Reviewing Verb Tenses

Verb tense expresses the time of an event or action. Time and how it is expressed in writing is very important to English readers.

Verb Tense Review

The Importance of Time

In English, there are three basic tenses: present, past, and future. Each has a perfect form, indicating completed action; each has a progressive form, indicating on going action; and each has a perfect progressive form, indicating on going action that will be completed at some definite time. Here is a list of examples of these tenses and their definitions:

Simple Forms Progressive Forms

Perfect Forms Perfect Progressive Forms

Present take/s am/is/are taking have/has taken have/has been taking

Past took was/were taking had taken had been taking

Future will/shall take will be taking will have taken will have been taking

Simple Forms

Example Meaning

The mountains are tall and white. Unchanging action

Every year, the school council elects new members. Recurring action

Pb is the chemical symbol for lead. Widespread truth

Present TensePresent tense expresses an unchanging, repeated, or reoccurring action or situation that exists only now. It can also represent a widespread truth. Adverbs of frequency such as, often, seldom, sometimes, never, etc. are used with this tense

Example Form

W.W.II ended in 1945. Regular -ed past

Ernest Hemmingway wrote "The Old Man and the Sea." Irregular form

Past TensePast tense expresses an action or situation that was started and finished in the past. Most past tense verbs end in -ed. The irregular verbs have special past tense forms which must be memorized.

Future TenseFuture tense expresses an action or situation that will occur in the future. This tense is formed by using will/shall with the simple form of the verb.

The speaker of the House will finish her term in May of 1998.

The future tense can also be expressed by using am, is, or are with going to.The surgeon is going to perform the first bypass in Minnesota.

We can also use the present tense form with an adverb or adverbial phrase to show future time.

The president speaks tomorrow. (Tomorrow is a future time adverb.)

Past, Present, and Future Tense VerbsDraw a circle around the action verb in each sentence. On the line, tellwhether the verb is past tense, present tense, or future tense.1. Daniel will choose a baseball bat. _____________________________2. He steps up to the plate. _____________________________3. The pitcher tossed the ball. _____________________________4. Daniel will swing hard. _____________________________5. The ball struck the bat. _____________________________6. The ball flies through the air. _____________________________7. It landed over the fence. _____________________________8. Daniel will run around the bases. _____________________________9. The crowd screams loudly. _____________________________10. He will slide into home plate. _____________________________11. Daniel's teammates cheered. _____________________________12. Daniel smiled proudly. ______________________

ANSWER KEY

1. Daniel will choose a baseball bat. future tense2. He steps up to the plate. present tense3. The pitcher tossed the ball. past tense4. Daniel will swing hard. future tense5. The ball struck the bat. past tense6. The ball flies through the air. present tense7. It landed over the fence. past tense8. Daniel will run around the bases. future tense9. The crowd screams loudly. present tense10. He will slide into home plate. future tense11. Daniel's teammates cheered. past tense12. Daniel smiled proudly. past tense

Progressive Forms

Present Progressive TensePresent progressive tense describes an on going action that is happening at the same time the statement is written. This tense is formed by using am/is/are with the verb form ending in -ing.

The sociologist is examining the effects that racial discrimination has on society.Past Progressive TensePast progressive tense describes a past action which was happening when another action occurred. This tense is formed by using was/were with the verb form ending in -ing.

The explorer was explaining the latest discovery in Egypt when protests began on the streets.Future Progressive TenseFuture progressive tense describes an on going or continuous action that will take place in the future. This tense is formed by using will be or shall be with the verb form ending in -ing.

Dr. Jones will be presenting ongoing research on sexist language next week.

Present Progressive ExercisePut in the verb in brackets into the gaps and form affirmative sentences. Use the long form of the auxiliary.

Example: Jane __________ a magazine. (to read)

Answer: Jane is reading a magazine.

1) Alexander _______________ a film. (to watch)2) We ________________  a computer game. (to play)3) The dog ______________ at the cat. (to bark)4) Peter  _______________ his rabbits. (to feed)5) Philipp and Johnny _______________ a song. (to sing)6) Mary ________________ her hair. (to wash)7) I _________________ to Doris. (to talk)8) Peggy  ________________ a picture. (to draw)9) Henry and his sister  __________________ their mother. (to help)10) You __________________ the poem by heart. (to learn)

Answer1) Alexander is watching a film.

2) We are playing a computer game.

3) The dog is barking at the cat.

4) Peter is feeding his rabbits.

5) Philipp and Johnny are singing a song.

6) Mary is washing her hair.

7) I am talking to Doris.

8) Peggy is drawing a picture.

9) Henry and his sister are helping their mother.

10) You are learning the poem by heart.

Past Progressive ExerciseWrite the correct verb form into the gap. Use the Past Progressive.

Example: ___ she ______ a book? (to read)

Answer: Was she reading a book?

1) _______ Ashley _____________  on the computer? (to work)2) _______ they ______________ the bike? (to repair)3) _______ Melissa ____________  out a book? (to take)4) _______you _________  to music? (to listen)5) _______ Nicolas __________  at a picture? (to look)6) _______  Emma___________ and Bertha  their friend? (to phone)7) _______ the girl __________  the window? (to open)8)  _______he  _______ judo? (to do)9)  _______the friends __________ home from school?(to come)10) _______  Tyler __________  with the cooking? (to help)

Answer

1) Was Ashley working on the computer?

2) Were they repairing the bike?

3) Was Melissa taking out a book?

4) Were you listening to music?

5) Was Nicolas looking at a picture?

6) Were Emma and Bertha phoning their friend?

7) Was the girl opening the window?

8) Was he doing judo?

9) Were the friends coming home from school?

10) Was Tyler helping with the cooking?

Future Progressive ExerciseUsing the words in parentheses, complete the text below with the appropriate tenses.1. Sandra: Where is Tim going to meet us? Marcus: He (wait) __________for us when our train arrives. I am sure he (stand) __________ on the platform when we pull into the station. Sandra: And then what? Marcus: We (pick) __________ Michele up at work and go out to dinner. 2. Ted: When we get to the party, Jerry (watch) ________ TV, Sam (make) _______ drinks, Beth (dance) ________by herself, and Thad (complain) _________ about his day at work. Robin: Maybe, this time they won't be doing the same things. Ted: I am absolutely positive they (do) ___________ the same things; they always do the same things. 3. Florence: Oh, look at that mountain of dirty dishes! Who (wash) ____________ all of those? Jack: I promise I (do) __________ them when I get home from work. Florence: Thanks. Jack: When you get home this evening, that mountain will be gone and nice stacks of sparkling clean dishes (sit)_______ in the cabinets. 4. Doug: If you need to contact me next week, I (stay) ___________ at the Hoffman Hotel. Nancy: I (call) __________you if there are any problems. Doug: This is the first time I have ever been away from the kids. Nancy: Don't worry, they (be) _______________ fine. 5. Samantha: Just think, next week at this time, I (lie) _____________ on a tropical beach in Maui drinking Mai Tais and eating pineapple. Darren: While you are luxuriating on the beach, I (stress) ______________ out over this marketing project. How are you going to enjoy yourself knowing that I am working so hard? Samantha: I 'll manage somehow. Darren: You're terrible. Can't you take me with you? Samantha: No. But I (send) ______________you a postcard of a beautiful, white sand beach. Darren: Great, that (make) _______________ me feel much better.

Answer1. Sandra: Where is Tim going to meet us? Marcus: He (wait) will be waiting for us when our train arrives. I am sure he (stand) will be standing on the platform when we pull into the station. Sandra: And then what? Marcus: We (pick) are going to pick Michele up at work and go out to dinner.

2. Ted: When we get to the party, Jerry (watch) will be watching TV, Sam (make) will be making drinks, Beth (dance) will be dancing by herself, and Thad (complain) will be complaining about his day at work. Robin: Maybe, this time they won't be doing the same things. Ted: I am absolutely positive they (do) will be doing the same things; they always do the same things.

3. Florence: Oh, look at that mountain of dirty dishes! Who (wash) is going to wash all of those? Jack: I promise I (do) will do them when I get home from work. Florence: Thanks. Jack: When you get home this evening, that mountain will be gone and nice stacks of sparkling clean dishes (sit) will be sitting in the cabinets.

4. Doug: If you need to contact me next week, I (stay) will be staying at the Hoffman Hotel. Nancy: I (call) will call you if there are any problems. Doug: This is the first time I have ever been away from the kids. Nancy: Don't worry, they (be) will be be fine.

5. Samantha: Just think, next week at this time, I (lie) will be lying on a tropical beach in Maui drinking Mai Tais and eating pineapple. Darren: While you are luxuriating on the beach, I (stress) will be stressing out over this marketing project. How are you going to enjoy yourself knowing that I am working so hard? Samantha: I 'll manage somehow. Darren: You're terrible. Can't you take me with you? Samantha: No. But I (send) will send you a postcard of a beautiful, white sand beach. Darren: Great, that (make) will make me feel much better.

Perfect Forms

Example Meaning

The researchers have travelled to many countries in order to collect more significant data. At an indefinite time

Women have voted in presidential elections since 1921. Continues in the present

Present Perfect TensePresent perfect tense describes an action that happened at an indefinite time in the past or that began in the past and continues in the present. This tense is formed by using has/have with the past participle of the verb. Most past participles end in -ed. Irregular verbs have special past participles that must be memorized.

Past Perfect TensePast perfect tense describes an action that took place in the past before another past action. This tense is formed by using had with the past participle of the verb.

By the time the troops arrived, the war had ended.Future Perfect TenseFuture perfect tense describes an action that will occur in the future before some other action. This tense is formed by using will have with the past participle of the verb.

By the time the troops arrive, the combat group will have spent several weeks waiting.

Perfect Tense Verb PhrasesUnderline the perfect tense verb phrase in each sentence.( 1 ) Logan had painted only part of his sculpture when class ended.( 2 ) Brianna has kept our secret for years.( 3 ) Jordan will have received his car back by Wednesday.( 4 ) Eric has called to tell us about his doctor’s appointment.( 5 ) The children were tired today because they had stayed up late last night.( 6 ) An incredible idea has entered my head.( 7 ) The apartment’s new occupants have moved in.( 8 ) The town had prospered until the steel mill shut down.( 9 ) The fundraiser has been a great success so far.(10) Timothy has ignored the advice I gave him.(11) When I reached home I had forgotten your phone number.(12) They had not closed the schools before the big snowstorm arrived.(13) I will have cleaned everything by the time my friends arrive.(14) In five minutes, Abigail will have completed the first lap of the race.(15) I have used a cash register before.

Answer( 1 ) Logan had painted only part of his sculpture when class ended.( 2 ) Brianna has kept our secret for years.( 3 ) Jordan will have received his car back by Wednesday.( 4 ) Eric has called to tell us about his doctor’s appointment.( 5 ) The children were tired today because they had stayed up late last night.( 6 ) An incredible idea has entered my head.( 7 ) The apartment’s new occupants have moved in.( 8 ) The town had prospered until the steel mill shut down.( 9 ) The fundraiser has been a great success so far.(10) Timothy has ignored the advice I gave him.(11) When I reached home I had forgotten your phone number.(12) They had not closed the schools before the big snowstorm arrived.(13) I will have cleaned everything by the time my friends arrive.(14) In five minutes, Abigail will have completed the first lap of the race.(15) I have used a cash register before.

Perfect Progressive Forms

Present Perfect ProgressivePresent perfect progressive tense describes an action that began in the past, continues in the present, and may continue into the future. This tense is formed by using has/have been and the present participleof the verb (the verb form ending in -ing).

The CEO has been considering a transfer to the state of Texas where profits would be larger.Past Perfect Progressive

Past perfect progressive tense describes a past, ongoing action that was completed before some other past action. This tense is formed by using had been and the present perfect of the verb (the verb form ending in -ing).

Before the budget cuts, the students had been participating in many extracurricular activities.Future Perfect Progressive

Future perfect progressive tense describes a future, ongoing action that will occur before some specified future time. This tense is formed by using will have been and the present participle of the verb (the verb form ending in -ing).

By the year 2020, linguists will have been studying and defining the Indo-European language family for more than 200 years.

Progressive FormFill in the correct form of the verb – All tenses1. They ___________________ in Chicago for 20 years (be).2. I ___________________ a wonderful film in the cinema last night. (see)3. The sun ___________________ at 6:38 yesterday morning (rise)4. The sun ___________________ when the climber reached Mount Everest. (shine)5. I promise that I ___________________ this secret to anyone (not tell)6. Unfortunately, just as we got to the airport their plane ___________________ off (take).7. They ___________________ to the movies only once in a while (go)8. I was tired yesterday because I ___________________ well the night before (not sleep).9. Sh! Someone ___________________ to our conversation (listen)!10. When I left the house this morning, it ___________________ (already rain)11. I think Bob ___________________ for London this very moment.(leave)12. The plane ___________________ off in a few minutes. (take)13. I ___________________ up at 7 every morning but this morning I ___________________ long and I___________________ up until 8. (get, sleep, not get)14. I ________________________ my watch because it is being fixed (not wear).15. This ___________________ an easy quiz so far (be).16. They ___________________ in an apartment right now because they can’t find a cheap house.(live)17. Everyone ___________________ when the earthquake hit the small town. (sleep)18. He _________________________ by herself since her divorce (live)19. I was angry that I ___________________ such a stupid mistake (make).20. I predict that by 2020, man __________________________ on Mars (land)21. He ___________________ his job a couple of years ago. (quit)22. Our daughter __________________________ from the university yet (gradate).23. They ___________________ any Christmas cards last year (not send)24. She ___________________ to a doctor once a year for an examination (go)25. They ___________________ about me when I interrupted their conversation. (talk)26. Nothing much ______________________ when I got to the meeting (happen).27. My parents ___________________ in New York two weeks from today (be).28. I ___________________ two mistakes in the last quiz. (make)29. Unfortunately, our team ___________________ any games last year. (not win)

AnswerFill in the correct form of the verb – All tenses1. They have been in Chicago for 20 years (be).2. I saw a wonderful film in the cinema last night. (see)3. The sun rose at 6:38 yesterday morning (rise)4. The sun was shining when the climber reached Mount Everest. (shine)5. I promise that I will not tell this secret to anyone (not tell)6. Unfortunately, just as we got to the airport their plane was taking off (take).7. They go to the movies only once in a while (go)8. I was tired yesterday because I had not slept well the night before (not sleep).9. Sh! Someone is listening to our conversation (listen)!10. When I left the house this morning, it was already raining (already rain)11. I think Bob is leaving for London this very moment.(leave)12. The plane will be taking/ will take off in a few minutes. (take)13. I get up at 7 every morning but this morning I slept long and I didn’t get up until 8. (get, sleep, notget)14. I am not wearing my watch because it is being fixed (not wear).15. This has been an easy quiz so far (be).16. They are living in an apartment right now because they can’t find a cheap house. (live)17. Everyone was sleeping when the earthquake hit the small town. (sleep)18. He has been living by herself since her divorce (live)19. I was angry that I had made such a stupid mistake20. I predict that by 2020, man will have landed on Mars (land)21. He quit his job a couple of years ago. (quit)22. Our daughter has not graduated from the university yet (gradate).23. They didn’t send any Christmas cards last year (not send)24. She goes to a doctor once a year for an examination (go)25. They were talking about me when I interrupted their conversation. (talk)26. Nothing much was happening when I got to the meeting (happen).27. My parents will be in New York two weeks from today (be).28. I made two mistakes in the last quiz. (make)29. Unfortunately, our team didn’t win any games