Simple PresentHabitual actions

I always get up early.General statements of fact

The sun rises in the east.

Other examples?

Non-Action VerbsState of being/non-action verbs

I know you are right.He is from France.

Other examples?I think he’s smart.

I’m thinking of leaving early.

He has lots of money. Are you having fun?

Present ProgressiveAction in progress

We are discussing verb tenses.

The sun is shining today.

Are you listening to me?Other examples?

Simple PastAction begun and ended in past

You worked hard on your presentation.

We had a test last week.

Examples?

Past ProgressivePast action in progress, often

interrupted by another action

I was talking when Andy walked in.

The fire alarm went off while we were having class.

Examples?

Present Perfect• Past action at an unspecified time

I have been to Paris.

I have studied Norwegian.• Repeated past action, unspecified time

I have gone to the movies many times.• Action begun in the past continuing in the present

I have taught at JCCC for nine years.

I have taught here since 2002.

Past Perfect2 past actions, one completed before the other

Class had started when Yoon arrived.I had already eaten when he invited me to lunch.I ate breakfast before I came to school.I got up, brushed my teeth, ate breakfast and left the house.

Examples?

Present Perfect ProgressiveStresses length of time of an action:

You have been studying English for five years.

We have been sitting in class since 2:00.Present progressive:

Action in progress, no stress on duration

We are sitting in class now.Present perfect, Less emphasis on duration of

action: I have studied French since 2003.

Past Perfect ProgressiveAction in progress in the past, stress on duration of action

He had been working at Ford for ten years when he was suddenly fired.

The family had been living in Jefferson for many years when they had to move to Carroll.

The family had lived in Jefferson for many years when they moved to Carroll.

Examples?

FutureWill + base form

Prediction: It will rain this weekend.

In the moment: I need help. I’ll help!Be going to + base form

Prediction: It is going to rain tonight.

Planned action: I’m going to sew tonight.Present progressive

We’re having a test on Tuesday.Present: The train leaves at 6:00.

Other Future TensesFuture progressive – action in progress at some point in the

future

You will be taking quizzes every Thursday.Future perfect – action completed at some point in the future

You will have finished all ESL classes by next spring.Future perfect progressive - Action in progress at some point

in the future, emphasis on duration of the action in progress

I will have been teaching for twelve years next spring.