This document provides examples and explanations of different English verb tenses including: - Present simple for facts, habitual actions, and plot summaries - Present continuous for actions still in progress and repeated temporary events - Past simple for finished past events and past habits - Past continuous for actions still in progress in the past and interrupted events - Future with "will" for predictions and "to be going to" for predicted future events It concludes that understanding the rules for each tense makes applying English verb tenses straightforward.

1. English tenses are easy…

2. Present simple Facts which are always true Habitual actions Plot summaries and historical tables

3. Present continuous Actions which are still in progress Habits over a period of time A repeated temporary event An annoying habit

4. Let’s practise! I can’t talk now. I _________ (cook) the dinner Who _________ (drive) that Mercedes that’s parked outside? Harry _________ (look) very untidy. He _________ (wear) dirty jeans all the time! There’s nobody here. What (we do) _________ now? I _________ (do) my homework every day. They _________ (win), but the game is not over. I (still have) _________ a pain in my leg but it (get) _________ better.

5. Past simple To describe finished events in the past To contrast an action still in progress To describe habits or states in the past

6. Past continuous To describe actions still in progress For background description To describe actions in the past which are interrupted by a sudden event. To describe repeated actions in the past, often an annoying habit.

7. Let’s practise! While i (try) _________ to get my car started, a passing car (stop) _________ Mary (not wear) _________ her glasses at the time, so she (not notice) _________ what kind of car the man (drive) _________ We (not go) _________ out yesterday because it (rain) _________. I (phone) _________ you last night but you (not answer) _________. What (you do) _________? Tony (admit) _________ that he (hit) the other car.

8. Future with ‘will’ To make predictions

9. Future with ‘to be going to’ To describe a predicted event in the future.

10. Let’s practise! What (you buy) _________ with the money you won in the lottery? I don’t think you (have) _________ any problems at the airport. (you take) _________ your dog with you?? What time (your plane leave) _________? Leave the car here. Maybe the police (not notice) _________. George (not be) _________ until six. Can I take a message?

11. Conclusion Verb tenses are very easy ! We just need to know the rules