SUMMARY OF VERB TENSES

INTERMEDIATE (B1) LEVEL

This is a summary showing verb conjugations in English.

For each verb tense you will find the following information
• the affirmative verb form
• most common uses
• some example phrases
 A. PRESENT TIME

Present simple
FORM USES EXAMPLES

The verb ‘to be’ : 1. habitual actions I walk to school every day.
I am ; You are ; S/he/it is She goes to school by bus.
We /You (plural), they are

For other verbs : use infinitive 2. general truths / state The earth is round. (general truth)
form of the verb, except for We are a happy family (state)
third-person singular when you
add –s or –es.

Present continuous
FORM USES EXAMPLES

Present tense of the verb ‘to Refers to the temporary present The children are playing in the
be’ + gerund (-ing) form of i.e. actions happening now/at garden.
verb. the moment
James is studying for an exam.

FORM
For regular verbs - add -ed
For irregular verbs - refer to
verb table
FORM
Past tense of the verb ‘to be’ +
gerund (-ing) form of verb.
FORM
Present tense of the verb ‘to
have’ + past participle.
B. PAST TIME
Past simple
USES
To refer to finished actions in
the past
Past continuous
USES
To refer to activities in
progress at a specific moment
or period of time in the past
Present perfect simple
USES
For a period of time leading up
to the present or for recent past
time
This tense is used with
expressions which refer to ‘any
time up to now’ (e.g. ever,
never, recently, often, just,
already, yet.) and finished
actions that are important
now.
EXAMPLES
I worked at home yesterday.
Mary went to London last
year.
I spoke to Mr Jones before the
meeting
EXAMPLES
Peter and his wife were
working in France this time
last year.
I was travelling to work when
I heard the news.
EXAMPLES
The group have made five
since they formed ten years
ago..
I have never been to Australia
Sally has just finished her
degree course
Frank can’t play soccer this
season because he has broken
his leg.
 Present perfect continuous
FORM USES EXAMPLES

has/ have been + gerund (-ing) To refer to activities which I have been painting my son’s
form of verb. started in the past and are still bedroom all morning – I hope
in progress. to finish it tomorrow.

For activities in the past which John has been attending

have recently finished and the lectures regularly.
results/effects are clear in the
present. We have been driving slowly
and now we are late.

Past perfect
FORM USES EXAMPLES

had + past participle When you are already talking I missed the train –it had left
about the past when you want two minutes before when I
to refer to an earlier past. arrived at the station.

He had a coffee when he had

finished his lunch.

Jane collected her daughter

from school when she had
done the shopping.

FORM
Will + infinitive form of verb
(without ‘to’)
FORM
Present tense of the verb ‘to
be’ + going to + infinitive form
of verb
FORM
Present tense of the verb ‘to
be’ + gerund (-ing) form of
verb.
FORM
The verb ‘to be’ :
I am ; You are ; S/he/it is
We /You (plural), they are
For other verbs : use infinitive
form of the verb, except for
third-person singular when you
add –s or –es.
C. FUTURE TIME
Will
USES
For making predictions .
For stating something in the
future you are sure of.
Be going to
USES
For expressing plans,
predictions and firm intentions.
This form usually indicates the
future as a fulfilment of the
present i.e. the future resulting
from a present situation.
Present continuous
USES
For talking about personal
arrangements or fixed plans,
usually in the near future.
(n.b. a time , date and/or
location is given to make clear
you are not talking about the
present momenrt)
Present simple
USES
The present simple is used The concert starts at 10.00pm
to talk about the future The train leaves at 2.15pm
when referring to Simon arrives home tomorrow.
timetables, routines and
schedules
EXAMPLES
United will win the match.
You will never finish that
book.
EXAMPLES
David is going to see his best
friend for lunch.
I feel ill, I’m going to lie
down.
Look at those black clouds –
it’s going to rain.
Both Mark and Maria are
going to be doctors when they
grow up.
EXAMPLES
My husband is playing tennis
at 5 o’clock.
We’re inviting lots of people
to the party.
Susan is flying to Prague on
Thursday.
EXAMPLES