ELU: Using Tenses Correctly (22 March 2023)

Overview - Tenses & Their Functions

Time Tense Function Example

Present Simple States a recurring action/event, or timeless habits or facts She writes a lot of letters for her department.
To show an
action/event Present Perfect Describes an action/event that began in the past and is She has written several letters already, but she still has a
happening expected to continue; Emphasizes the relevance of a past few more to go.
in the action/event to the present moment She has written the letter. (so we can send it off now)
present time
Present Indicates a currently ongoing (usually temporary) action She is writing a letter to the Client.
Progressive
Present Perfect Describes an event/action started in the past and continues She has been writing the important submission letter the
Progressive up to the present moment; Usually emphasizes duration an whole night.
action/ event has been taking place

Past Simple States an action/event completed in the past She wrote the letters to the Client yesterday.
To show an
action/event Past Perfect Indicates the first of two sequential action/event in the past She had written the letter before she went for a meeting.
happening
in the Past Progressive Describes an ongoing past action/event, often in relation to She was writing the letter when the blackout happened.
past time the occurrence of another action/event
Past Perfect Indicates an action/event that began, continued, and ended She had been writing the important submission letter all
Progressive in the past, emphasising its relevance to a past moment night, and she needed to get some sleep.

Future Simple Describes an action/event to be completed in the future She will write the letter on behalf of her boss later.
To show an
action/event Future Perfect States an action/event that will be completed between now She will have written many letters for her department by
happening and a specific point in the future the end of this week.
in the
future time Future Indicate a future action/event that is expected to continue She will be writing a lot of letters for her department next
Progressive over a period of time week.
Future Perfect Describe an action/event that will continue up to a point in She will have been writing the letters for a few days
Progressive the future, emphasising its expected duration before she sends them off.