THE PAST SIMPLE

The Past Simple is the second most used verb tense because we use it to talk about completed actions in the past, and we love to talk about the past. Look at a news article or pick up your favourite book; most of them rely heavily on the Past Simple tense.

The Past Simple is commonly used to:

1. Describe actions that occurred at a specific time in the past.

• I visited Greece last summer with my girlfriend. 

2. Narrate a series of past events

• Yolanda woke up, brushed her teeth and headed off to the office. 

3. Express habitual or repeated actions in the past

• Every morning, Ben watered his plants and fed his dog.

4. Discuss past states or conditions

• We were so tired after our long hike yesterday.

THE FUTURE SIMPLE 

The Future Simple tense allows us to talk about what's going to happen at a time after the present moment. It's used as a way to predict outcomes, express intentions, make plans and talk about expectations. 

The Future Simple tense is pretty straightforward as it only uses ‘will’ and the base form of a verb. It is commonly used when talking about spontaneous decisions, predictions, promises, offers or requests. 

1. Spontaneous decisions:

• I’m pretty hungry; I will order some food. 

2. Predictions:

• The weather forecast says it will rain tomorrow. 

3. Promises:

• I will get to the office 20 minutes early to get everything set up. 

4. Offers:

• Mum will be happy to help you with your project if you need it. 

5. Requests:

• Will you please pass me the salt?

THE PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE

It’s time to talk about the Present Perfect Simple. Don’t let its long and slightly confusing name fool you; it’s actually quite an easy tense to master. Let’s look at when and how we use it.

The Present Perfect Simple is a verb tense that is used to connect the past to the present. It is formed by using the auxiliary verb ‘have’ or ‘has’ with the past participle of the main verb.

We use the Present Perfect Simple to talk about:

1. Unfinished states or actions that started in the past

• He’s been in his new position for about two weeks. 

2. Completed actions with relevance to the present

• My dad has just pulled up to the house. 

3. Life events and experiences

• They have travelled around Asia and most of Europe. 

4. Actions or events at an unspecified time in the past

• Yeah, we’ve tried that recipe!

THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS

We usually use the Present Continuous tense to describe actions that are happening at the present moment or around the present time. It focuses on actions that are in progress or temporary situations.

We use the Present Continuous to talk about a few different situations, like:

1. Describing things happening right now

• Debra is whipping up some delicious banana pancakes. 

2. Talking about activities that are not permanent

• I'm giving this workout plan a shot for a month to see how it makes me feel. 

3. Discussing plans or events that will happen in the future

• Mark isn't going to that conference next month. He changed his mind. 

4. Actions happening around a specific time

• I’m working this morning, but I’ll be free this afternoon.

5. Describing things that are gradually changing or improving

• The city is slowly becoming more eco-friendly with new recycling programs and bike lanes.