By: Wajid K Afridi

All Verb Tenses And their Usage.

The SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE is versatile and has various usages in English. Here are its primary uses
with definitions and examples:

1.Habitual Actions:

- **Definition:** Describes actions that happen regularly or habits.

- **Example:** She walks to work every day.

2.General Truths or Facts:

- **Definition:** States information that is always true.

- **Example:** The Earth orbits the sun.

3.Scheduled Events:

- **Definition:** Indicates future events on a timetable or schedule.

- **Example:** The train departs at 3 PM tomorrow.

4.Narration in Present Simple:

- **Definition:** Used in storytelling, jokes, and commentary.

- **Example:** So, the cat says to the dog...

5. Instructions and Recipes:

- **Definition:** Provides step-by-step instructions or recipes.

- **Example:** First, mix the ingredients together.

6. Expressions of Time:

- **Definition:** Used with adverbs of frequency or time to describe how often something happens.
 - **Example:** I always go to the gym in the morning.

7. State Verbs (Non-Continuous Actions):

- **Definition:** Describes a state rather than an action, often related to senses or feelings.

- **Example:** I understand the concept.

8. Headlines and Titles:

- **Definition:** Commonly used in headlines and titles for brevity.

- **Example:** "New Study Confirms Benefits of Exercise."

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The PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE is used to describe actions that are happening at the moment of
speaking or actions that are ongoing. Here are its primary uses with definitions and examples:

1. Actions in Progress Now:

- **Definition:** Describes actions that are happening at the moment of speaking.

- **Example:** I am typing a message right now.

2. Temporary Actions:

- **Definition:** Describes temporary actions or situations that are ongoing.

- **Example:** She is staying with us for a few days.

3. Future Plans or Arrangements:

- **Definition:** Describes future plans or arrangements, often with a time marker.

- **Example:** I am meeting friends for lunch tomorrow.

4. Expressing Annoyance or Complaints:

- **Definition:** Used to express annoyance or complaints about recurring actions.

 - **Example:** She is always interrupting me.

5. Changes Happening Now:

- **Definition:** Describes changes or developments that are occurring at the moment.

- **Example:** The weather is getting warmer.

6. Repeated Annoying Habits:

- **Definition:** Describes annoying habits or actions that happen repeatedly.

- **Example:** He is always leaving his dirty dishes in the sink.

7. Expressions of Ongoing Plans:

- **Definition:** Describes ongoing plans or actions that are part of a person's routine.

- **Example:** She is studying for her exams this week.

8. Descriptions of Surroundings or Atmosphere:

- **Definition:** Describes the current surroundings or atmosphere.

- **Example:** The children are playing in the park.

9. Ongoing Processes or Trends:

- **Definition:** Describes ongoing processes or trends that are happening over a period.

- **Example:** House prices are rising steadily.

10. Expressions of Irritation:

- **Definition:** Used to express irritation or dissatisfaction with a present action.

- **Example:** Why are you always complaining?

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The PRESENT PERFECT TENSE is used to indicate actions that started in the past and have a
connection to the present. Here are its main usages:

1. Completed Actions with Relevance to the Present:

- *Definition:* Used for actions that occurred at an indefinite time in the past but have a connection
to the present.

- *Example:* "I have finished my homework."

2. Unfinished Actions Started in the Past:

- *Definition:* Expresses actions that began in the past and continue into the present.

- *Example:* "She has lived in this city for five years."

3. Multiple Actions at Different Times:

- *Definition:* Indicates an experience that has happened at various points in the past.

- *Example:* "I have visited Europe, Asia, and Africa."

4. Changes Over Time:

- *Definition:* Used to discuss changes or developments over a period leading up to the present.

- *Example:* "The climate has become warmer over the years."

5. Actions That Have Recently Occurred:

- *Definition:* Describes actions completed very recently or in the immediate past.

- *Example:* "I have just finished reading that book."

6. With Indefinite Time Expressions:

- *Definition:* Often used with time expressions like "since," "for," "yet," and "already."

- *Example:* "They have been friends since childhood."

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The PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS tense is used to convey the duration of an action that began in
the past, continues into the present, and may or may not be ongoing. Here are its primary usages:

1. Actions Started in the Past and Still Continuing:

- *Definition:* Indicates an action that started in the past and is still ongoing in the present.

- *Example:* "She has been studying for three hours."

2. Emphasizing Duration:

- *Definition:* Stresses the length of time an action has been happening.

- *Example:* "They have been working on the project all night."

3. Temporary Actions with a Result:

- *Definition:* Used for actions that have been happening for a temporary period, leading to a
noticeable result.

- *Example:* "I have been cleaning the house, and now it looks great."

4. Repetitive Actions:

- *Definition:* Expresses actions that have been happening repeatedly over a period.

- *Example:* "He has been jogging every morning for a month."

5. Expressing Annoyance or Complaint:

- *Definition:* Can be used to express irritation about a repeated or ongoing action.

- *Example:* "They have been making noise all day."

6. Actions Leading Up to the Present:

- *Definition:* Describes actions that have been ongoing and have a direct impact on the present.

- *Example:* "I am out of breath because I have been running."

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The SIMPLE PAST tense is used to describe actions or events that happened at a specific point in the
past. Here are its main usages:

1. Completed Actions in the Past:

- *Definition:* Describes actions that occurred and were completed at a specific time in the past.

- *Example:* "She finished her work before lunch."

2. Series of Completed Actions:

- *Definition:* Narrates a sequence of completed actions in the past.

- *Example:* "He woke up, had breakfast, and left for work."

3. Duration in the Past:

- *Definition:* Expresses the amount of time an action or state lasted in the past.

- *Example:* "I lived in Paris for five years."

4. Habits in the Past:

- *Definition:* Describes repeated actions or habits that were a regular occurrence in the past.

- *Example:* "She always went for a run in the morning."

5. Past Facts or Generalizations:

- *Definition:* States facts or general truths that were true in the past.

- *Example:* "The Titanic sank in 1912."

6. Conditional Sentences (Type II):

- *Definition:* Used in the "if" clause of unreal or hypothetical conditions in the past.

- *Example:* "If I had known, I would have come earlier."

7. Polite Requests:
 - *Definition:* Used to make polite requests or offers.

- *Example:* "Could you pass the salt, please?"

8. Reporting Speech:

- *Definition:* When reporting statements, questions, or requests in the past.

- *Example:* "She said she would be here by 3 PM."

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The PAST CONTINUOUS TENSE is used to describe actions or events that were ongoing at a specific
moment in the past. Here are its main usages:

1. Ongoing Actions in the Past:

- *Definition:* Describes actions that were in progress at a specific time in the past.

- *Example:* "I was studying when the phone rang."

2. Parallel Actions in the Past:

- *Definition:* Depicts two or more actions happening simultaneously in the past.

- *Example:* "While he was reading, she was watching TV."

3. Interrupted Actions:

- *Definition:* Describes an action that was ongoing but got interrupted by another event.

- *Example:* "They were playing soccer when it started raining."

4. Background Actions:

- *Definition:* Sets the scene or provides background information for another event in the past.

- *Example:* "The sun was setting as they walked along the beach."

5. Repeated Actions with "Always":

 - *Definition:* Expresses an action that was repeated regularly in the past.

- *Example:* "He was always talking during the lectures."

6. Polite Requests or Offers:

- *Definition:* Used to make polite requests or offers in the past.

- *Example:* "I was wondering if you could help me."

7. Expressions of Time in the Past:

- *Definition:* Used with certain time expressions to indicate a specific time frame.

- *Example:* "At 3 PM yesterday, I was still working."

8. Conditional Sentences (Type II):

- *Definition:* Used in the "if" clause of unreal or hypothetical conditions in the past.

- *Example:* "If it was raining, they were staying indoors."

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The PAST PERFECT TENSE is used to indicate that an action was completed before another action or
event in the past. Here are its main usages:

1. Completed Action Before Another in the Past:

- *Definition:* Expresses an action that was finished before another action or event in the past.

- *Example:* "She had already left when I arrived."

2. Two Past Actions, One Before Another:

- *Definition:* Describes two past actions, emphasizing that one happened before the other.

- *Example:* "By the time we got to the cinema, the movie had already started."

3. Narrating Past Events in Chronological Order:

 - *Definition:* Used when narrating a series of past events in the order they occurred.

- *Example:* "He had completed his homework, had dinner, and then went to bed."

4. Expressing Regret or Unfulfilled Conditions:

- *Definition:* Often used to express regret about a situation that did not happen in the past.

- *Example:* "I wish I had known about the meeting; I would have attended."

5. Conditional Sentences (Type III):

- *Definition:* Used in the "if" clause of unreal conditions or situations in the past.

- *Example:* "If she had studied harder, she would have passed the exam."

6. Expressing Duration Before Something in the Past:

- *Definition:* Indicates the duration of an action that was completed before another event in the
past.

- *Example:* "He had worked there for five years before he retired."

7. Expressing Surprise or Emphasis:

- *Definition:* Adds emphasis or expresses surprise about an unexpected past event.

- *Example:* "She had never tasted sushi before that night."

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The PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE is used to describe the duration of an action that was
ongoing before another action or event in the past. Here are its main usages:

1. Duration Before Another Action in the Past:

- *Definition:* Describes an action that had been ongoing for a period leading up to another action or
event in the past.

- *Example:* "They had been waiting for hours when the bus finally arrived."

2. Interrupted Actions in the Past:

 - *Definition:* Describes an ongoing action in the past that was interrupted by another event.

- *Example:* "I had been studying when my friend called."

3. Emphasizing Duration:

- *Definition:* Highlights the length of time an action had been happening before another event
occurred.

- *Example:* "She had been working on the project for weeks before the deadline."

4. Expressing Cause and Effect:

- *Definition:* Demonstrates a cause-and-effect relationship between two actions in the past.

- *Example:* "He was tired because he had been running for an hour."

5. Expressions of Time Before Something in the Past:

- *Definition:* Used with time expressions to indicate the duration of an action before another event.

- *Example:* "By the time I arrived, they had been rehearsing for hours."

6. Actions Leading Up to a Specific Point:

- *Definition:* Describes actions leading up to a particular moment or event in the past.

- *Example:* "She had been saving money to buy a car."

7. Background Actions in Narration:

- *Definition:* Provides background information about an ongoing action while narrating past events.

- *Example:* "The phone rang while I had been reading a book."

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The SIMPLE FUTURE TENSE is used to express actions that will happen in the future. Here are various
usages with definitions and examples:

1. Future Actions:
 - **Definition:** Describes actions that will occur in the future.

- **Example:** I will finish my homework later.

2. Predictions and Assumptions:

- **Definition:** Expresses predictions or assumptions about the future.

- **Example:** She will probably arrive by noon.

3. Promises or Offers:

- **Definition:** Indicates promises or offers for the future.

- **Example:** I will help you with your project.

4. Scheduled Events:

- **Definition:** Refers to events that are planned or scheduled.

- **Example:** The concert will start at 7 PM.

5. Spontaneous Decisions:

- **Definition:** Used for decisions made at the moment of speaking.

- **Example:** I just realized I forgot my umbrella; I will buy one on the way home.

6. Intentions and Plans:

- **Definition:** Expresses intentions or plans for the future.

- **Example:** We will travel to Europe next summer.

7. Expressions of Probability:

- **Definition:** Used with expressions like "probably" or "likely" to indicate a future likelihood.

- **Example:** It will likely rain tomorrow.

8. Conditions with "If":

 - **Definition:** Used to express future actions based on a condition.

- **Example:** If it rains, we will stay indoors.

9. Predictions with Future Evidence:

- **Definition:** Used when there is evidence or certainty about a future event.

- **Example:** The team will win the championship; they are the strongest.

10. Threats or Warnings:

- **Definition:** Used to express threats or warnings for the future.

- **Example:** If you don't study, you will fail the exam.

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The FUTURE CONTINUOUS TENSE is used to describe actions that will be ongoing at a specific point
in the future. Here are various usages with definitions and examples:

1. Ongoing Actions in the Future:

- **Definition:** Describes actions that will be happening at a specific time in the future.

- **Example:** At 3 PM tomorrow, I will be studying for my exam.

2. Predicting Temporary Situations:

- **Definition:** Predicts temporary situations that will be in progress.

- **Example:** This time next year, she will be working in a new job.

3. Polite Inquiries:

- **Definition:** Used for polite inquiries about someone's plans or activities.

- **Example:** Will you be attending the meeting tomorrow?

4. Scheduled Interruptions:

- **Definition:** Describes an action that will be interrupted by another action.

 - **Example:** At 8 PM, I will be cooking dinner.

5. Actions in Progress During a Specific Future Event:

- **Definition:** Describes actions that will be ongoing when a specific event occurs.

- **Example:** They will be playing music when the guests arrive.

6. Expressions of Future Plans:

- **Definition:** Expresses future plans or intentions.

- **Example:** Tomorrow evening, they will be celebrating their anniversary.

7. Implied Future Continuity:

- **Definition:** Implies that an action will continue into the future.

- **Example:** By the time you arrive, I will be working on the project.

8. Describing Future Events in Progress:

- **Definition:** Describes events that will be in progress at a certain time.

- **Example:** At midnight, we will be welcoming the new year.

9. Expressions of Uncertainty:

- **Definition:** Used when there is uncertainty or speculation about a future action.

- **Example:** He will probably be finishing his presentation around 4 PM.

10. Emphasizing Duration:

- **Definition:** Emphasizes the duration of an ongoing action in the future.

- **Example:** By the time you get here, I will have been waiting for an hour.

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The FUTURE PERFECT TENSE is used to describe actions that will be completed before a specific
point or action in the future. Here are various usages with definitions and examples:

1. Completed Actions Before Another Action in the Future:

- **Definition:** Describes an action that will be finished before another action takes place.

- **Example:** By the time you arrive, I will have finished my presentation.

2. Predicting Completion of an Action:

- **Definition:** Predicts the completion of an action before a specific future time.

- **Example:** I will have completed my assignment by Friday.

3. Expressions of Duration:

- **Definition:** Indicates the duration of an action up to a certain point in the future.

- **Example:** She will have lived in the city for ten years by next month.

4. Implied Future Completion:

- **Definition:** Implies that an action will be completed before a specified event.

- **Example:** By the time the movie starts, they will have eaten dinner.

5. Future Achievements or Milestones:

- **Definition:** Describes achievements or milestones that will be reached in the future.

- **Example:** By next year, they will have celebrated their 25th anniversary.

6. Events in Sequence:

- **Definition:** Describes actions in a sequence that will be completed before a future event.

- **Example:** By 2 PM, she will have finished all her meetings.

7. Future Regrets or Criticisms:

- **Definition:** Expresses future regrets or criticisms about actions that will not be completed.
 - **Example:** By the time you realize, I will have already left.

8. Assuming Future Completion:

- **Definition:** Assumes that a future action will be completed by a certain time.

- **Example:** I'm sure he will have responded to your email by tomorrow.

9. Expressions of Future Planning:

- **Definition:** Describes actions that will be completed as part of future plans.

- **Example:** By next summer, we will have visited all the national parks.

10. Anticipating Future Outcomes:

- **Definition:** Anticipates outcomes that will be known or completed in the future.

- **Example:** By the time the results are out, she will have passed the exam.

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The FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE is used to describe the duration of an ongoing action that
will be completed before a specific point or action in the future. Here are various usages with
definitions and examples:

1. Duration Leading Up to a Future Point:

- **Definition:** Describes the duration of an action that will continue up to a certain point in the
future.

- **Example:** By the time you call, I will have been studying for three hours.

2. Expressions of Duration:

- **Definition:** Emphasizes the length of time an action has been ongoing before a future event.

- **Example:** They will have been traveling for a whole month by the time they return.

3. Predicting Ongoing Actions with a Defined Endpoint:

- **Definition:** Predicts an ongoing action that will continue up to a specific future time.
 - **Example:** By 5 PM, he will have been working on the project for eight hours.

4. Anticipating Future Outcomes with Ongoing Actions:

- **Definition:** Anticipates outcomes that will result from an ongoing action by a certain future
time.

- **Example:** By the end of the week, she will have been planting flowers in the garden.

5. Expressions of Future Planning and Effort:

- **Definition:** Describes the effort or activity that will be ongoing as part of future plans.

- **Example:** By next year, we will have been saving money for a new house.

6. Actions Ongoing Up to a Specific Event:

- **Definition:** Indicates that an action will be continuing until a particular future event.

- **Example:** By the time the guests arrive, we will have been preparing the meal for hours.

7. Narration of Future Events in Progress:

- **Definition:** Used in storytelling or descriptions of future events that are in progress.

- **Example:** At that moment, they will have been building the bridge for months.

8. Implied Future Continuity and Completion:

- **Definition:** Implies both the continuity and completion of an action leading up to a future point.

- **Example:** By tomorrow morning, they will have been renovating the house all night.

9. Expressions of Ongoing Effort:

- **Definition:** Describes ongoing effort or persistence leading up to a specific future moment.

- **Example:** By the time you arrive, I will have been exercising for an hour.

10. Anticipating Completed Efforts in the Future:

 - **Definition:** Anticipates actions or efforts that will be completed after a duration leading up to a
future point.
- **Example:** By the time we finish the course, we will have been studying for six months.

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