Visual Explanations Visual Explanations of Each English Tense of Each English Tense

Present SimplePresent Simple

Present SimplePresent Simple

The present simple is used to express daily The present simple is used to express daily routines and habits. Adverbs of frequency such routines and habits. Adverbs of frequency such as 'usually', 'sometimes', 'rarely', etc. are often as 'usually', 'sometimes', 'rarely', etc. are often used with the present simple. used with the present simple.

This tense is often used with the following time This tense is often used with the following time expressions:expressions:

always, usually, sometimes, etc.always, usually, sometimes, etc.... every day... every day... on Sundays, Tuesdays, etc.... on Sundays, Tuesdays, etc.

Present SimplePresent Simple

PositivePositive

Subject + Present Tense + object(s) + time Subject + Present Tense + object(s) + time ExpressionExpression

Frank usually takes a bus to work.Frank usually takes a bus to work.

Present SimplePresent Simple

NegativeNegative

Subject + do / does + not (don't / doesn't) + Subject + do / does + not (don't / doesn't) + verb + object(s) + time Expressionverb + object(s) + time Expression

They don't often go to Chicago.They don't often go to Chicago.

Present SimplePresent Simple

QuestionQuestion

(Question Word) + do / does + subject + verb (Question Word) + do / does + subject + verb + object(s) + time Expression+ object(s) + time Expression

How often do you play golf?How often do you play golf?

Present Continuous for Present Continuous for Action at the MomentAction at the Moment

Present Continuous for Present Continuous for Action at the MomentAction at the MomentOne use of the present continuous tense is for One use of the present continuous tense is for

action that is occurring at the moment of action that is occurring at the moment of speaking. Remember that only action verbs speaking. Remember that only action verbs can take the continuous form. can take the continuous form.

This tense is often used with the following time This tense is often used with the following time expressions:expressions:

... at the moment ... at the moment

... now ... now

... today ... today

... this morning / afternoon / evening... this morning / afternoon / evening

Present Continuous for Present Continuous for Action at the MomentAction at the Moment

PositivePositive

Subject + be + verb + ing + object(s) + time Subject + be + verb + ing + object(s) + time ExpressionExpression

She's watching TV at the moment.She's watching TV at the moment.

Present Continuous for Present Continuous for Action at the MomentAction at the Moment

NegativeNegative

Subject + be + not (isn't, aren't) + verb + ing Subject + be + not (isn't, aren't) + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expression+ object(s) + time Expression

They aren't having fun this morning.They aren't having fun this morning.

Present Continuous for Present Continuous for Action at the MomentAction at the Moment

QuestionQuestion

(Question Word) + be + subject + verb + ing + (Question Word) + be + subject + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expressionobject(s) + time Expression

What are you doing?What are you doing?

Present Continuous for Present Continuous for Current ProjectsCurrent Projects

Present Continuous for Present Continuous for Current ProjectsCurrent ProjectsUse the present continuous to describe projects and Use the present continuous to describe projects and

actions that are happening around the present actions that are happening around the present moment in time. Remember that these projects have moment in time. Remember that these projects have begun in the recent past and will end in the near begun in the recent past and will end in the near future. This usage is especially popular for talking future. This usage is especially popular for talking about current projects at work or for specific hobbies. about current projects at work or for specific hobbies.

This tense is often used with the following time This tense is often used with the following time expressions:expressions:

... at the moment ... at the moment

... now ... now

... this week / month ... this week / month

Present Continuous for Present Continuous for Current ProjectsCurrent Projects

PositivePositive

Subject + be + verb + ing + object(s) + time Subject + be + verb + ing + object(s) + time ExpressionExpression

We're working on the Smith account this We're working on the Smith account this month.month.

Present Continuous for Present Continuous for Current ProjectsCurrent Projects

NegativeNegative

Subject + be + not (isn't, aren't) + verb + ing Subject + be + not (isn't, aren't) + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expression+ object(s) + time Expression

He isn't studying French this semester.He isn't studying French this semester.

Present Continuous for Present Continuous for Current ProjectsCurrent Projects

QuestionQuestion

(Question Word) + be + subject + verb + ing + (Question Word) + be + subject + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expressionobject(s) + time Expression

Which account are you working on this week?Which account are you working on this week?

Present Continuous for Present Continuous for Scheduled EventsScheduled Events

Present Continuous for Present Continuous for Scheduled EventsScheduled EventsOne use of the present continuous tense is for scheduled One use of the present continuous tense is for scheduled

future events. This usage is especially useful when future events. This usage is especially useful when talking about appointments and meetings for work. talking about appointments and meetings for work.

This tense is often used with the following time This tense is often used with the following time expressions:expressions:

... tomorrow ... tomorrow

... on Friday, Monday, etc. ... on Friday, Monday, etc.

... today ... today

... this morning / afternoon / evening... this morning / afternoon / evening

... next week / month ... next week / month

... in December, March, etc.... in December, March, etc.

Present Continuous for Present Continuous for Scheduled EventsScheduled Events

PositivePositive

Subject + be + verb + ing + object(s) + time Subject + be + verb + ing + object(s) + time ExpressionExpression

I'm meeting our CEO at three o'clock this I'm meeting our CEO at three o'clock this afternoon.afternoon.

Present Continuous for Present Continuous for Scheduled EventsScheduled Events

NegativeNegative

Subject + be + not (isn't, aren't) + verb + ing Subject + be + not (isn't, aren't) + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expression+ object(s) + time Expression

Shelley isn't attending the meeting tomorrow.Shelley isn't attending the meeting tomorrow.

Present Continuous for Present Continuous for Scheduled EventsScheduled Events

QuestionQuestion

(Question Word) + be + subject + verb + ing + (Question Word) + be + subject + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expressionobject(s) + time Expression

When are you discussing the situation with When are you discussing the situation with Tom?Tom?

Past SimplePast Simple

Past SimplePast Simple

The past simple is used to express something The past simple is used to express something that happened a past point in time. Remember that happened a past point in time. Remember to always use a past time expression, or a to always use a past time expression, or a clear contextual clue when using the past clear contextual clue when using the past simple. If you do not indicate when something simple. If you do not indicate when something happened, use the present perfect for happened, use the present perfect for unspecified past. unspecified past.

This tense is often used with the following time This tense is often used with the following time expressions:expressions:... ago... ago... in + year / month... in + year / month...yesterday...yesterday...last week / month / year...last week / month / year... when ....... when ....

Past SimplePast Simple

PositivePositive

Subject + Past Tense + object(s) + time Subject + Past Tense + object(s) + time ExpressionExpression

I went to the doctor's yesterday.I went to the doctor's yesterday.

Past SimplePast Simple

NegativeNegative

Subject + did + not (didn't) + verb + object(s) Subject + did + not (didn't) + verb + object(s) + time Expression+ time Expression

They didn't join us for dinner last week.They didn't join us for dinner last week.

Past SimplePast Simple

QuestionQuestion

(Question Word) + did + subject + verb + (Question Word) + did + subject + verb + object(s) + time Expressionobject(s) + time Expression

When did you buy that pullover?When did you buy that pullover?

Past Continuous for Exact Past Continuous for Exact Times in the PastTimes in the Past

Past Continuous for Exact Past Continuous for Exact Times in the PastTimes in the PastThe past continuous tense is used to describe The past continuous tense is used to describe

what was happening at a specific moment in what was happening at a specific moment in time in the past. Do not use this form when time in the past. Do not use this form when referring to longer periods of time in the past referring to longer periods of time in the past such as 'last March', 'two years ago', etc. Use such as 'last March', 'two years ago', etc. Use the past continuous with times of the day in the past continuous with times of the day in the past. the past.

This tense is often used with the following time This tense is often used with the following time expressions:expressions:

... at 5.20, three o'clock, etc. ... at 5.20, three o'clock, etc.

Past Continuous for Exact Past Continuous for Exact Times in the PastTimes in the Past

PositivePositive

Subject + was / were + verb + ing + object(s) Subject + was / were + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expression+ time Expression

We were meeting with Jane at two o'clock We were meeting with Jane at two o'clock yesterday afternoon.yesterday afternoon.

Past Continuous for Exact Past Continuous for Exact Times in the PastTimes in the Past

NegativeNegative

Subject + was / were + not (wasn't, weren't) + Subject + was / were + not (wasn't, weren't) + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expressionverb + ing + object(s) + time Expression

They weren't playing tennis at five o'clock on They weren't playing tennis at five o'clock on Saturday.Saturday.

Past Continuous for Exact Past Continuous for Exact Times in the PastTimes in the Past

QuestionQuestion

(Question Word) + was / were + subject + verb (Question Word) + was / were + subject + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expression+ ing + object(s) + time Expression

What were you doing at two-thirty yesterday What were you doing at two-thirty yesterday afternoon?afternoon?

Past Continuous for Past Continuous for Interrupted ActionInterrupted Action

Past Continuous for Past Continuous for Interrupted ActionInterrupted Action Use the past continuous to express what was happening Use the past continuous to express what was happening

when something important happened. This form is when something important happened. This form is almost always used with the time clause '... when xyz almost always used with the time clause '... when xyz happened'. It is also possible to use this form with '... happened'. It is also possible to use this form with '... while something was happening' to express two past while something was happening' to express two past actions that were occurring simultaneously. actions that were occurring simultaneously.

This tense is often used with the following time This tense is often used with the following time expressions:expressions:

... when xyz happened ... when xyz happened

... while xyz was happening. ... while xyz was happening.

Past Continuous for Past Continuous for Interrupted ActionInterrupted Action

PositivePositive

Subject + was / were + verb + ing + object(s) Subject + was / were + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expression+ time Expression

Sharon was watching TV when she received the Sharon was watching TV when she received the telephone call.telephone call.

Past Continuous for Past Continuous for Interrupted ActionInterrupted Action

NegativeNegative

Subject + was / were + not (wasn't, weren't) + Subject + was / were + not (wasn't, weren't) + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expressionverb + ing + object(s) + time Expression

We weren't doing anything important when you We weren't doing anything important when you arrived.arrived.

Past Continuous for Past Continuous for Interrupted ActionInterrupted Action

QuestionQuestion

(Question Word) + was / were + subject + verb (Question Word) + was / were + subject + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expression+ ing + object(s) + time Expression

What were you doing when Tom gave you the What were you doing when Tom gave you the bad news?bad news?

Past simple or Past simple or Past continuous? Past continuous?

Both the past simple and the past continuous Both the past simple and the past continuous refer to completed actions in the past.refer to completed actions in the past.

Most of the time when we are talking about Most of the time when we are talking about such actions, we use the past simple. This is such actions, we use the past simple. This is by far the most common way of talking about by far the most common way of talking about the past.the past.

– I lived there for 6 years. I lived there for 6 years. – I only found out a few moments ago. I only found out a few moments ago. – I asked her but she didn't know anything. I asked her but she didn't know anything. – The company made 100 people redundant last The company made 100 people redundant last

year.year.

Past simple or Past simple or Past continuous?Past continuous?

Only use the past continuous when you Only use the past continuous when you want to emphasize the continuity of want to emphasize the continuity of the action. the action.

– Everybody was talking about it all evening. Everybody was talking about it all evening. – They were really trying hard but couldn't They were really trying hard but couldn't

do it. do it. – I was thinking about you the other day. I was thinking about you the other day. – Were you expecting that to happen?Were you expecting that to happen?

Past simple or Past simple or Past continuous?Past continuous?

When we use these two forms in the same When we use these two forms in the same sentence, we use the past continuous to sentence, we use the past continuous to talk about the "background action" and talk about the "background action" and the past simple to talk about the shorter the past simple to talk about the shorter completed action. completed action.

– It was raining hard when we left the building. It was raining hard when we left the building. – I was reading the report when you rang. I was reading the report when you rang. – He was going out to lunch when I saw him. He was going out to lunch when I saw him. – The company was doing well when I last The company was doing well when I last

visited it.visited it.

Repetition and Repetition and Irritation with Irritation with "Always" "Always" The Past Continuous with words such as The Past Continuous with words such as

"always" or "constantly" expresses the idea that "always" or "constantly" expresses the idea that something irritating or shocking often happened something irritating or shocking often happened in the past. The concept is very similar to the in the past. The concept is very similar to the expression "expression "used toused to" but with negative emotion. " but with negative emotion.

Remember to put the words "always" or Remember to put the words "always" or "constantly" between "be" and "verb+ing.""constantly" between "be" and "verb+ing."

– She was always coming to class late. She was always coming to class late. – He was constantly talking. He annoyed everyone. He was constantly talking. He annoyed everyone. – I didn't like them because they were always I didn't like them because they were always

complaining.complaining.

Future with Going to for Future with Going to for Future PlansFuture Plans

Future with Going to for Future with Going to for Future PlansFuture Plans The future with 'going to' is used to express The future with 'going to' is used to express

future plans or scheduled events. It is often future plans or scheduled events. It is often used instead of the present continuous for used instead of the present continuous for future scheduled work events. Either form can future scheduled work events. Either form can be used for this purpose. be used for this purpose.

This tense is often used with the following time This tense is often used with the following time expressions:expressions:

... next week / month ... next week / month

... tomorrow ... tomorrow

... on Monday, Tuesday, etc.... on Monday, Tuesday, etc.

Future with Going to for Future with Going to for Future PlansFuture Plans

PositivePositive

Subject + be + going to + verb + object(s) + Subject + be + going to + verb + object(s) + time Expressiontime Expression

Tom is going to fly to Los Angeles next Tom is going to fly to Los Angeles next Tuesday.Tuesday.

Future with Going to for Future with Going to for Future PlansFuture Plans

NegativeNegative

Subject + be not (isn't, aren't) + going to + Subject + be not (isn't, aren't) + going to + verb + object(s) + time Expressionverb + object(s) + time Expression

They aren't going to attend the conference next They aren't going to attend the conference next month.month.

Future with Going to for Future with Going to for Future PlansFuture Plans

QuestionQuestion

(Question Word) + be + subject + going to + (Question Word) + be + subject + going to + verb + object(s) + time Expressionverb + object(s) + time Expression

When are you going to meet Jack?When are you going to meet Jack?

Future with Will for Future with Will for Promises and PredictionsPromises and Predictions

Future with Will for Future with Will for Promises and PredictionsPromises and Predictions The future with 'will' is used to make future The future with 'will' is used to make future

predictions and promises. Often the precise predictions and promises. Often the precise moment the action will occur is unknown or moment the action will occur is unknown or not defined. not defined.

This tense is often used with the following time This tense is often used with the following time expressions:expressions:

... soon... soon

... next month / year / week... next month / year / week

Future with Will for Future with Will for Promises and PredictionsPromises and Predictions

PositivePositive

Subject + will + verb + object(s) + time Subject + will + verb + object(s) + time ExpressionExpression

The government will increase taxes soon.The government will increase taxes soon.

Future with Will for Future with Will for Promises and PredictionsPromises and Predictions

NegativeNegative

Subject + will not (won't) + verb + object(s) + Subject + will not (won't) + verb + object(s) + time Expressiontime Expression

She won't help us much with the project.She won't help us much with the project.

Future with Will for Future with Will for Promises and PredictionsPromises and Predictions

QuestionQuestion

(Question Word) + will + subject + verb + (Question Word) + will + subject + verb + object(s) + time Expressionobject(s) + time Expression

Why will they reduce taxes?Why will they reduce taxes?

Future with Going to for Future with Going to for Future IntentFuture Intent

Future with Going to for Future with Going to for Future IntentFuture Intent The future with 'going to' is used for future intent. The future with 'going to' is used for future intent.

Remember that you can express a future intent Remember that you can express a future intent without expressing the exact future time that without expressing the exact future time that something will occur. This use of the future with 'going something will occur. This use of the future with 'going to' can be used to discuss future study plans, career to' can be used to discuss future study plans, career plans, and more. plans, and more.

This tense is often used with the following time This tense is often used with the following time expressions:expressions:

... next week / month ... next week / month

... tomorrow ... tomorrow

... on Monday, Tuesday, etc.... on Monday, Tuesday, etc.

Future with Going to for Future with Going to for Future IntentFuture Intent

PositivePositive

Subject + be + going to + verb + object(s) + Subject + be + going to + verb + object(s) + time Expressiontime Expression

Anna is going to study medicine at university.Anna is going to study medicine at university.

Future with Going to for Future with Going to for Future IntentFuture Intent

NegativeNegative

Subject + be not (isn't, aren't) + going to + Subject + be not (isn't, aren't) + going to + verb + object(s) + time Expressionverb + object(s) + time Expression

They aren't going to develop any new projects They aren't going to develop any new projects for the next few years.for the next few years.

Future with Going to for Future with Going to for Future IntentFuture Intent

QuestionQuestion

(Question Word) + be + subject + going to + (Question Word) + be + subject + going to + verb + object(s) + time Expressionverb + object(s) + time Expression

Why are you going to change your job?Why are you going to change your job?

Present Perfect for Past to Present Perfect for Past to Present States Present States and Actionsand Actions

Present Perfect for Past to Present Perfect for Past to Present States Present States and Actionsand Actions Use the present perfect to express a state or Use the present perfect to express a state or

repeated action that began in the past and repeated action that began in the past and continues into the moment of speaking. The continues into the moment of speaking. The present perfect or the present perfect present perfect or the present perfect continuous can often be interchanged. The main continuous can often be interchanged. The main difference between these two forms is that the difference between these two forms is that the present perfect continuous is generally used to present perfect continuous is generally used to express the length of the current activity up to express the length of the current activity up to the present moment in time. the present moment in time.

This tense is often used with the following time This tense is often used with the following time expressions:expressions:... for + amount of time... for + amount of time... since + specific point in time... since + specific point in time

Present Perfect for Past to Present Perfect for Past to Present States Present States and Actionsand Actions

PositivePositive

Subject + have / has + past participle + Subject + have / has + past participle + object(s) + time Expressionobject(s) + time Expression

I have lived in Portland for four years.I have lived in Portland for four years.

Present Perfect for Past to Present Perfect for Past to Present States Present States and Actionsand Actions

NegativeNegative

Subject + have / has not (haven't, hasn't) + Subject + have / has not (haven't, hasn't) + past participle + object(s) + time Expressionpast participle + object(s) + time Expression

Max hasn't played tennis since 1999.Max hasn't played tennis since 1999.

Present Perfect for Past to Present Perfect for Past to Present States Present States and Actionsand Actions

QuestionQuestion

(Question Word) + have / has + subject + past (Question Word) + have / has + subject + past participle + object(s) + time Expressionparticiple + object(s) + time Expression

Where have you worked since 2002?Where have you worked since 2002?

Present Perfect to Present Perfect to Express Recent EventsExpress Recent Events

Present Perfect to Present Perfect to Express Recent EventsExpress Recent Events The present perfect is often used to express recent The present perfect is often used to express recent

events that affect the present moment. These events that affect the present moment. These sentences generally use the time expressions 'just', sentences generally use the time expressions 'just', 'yet', 'already', or 'recently' to express this connection. 'yet', 'already', or 'recently' to express this connection. Remember that if you give a specific time in the past, Remember that if you give a specific time in the past, the past simple is required. the past simple is required.

This tense is often used with the following time This tense is often used with the following time expressions:expressions:

justjustyetyetalreadyalreadyrecentlyrecently

Present Perfect to Present Perfect to Express Recent EventsExpress Recent Events

PositivePositive

Subject + have / has + just / recently + past Subject + have / has + just / recently + past participle + object(s)participle + object(s)

Henry has just gone to the bank.Henry has just gone to the bank.

Present Perfect to Present Perfect to Express Recent EventsExpress Recent Events

NegativeNegative

Subject + have / has not (haven't, hasn't) + Subject + have / has not (haven't, hasn't) + past participle + object(s) + time Expressionpast participle + object(s) + time Expression

Peter hasn't finished his homework yet.Peter hasn't finished his homework yet.

Present Perfect to Present Perfect to Express Recent EventsExpress Recent Events

QuestionQuestion

(Question Word) + have / has + subject + past (Question Word) + have / has + subject + past participle + object(s) + time Expressionparticiple + object(s) + time Expression

Have you spoken to Andy yet?Have you spoken to Andy yet?

Present Perfect for Present Perfect for Unspecified Past EventsUnspecified Past Events

Present Perfect for Present Perfect for Unspecified Past EventsUnspecified Past Events The present perfect is often used to express events that The present perfect is often used to express events that

occurred in the past at an unspecified moment. This occurred in the past at an unspecified moment. This form is often used to express cumulative life form is often used to express cumulative life experiences up to the present moment. Remember experiences up to the present moment. Remember that if you use a specific past time expression, choose that if you use a specific past time expression, choose the past simple. the past simple.

This tense is often used with the following time This tense is often used with the following time expressions:expressions:

twice, three times, four times, etc.twice, three times, four times, etc.everevernevernever

Present Perfect for Present Perfect for Unspecified Past EventsUnspecified Past Events

PositivePositive

Subject + have / has + past participle + Subject + have / has + past participle + object(s)object(s)

Peter has visited Europe three times in his life.Peter has visited Europe three times in his life.

Present Perfect for Present Perfect for Unspecified Past EventsUnspecified Past Events

NegativeNegative

Subject + have / has not (haven't, hasn't) + Subject + have / has not (haven't, hasn't) + past participle + object(s) + time Expressionpast participle + object(s) + time Expression

I haven't played golf many times.I haven't played golf many times.

Present Perfect for Present Perfect for Unspecified Past EventsUnspecified Past Events

QuestionQuestion

(Question Word) + have / has + subject + (Question Word) + have / has + subject + (ever) + past participle + object(s)(ever) + past participle + object(s)

Have you ever been to France?Have you ever been to France?

Present Present Perfect ContinuousPerfect Continuous

Present Present Perfect ContinuousPerfect Continuous The present perfect continuous is used to The present perfect continuous is used to

express how long a current activity has been express how long a current activity has been going on. It is often used in context to provide going on. It is often used in context to provide a reason for a present result. Remember that a reason for a present result. Remember that continuous forms can only be used with action continuous forms can only be used with action verbs. verbs.

This tense is often used with the following time This tense is often used with the following time expressions:expressions:

...since + specific point in time...since + specific point in time

... for + amount of time... for + amount of time

Present Present Perfect ContinuousPerfect Continuous

PositivePositive

Subject + has / have + been + verb + ing + Subject + has / have + been + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expressionobject(s) + time Expression

He's been cleaning house for two hours.He's been cleaning house for two hours.

Present Present Perfect ContinuousPerfect Continuous

NegativeNegative

Subject + has / have not (hasn't / haven't) + Subject + has / have not (hasn't / haven't) + been + verb + ing + object(s) + time been + verb + ing + object(s) + time ExpressionExpression

Janice hasn't been studying for too long.Janice hasn't been studying for too long.

Present Present Perfect ContinuousPerfect Continuous

QuestionQuestion

(Question Word) + has / have + subject + been (Question Word) + has / have + subject + been + verb + ing + object(s) + (time Expression)+ verb + ing + object(s) + (time Expression)

How long have you been working in the How long have you been working in the garden?garden?

Future PerfectFuture Perfect

Future PerfectFuture Perfect

Use the future perfect tense to express what Use the future perfect tense to express what will happened by a certain time in the future. will happened by a certain time in the future. The future perfect tense is often used to The future perfect tense is often used to express achievements or work done by a express achievements or work done by a future point in time. future point in time.

This tense is often used with the following time This tense is often used with the following time expressions:expressions:

... by Monday, Tuesday, etc. ... by Monday, Tuesday, etc.

... by the time ... ... by the time ...

... by five o'clock, two-thirty, etc.... by five o'clock, two-thirty, etc.

Future PerfectFuture Perfect

PositivePositive

Subject + will + have + past participle + Subject + will + have + past participle + object(s) + time Expressionobject(s) + time Expression

They will have finished the report by tomorrow They will have finished the report by tomorrow afternoon.afternoon.

Future PerfectFuture Perfect

NegativeNegative

Subject + will not (won't) + have + past Subject + will not (won't) + have + past participle + object(s) + time Expressionparticiple + object(s) + time Expression

Mary won't have answered all the questions by Mary won't have answered all the questions by the end of this hour.the end of this hour.

Future PerfectFuture Perfect

QuestionQuestion

(Question Word) + will + subject + have + past (Question Word) + will + subject + have + past participle + object(s) + time Expressionparticiple + object(s) + time Expression

What will you have done by the end of this What will you have done by the end of this month?month?

Future Perfect ContinuousFuture Perfect Continuous

Future Perfect ContinuousFuture Perfect Continuous

The future perfect continuous is used to The future perfect continuous is used to express the duration of an action up to a express the duration of an action up to a future point in time. This tense is not future point in time. This tense is not commonly used in English. commonly used in English.

This tense is often used with the following time This tense is often used with the following time expressions:expressions:

... by … ... by …

... by the time ... ... by the time ...

Future Perfect ContinuousFuture Perfect Continuous

PositivePositive

Subject + will + have + been + verb + ing + Subject + will + have + been + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expressionobject(s) + time Expression

We will have been studying for two hours by We will have been studying for two hours by the time he arrives.the time he arrives.

Future Perfect ContinuousFuture Perfect Continuous

NegativeNegative

Subject + will not (won't) + have + been + Subject + will not (won't) + have + been + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expressionverb + ing + object(s) + time Expression

He won't have been working long by two He won't have been working long by two o'clock.o'clock.

Future Perfect ContinuousFuture Perfect Continuous

QuestionQuestion

(Question Word) + will + subject + have + (Question Word) + will + subject + have + been + verb + ing + object(s) + time been + verb + ing + object(s) + time ExpressionExpression

How long will you have been working on that How long will you have been working on that project by the time he arrives?project by the time he arrives?

Past Perfect ContinuousPast Perfect Continuous

Past Perfect ContinuousPast Perfect Continuous

The past perfect continuous is used to describe The past perfect continuous is used to describe how long an activity had been going on how long an activity had been going on before something else happened. It is often before something else happened. It is often used to provide context, or a reason for a used to provide context, or a reason for a specific action. specific action.

This tense is often used with the following time This tense is often used with the following time expressions:expressions:

... for X hours, days, months, etc ... for X hours, days, months, etc

... since Monday, Tuesday, etc.... since Monday, Tuesday, etc.

Past Perfect ContinuousPast Perfect Continuous

PositivePositive

Subject + had + been + verb + ing + object(s) Subject + had + been + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expression+ time Expression

She had been waiting for two hours when he She had been waiting for two hours when he finally arrived.finally arrived.

Past Perfect ContinuousPast Perfect Continuous

NegativeNegative

Subject + had not (hadn't) + been + verb + ing Subject + had not (hadn't) + been + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expression+ object(s) + time Expression

They hadn't been working long when the boss They hadn't been working long when the boss asked them to change their focus.asked them to change their focus.

Past Perfect ContinuousPast Perfect Continuous

QuestionQuestion

(Question Word) + had + subject + been + (Question Word) + had + subject + been + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expressionverb + ing + object(s) + time Expression

How long had Tom been working on that How long had Tom been working on that project when they decided to give it to Pete?project when they decided to give it to Pete?

Past PerfectPast Perfect

Past PerfectPast Perfect

The past perfect is used to express something The past perfect is used to express something that happened before another point in time. that happened before another point in time. It is often used to provide context, or an It is often used to provide context, or an explanation for a specific action or result. explanation for a specific action or result.

This tense is often used with the following time This tense is often used with the following time expressions:expressions:

... before ... before alreadyalreadyonce, twice, three times, etc.once, twice, three times, etc.... by the time... by the time

Past PerfectPast Perfect

PositivePositive

Subject + had + past participle + object(s) + Subject + had + past participle + object(s) + time Expressiontime Expression

She had already eaten by the time the children She had already eaten by the time the children came home.came home.

Past PerfectPast Perfect

NegativeNegative

Subject + had not (hadn't) + past participle + Subject + had not (hadn't) + past participle + object(s) + time Expressionobject(s) + time Expression

They hadn't finished their homework before the They hadn't finished their homework before the teacher asked them to hand it in.teacher asked them to hand it in.

Past PerfectPast Perfect

QuestionQuestion

(Question Word) + had + subject + past (Question Word) + had + subject + past participle + object(s) + time Expressionparticiple + object(s) + time Expression

Where had you gone before the class began?Where had you gone before the class began?

Future ContinuousFuture Continuous

Future ContinuousFuture Continuous

The future continuous is used to talk about an The future continuous is used to talk about an activity that will be in progress at a specific point activity that will be in progress at a specific point in time in the future. For example, We'll be in time in the future. For example, We'll be having lunch on the beach this time next week. having lunch on the beach this time next week.

This tense is often used with the following time This tense is often used with the following time expressions:expressions:

...this time tomorrow / next week, month, year...this time tomorrow / next week, month, year

...tomorrow / Monday, Tuesday, etc. / at X o'clock...tomorrow / Monday, Tuesday, etc. / at X o'clock

... in two, three, four, etc. / weeks, months, years ... in two, three, four, etc. / weeks, months, years timetime

Future ContinuousFuture Continuous

PositivePositive

Subject + will + be + verb + ing + object(s) + Subject + will + be + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expressiontime Expression

Peter will be doing his homework this time Peter will be doing his homework this time tomorrow.tomorrow.

Future ContinuousFuture Continuous

NegativeNegative

Subject + will not (won't) + be + verb + ing + Subject + will not (won't) + be + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expressionobject(s) + time Expression

Sharon won't be working in New York in three Sharon won't be working in New York in three weeks time.weeks time.

Future ContinuousFuture Continuous

QuestionQuestion

(Question Word) + will + subject + be + verb + (Question Word) + will + subject + be + verb + ing + object(s) + time Expressioning + object(s) + time Expression

What will you be doing this time next year?What will you be doing this time next year?