Which tense

Some would say no, but we disagree. Yes, you have to know which tenses exist in English , you definitely must learn to distinguish between present simple and present continuous , and you surely have to become familiar with past tenses.

As difficult as it may sound, it does get easier if you find proper help at a great school of English for foreigners in San Diego. Knowing which tense to use when speaking or writing English is not as difficult as it may sound. We are the best among San Diego English language schools for foreigners, and all our students master tenses quickly, easily, and thoroughly! You can also use the present simple tense to describe something that takes place regularly.

You can also use the present continuous to talk about an activity you have planned in the near future. This is another way of talking about the past — but unlike the past simple tense, this is used to describe something that happened before another action, which also took place in the past. Like the present continuous, this tense is used to describe something that started in the past and continued happening for some period of time. The term aspect is used in grammar to talk about the form of a verb that shows, for example, whether the action happens once or repeatedly, is completed or still continuing.

These tenses also called progressive tenses are used to talk about actions that continue for a period of time. They are formed with the relevant tense of the auxiliary verb to be and the present participle of the main verb. There are three main continuous tenses:. Perfect tenses are typically used to talk about actions that are completed by the present or a particular point in the past or future.

They are formed with the relevant tense of the auxiliary verb to have and the past participle of the main verb. There are three main perfect tenses:. There is a final set of tenses which combine features of the perfect and continuous tenses.

They are formed and used as follows:. What Are Verb Tenses? I will have read at least books by the end of the year. I had been reading for at least a year before my sister learned to read. I will have been reading for at least two hours before dinner tonight. Grammar What Are Modal Verbs? Writing, grammar, and communication tips for your inbox. Write with confidence.