In this lesson, we will look at the most commonly used grammar tenses in English. I will also teach you some of the everyday situations in which you can use each of these tenses. 

VERB TENSES

Technically, there are only three verb tenses: the present, past and future. But we have 4 different aspects within these tenses: the simple, continuous, perfect simple and perfect continuous. When we combine these 4 aspects with the 3 verb tenses, we get what we typically refer to as the 12 verb tenses.

Let’s have a quick review of each:

Present

• Present Simple: used for general truths, habits and permanent situations. 
• Present Continuous: used for actions happening now or around the present moment.
• Present Perfect: used for past actions with a connection to the present or for experiences.
• Present Perfect Continuous: used for actions that started in the past and are ongoing up to the present.

Past

• Past Simple: used to talk about completed actions in the past.
• Past Continuous: used for actions that were in progress at a specific time in the past.
• Past Perfect: used for actions completed before a specific time in the past. 
• Past Perfect Continuous: used for actions that started in the past, continued and were completed before another past event.

Future

• Future Simple: used for actions that will happen in the future.
• Future Continuous: used for actions that will be in progress at a specific time in the future.
• Future Perfect: used for actions that will be completed before a specific time in the future.
• Future Perfect Continuous: used for actions that will have started in the past, present or future, continue, and be completed before another future event.

According to research, the five most common English verb tenses are—

1. The Present Simple

2. The Past Simple

3. The Future Simple

4. The Present Perfect Simple 

5. The Present Continuous

Now let’s go ahead and see how you can start using each of these tenses to the best of your ability.

THE PRESENT SIMPLE

As you just learnt, the Present Simple makes up a large portion of daily communication, and rightfully so.

Let’s look at some of the most common uses of the Present Simple.

1. To talk about facts and statements that are always true

Most people prefer to shop online.

The supermarket is busy on Saturday mornings.

2. Statements that are true in the present

You are my best friend, Jasmine!

I can’t bake to save my life — look at this cake!

3. Routine actions or habits in the present, often used with an adverb of frequency.

Do you always bike to work?

I never see her in yoga class these days.

4. To refer to scheduled events in the future

Carmine’s holiday officially starts on the 5th of October. My stag do kicks off at 10pm at Boots and Brews!

5. To give directions or instructions

Mix the flour and water together to create a thick paste.

To get to the bookshop, walk down to the corner and take a left.

As you can probably tell from our examples, these kinds of statements and questions make up a large portion of our daily conversations.