiliary verb had and the same past participles:

	I had prepared a surprise for my children by 7 o’clock in the evening.	I have prepared a surprise for children by 7 pm.
	We had considered all suggestions by Friday.	We reviewed all proposals by Friday.
	I wanted to visit her but she had moved already.	I wanted to visit her, but she had already moved.
	She had not (hadn’t) spent too much time before she understood the concept.	It didn't take her long before she understood the concept.
	They hadn’t finished the construction by the deadline.	They didn't finish construction by the deadline.
	We hadn't published the magazine by Monday.	We had not published the magazine by Monday.
	Had she edited everything by the end of the day?	Did she edit everything before the end of the day?
	Had he learned the details carefully before he started doing the project?	Did he study all the details carefully before starting the project?
	Had she come back by Thursday?	Was she back by Thursday?

Future Perfect

Future Perfect or future perfect tense, as you might have guessed, shows that the action will be completed by a certain point in the future. To form this tense, in addition to the auxiliary verb have, you will need the verb will. The meaning is the past participle:

	I will have changed everything by this time.	By this time I will change everything.
	She will have been in the Maldives at 3 a.m.	She will be in the Maldives at 3 am.
	The builders will have built the stadium by next winter.	Builders will build the stadium by next winter.
	They will not (won’t) have spent much time on family until they understand its value.	They will not spend much time on family until they understand its value.
	She won’t have reached her goals until she starts working.	She won't achieve her goals until she starts working.
	I think George and Quincy won’t have made up before your birthday party.	I don't think George and Quincy will make up until your birthday.
	Will they have made it by March?	Will they do it by March?
	Will she have got his real intentions before they get married?	Will she understand his true intentions before they get married?

Tenses in English: Perfect Continuous group

Perfect (Perfect)		Present	Past	Future
	+	have / has + been + V-ing	had + been + V-ing	will + have + been + V-ing
	—	have / has + not + been + V-ing	had + not + been + V-ing	will + not + have + been + V-ing
	?	Have / Has … been + V-ing?	Had... been + V-ing?	Will … have + been + V-ing?

Present Perfect Continuous

Present Perfect Continuous or Present Perfect Continuous Tense is a tense used to show an action that began and lasted up to a certain moment or continues to last now.

It has auxiliary verbs have been, which change to has been for the third person. The semantic verb is the same verb that was used in Continuous tenses. Among all the English tenses of this group, the Present Perfect Continuous tense is the most commonly used:

	It has been raining all day long.	It rained all day.
	My friend has been persuading me to go with him for an hour.	My friend urges me to go with him for an hour.
	I'm tired because we have been creating a studio all night.	I'm tired because we've been creating the studio all night.
	She has not (hasn't) been learning French since she moved from Canada.	She hasn't studied French since she moved from Canada.
	Bryan hasn't been enjoying his weekends since his mother-in-law came to visit them.	Brian didn't enjoy the weekend because his mother-in-law came to visit.
	We haven't been sleeping all night.	We didn't sleep all night.
	How long have you been living here?	How long have you been living here?
	Have you been fighting again?	Did you fight again?
	Who has been touching my documents?!	Who touched my documents?!

Past Perfect Continuous

The Past Perfect Continuous or past perfect continuous tense is used in the same way as the Present Perfect Continuous, only in this case the action ends at a certain point in the past. Sentences are formed in this tense using the auxiliary verbs had been and the semantic verb ending in –ing. Since this form is not used very often and there are not many options for its use, let's look at just a few examples:

Future Perfect Continuous

Future Perfect Continuous or future perfect continuous tense implies a certain moment in the future. Time is used in very rare cases. It uses the auxiliary verbs will have been and the same semantic verb:

That's all. We hope that the explanation of the topic helped you, and the use of tenses in English is no longer a problem for you. Try to use all tense forms as often as possible when speaking, make up examples with them, do various exercises on English tenses and make translations.

To avoid having to constantly return to this article, redraw or create your own table of English tenses. It will be like a cheat sheet for you. Refer to it periodically, even if you have finished studying this topic, since repeating what you have covered will never do any harm. If you still have a little confusion with the tenses at first, with enough practice you will quickly understand how to use them. The main thing is that we deal with all the tenses step by step and do not move from one group to another until we have completely mastered the material.

Tenses in English are the main component of any course of study. I know from my own experience how difficult they can be for some people. But you can’t go anywhere without them.

There is a huge amount of literature on this topic, but this routine only confuses.

If you want to start learning English in order to know English or simply, for example, be able to compose questions or translate texts, then this article will be your assistant.

With the help of this article you will understand the difference in times, it will help you stop being confused about times, but the rules, forms of education - all this is easily accessible for independent study. After reading, you can also go deeper into studying this topic based on the principle.

So let's get started.

There are 4 tenses in English:
Simple.
Long lasting.
Completed.
Long-term completed.

Each time is divided into:
The present
Past
Future
It’s simple, tenses are divided according to the same system in the Russian language. Now I will briefly describe each of the times and its distinctive properties and how to easily and quickly distinguish it from others.

1) Simple

This is the easiest time. The easiest.

Meaning- statement of fact. Denotes a regular, usual, natural action. Facts, truths. This time does NOT have a specific point in time.

In general, if you just say it, it shows a normal action, someone did something, someone knows something, etc. or just a fact. The same action that, for example, a person does every morning, or every day, or what a person did yesterday.
If the sentence contains the words - everyday, usually, never, at first, then, after, in the morning, in the evening, tomorrow, next week, next month, often, soon - then most likely this is a simple tense. You can distinguish by the presence in a sentence of auxiliary verbs in negative and interrogative sentences: do, does, did, didn"t, don"t, will, shall, will not, shall not. Remember - regularity, fact, ordinary action.

The present- the person is doing this now, or he is doing this every day (talking every day, or reading a book, writing a letter, etc.).
Past- an action that happened or happened in the past. Well, or a fact from the past (wrote a letter yesterday, worked every day, worked from 90 to 95, went shopping in the evening).
Future- an action or a series of actions that will happen in the future, predictions, forecasts (I will work tomorrow, I will write a letter, I will study foreign language every day, I will do an essay soon).

2) Long-term

Process is the main meaning of time. Shows that an action is being done, has been done or will be done certain time. Did, but didn't. If the sentence contains the words - now, at the moment, at, when, while, at 20 o"clock, tomorrow - then most likely it is a long time. You can distinguish it by the ing ending of the verbs. Auxiliary verbs - was, were , was not, were not, am, will be, shall be. Remember - it shows that time was spent on the action.

The present- an action that a person does right now, he actually does it and wastes his time, and this is exactly what is shown in the sentence (Working now, writing a letter at the moment, going home now).
Past- an action that occurred at some specific moment in the past, or that was done at the moment when another action occurred. (I was writing a letter at 7 pm; he was writing a letter when I entered the room, he had been sleeping for 4 hours).
Future- an action that will take place at a certain moment in the future (I will write a letter at 7 pm, I will dig the earth tomorrow from 7 to 9 am).

3)Completed

The result is the main meaning of time. Shows that the action is completed, is there a result! If a sentence contains the words - twice, lately, recently, several times, yet, already, never, just, ever - then this is most likely a completed tense. You can distinguish them by the auxiliary verbs - had, has, have, shall have, will have.

Remember - there is a result here, the action here has completed or will end, and this is either way.

The present- an action that took place in the past, but has the most direct connection with the present. Example: he has already written a letter. Let me explain: he did this in the past, but the result applies specifically to the present. Example: I just lost my key. Let me explain: what he lost was in the past, but he is talking about it now.
Past- an action that completed before a certain point in time in the past (I wrote a letter by 7 o’clock).
Future- an action that will be completed by some specific moment in the future (I will write a letter by 7 o’clock).

4) Completed - long

Here I recommend independent study. This tense is not used in colloquial speech, and it is better to come to the study of this tense after studying the above written tenses. Don't worry about it, work out the previous tenses!

So, to summarize:

Simple tense is a statement of fact.
It's a long process.
Completed is the result.
Practice makes perfect. Do simple tasks, guided by this article, and soon you will be able to easily distinguish one time from another. Improve yourself! Good luck!