English Tenses – Examples
Explanation
action that takes place once,
never or several times
actions that happen one after
another
state
action going on at that moment He was playing football.
actions taking place at the same He was playing football and she He is playing football and she He will be playing football and
time
action taking place before a
certain moment in time;
emphasises the result
action taking place before a
certain moment in time (and
beyond), emphasises the
duration
Past Present Future
Simple Past Simple Present Future I Simple
He played football every He plays football every He will / is going to play
Tuesday. Tuesday. football every Tuesday.
He played football and then he He plays football and then he He will play football and then
went home. goes home. he will go home.
He loved football. He loves football. He will love football.
Past Progressive Present Progressive Future I Progressive
He is playing football. He will be playing football.
was watching. is watching. she will be watching.
Past Perfect Simple Present Perfect Simple Future II Simple
He had won five matches until He will have won five matches
He has won five matches so far.
that day. by then.
Past Perfect Progressive Present Perfect Progressive Future II Progressive
He had been playing football He has been playing football He will have been playing
for ten years. for ten years. football for ten years.