A1-A2 VERB TENSES

VERB TENSES + USE + EXAMPLE

PRESENT SIMPLE
facts/permanent situations water boils at 100º degrees
thoughts/feelings i think nyc is exciting
regular activities/ habits David goes to work by bus
verbs that don't use -ing we usually start at 8 o'clock
I don't agree with you
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
actions happening now the taxi's waiting
temporary situations my computer isn't working

PAST SIMPLE
finished actions in the past
repeated actions in the past
a series of past actions
past situations
I went to the dentist yesterday
she phoned her parents everyday
we arrived at the airport and then took
a taxi to the hotel
did men have have long in 1960's?

PAST CONTINUOUS
an action at and around a time i was watching tv last at nine o' clock
in the past yesterday
temporary situation in the she was living in paris when she had
past her first baby
a scene in the past
an action you did until the sun was shining when we arrived
something interrupted you i was watching tv when the phone
rang
 PRESENT PERFECT
actions and experiences in
our lives until now
with superlative adjectives
a recent action with present
results
giving news
+ just, already, yet, for, since
+ this morning, this week
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
continuing actions or
situations until now
to explain a present
situation
FUTURE: will
things we think will happen.
certain future.
immediate decisions
offers/promises and warnings.
my mother will be fifty in march
You should go to the gym-you'll enjoy
it
im tired. i think i'll go to bed now
FUTURE with present continuous
future arrangements
i'm giving a talk at the meeting on
wednesday
My PARENTS HAVE VISITED AUSTRIA
ONCE
THIS IS THE WORST FOOD I'VE EVER HAD
I'VE BROKEN MY LEG SO I CAN'T PLAY
FOOTBALL
THE TRAIN HAS JUST ARRIVED
he's already got off
i've know sami for 30 years
I'VE WORKED FORTY HOURS THIS WEEK
I'VE BEEN TRAINING FOR SIX
MONTHS
we've been waiting for hours!
i'm HOT BECAUSE I'VE BEEN
RUNNING
FUTURE: going to
future plans
things we expect to happen
(because of something in the
present)
what are you going to do this evening?
i'm in a traffic jam so i'm going to be
late.
FUTURE with PRESENT SIMPLE
future event on timetables
and programmes
The train leaves to london at 9.45 and
arrives at bristol at 12.45