Tenses

Read the following sentences carefully.

1. I was a child a few years ago.

2. I am a youngster now.
3. I shall be old in future.

The above three sentences refer to a state of being or existence at three different points of
time. The verb ‘was’ refers to existence in the past. The verb ‘am’ refers to existence in the
Present. The verb ‘shall be’ refers to existence at some time in Future.

Let’s take some more examples.

1. He wore a pink shirt yesterday.

2. He is wearing a black shirt today.
3. He will wear a white shirt tomorrow.

The verbs ‘wore’, ‘is wearing’ and ‘will wear’ in the above sentences refer to actions in the
past, present and future time respectively.

The word ‘Tense’ has been derived from the Latin word ‘tempus’ which means Time. The
Tense is a Verb form that shows the time of action or event. It also indicates the state of an
action.

Concepts of Tense and Time

Although the words ‘Tense’ and ‘Time’ are mostly used synonymously, there is a difference
between the two. Tense and Time are two different concepts. Whereas Time is a natural
concept, Tense is a grammatical term. Sometimes a sentence may have a verb in Present
Tense but the time it refers to may be Future. For example:

1. I am going to Mumbai tomorrow. (Tense: Present, Time of action: Future)

2. The Prime minister leaves for London the next week. (Tense Present, Time of action:
Future)
3. If I go to market, I will bring toys for you. (The verb ‘go’ is in the Present Tense, but
it denotes a future time)

There are three Tenses.

1. Present Tense
2. Past Tense
3. Future Tense

Sub Divisions of Tenses

Each Tense is further sub-divided in four Tenses according to the time of actions they denote.
These sub divisions are:

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 1. Indefinite or Simple: A verb in Simple or Indefinite Tense denotes an action that
does not refer to any specific time.
2. Continuous: A verb in Continuous Tense denotes an action in progress.
3. Perfect: A verb in Perfect Tense denotes a complete action.
4. Perfect Continuous: A verb in Perfect Continuous Tense denotes an action in
progress for some time.

Study the table given below to understand the division of each Tense. The table shows all the
Tense forms of the verb Write.
Present Past Future
Simple He writes a letter. He wrote a letter. He will write a letter.
Continuous He is writing a letter He was writing a He will be writing a
letter. letter.
Perfect He has written a letter. He had written a He will have written a
letter. letter
Perfect He has been writing a He had been writing He will have been
Continuous letter since morning. a letter for 10 writing a letter since
minutes. morning.

Tenses and Helping Verbs (Auxiliaries)

Helping verbs play a very important role in the making of different tenses and framing
interrogative and negative sentences in different tenses. It is very important to understand the
role of auxiliaries (helping Verbs) in different tenses in order to understand the concept of
Tenses clearly. Study the chart given below carefully to understand the use of helping verbs
in different tenses.

Tense Will/shall Be Do Have

Simple Present - - Do/does -
Present - Is/am/are - -
Continuous
Present Perfect - - - Has/have
Present Perfect - been - Has/have
Continuous
Simple Past - - did -
Past - - Was/were -
Continuous
Past Perfect - - - Had
Past Perfect - been - Had
Continuous
Simple Future Will/shall - - -
Future Will/shall be - -
Continuous
Future Perfect Will/shall - - Have
Future Perfect Will/shall been - Have
Continuous

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 Tenses and Modal Auxiliaries

Modal Auxiliary Present Form Past Form Perfect Form

Will Will Would Would have V3
Would Would Would Would Have V3
Shall Shall Would Would have V3
Should Should Should Should have V3
Can Can Could Could have V3
Could Could Could Could have V3
May May Might Might have V3
Might Might Might Might have V3
Used to Used to -
Ought to Ought to -
Need Need - Need not have+V3
Dare Dare -
Must Must - Must have V3

Examples:
1. He says that he will go to Delhi tomorrow.
2. He said that he would go to Delhi the next day.
3. He says that he can help me.
4. He said that he could help me.
5. He says that he may help me.
6. He said that he might help me.
7. They should have informed us earlier.
8. You must have forgotten your book somewhere.
9. He might have missed his train.
10. You need not have troubled him.

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 Simple Present Tense

Representation of Simple Present Tense on Time Line

Past Present Future

Sentence Pattern (SV1)

Types of Sentence Pattern Examples

Affirmative Sentences He/She/It/Singular Subject+ He writes a letter.
First form of verb+ s/es
I/We You/They/Plural They play cricket.
Subject+First form of Verb
Negative Sentences: He/She/It/Singular Subject+ He does not write a letter.
does not+ First form of verb
I/We You/They/Plural They do not play cricket.
Subject+do not+ First form
of Verb
Interrogative Sentences Does+ He/She/It/Singular Does he write a letter?
Subject+ First form of verb
Do+ I/We/ You/They/Plural
Subject+ First form of Verb Do they play cricket?
Interrogative Negative Does+ He/She/It/Singular Does he not write a letter?
Sentences Subject+ not+ First form of
verb
Do+ I/We/ You/They/Plural Do they not play cricket?
Subject+not+ First form of
Verb

Use of Simple Present Tense

1. To express Universal truths and facts such as a scientific fact, mathematical fact,
geographical fact etc.
❖ The earth revolves around the sun.
❖ Water boils at 100 degree centigrade.
❖ Two and two make four.
❖ An island is a piece of land surrounded by water from all sides.
2. To express a habitual action, routines, customs, traditions etc.
❖ He always speaks the truth.
❖ People celebrate Diwali to mark the return of Lord Rama from exile.
❖ Most men in the Punjab wear turbans.
❖ My mother goes to temple every day.
❖ We often go to a park.
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3. To make general statements indicating Present Time.
❖ The British speak English.
❖ He sings very well.
❖ My mother cooks delicious food.
❖ These boys study in grade five.
4. To denote an action which is true at the time of speaking
❖ My friend lives here.
❖ He is a good player.
5. To express proverbial statements
❖ Honesty is the best policy.
❖ Riches have wings.
❖ Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.
6. For live commentaries
❖ Rajeev passes the ball to Nitish, Nitish passes it to Arjun who heads towards
the goal and scores a goal.
7. To denote a planned Future action
❖ Our school reopens next week.
❖ The match begins the next hour.
8. To denote a Future action using ‘is/am/are+to+Verb’ or ‘is/am/are+ about
to+Verb’
❖ The meeting is about to begin.
❖ The train is about to leave in five minutes.
❖ I am to attend a wedding ceremony tomorrow.
9. In exclamatory sentences beginning with ‘here’ or ‘there’ to denote an action
which is actually taking place in the present.
❖ Here comes the queen!
❖ There goes the ball!
10. To narrate past events, drama or story to make the description seem more vivid
or real
❖ The hero jumps down from the building, lands on a moving truck and follows
the villains.
❖ Both the armies assemble in the field and the battle begins.
11. In News Paper Headlines
❖ Cricket match between Srilanka and England ends in a draw.
❖ Peace-talk between India and Pakistan fails.
12. To quote poets or authors whether living or dead
❖ Shakespeare says, “Sweet are the uses of adversity.”
13. State Verbs such as:
• Verbs of Thinking or some mental activity: think, remember, believe,
know, understand, imagine, suppose, consider, agree, trust, forget, mean,
mind etc.
• Verbs of emotion: love, hate, like, dislike, wish, hope, forgive, feel, desire,
want, prefer, refuse etc.

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 • Verbs of appearing: appear, see, look
• Verbs of perception: see, hear, smell, notice, recognise
• Verbs of possession: own, possess, belong to, consist of, have, contain etc

are mostly used in Simple Present Tense, and avoided in Continuous Tense.

❖ I think they should leave now. (not I am thinking)

❖ I believe that the news is true. (not I am believing)
❖ I know that he has left this city. (not I am knowing)
❖ I hear that she is getting married. (not I am hearing)

Exception:

(i) I am thinking of going to Goa.

(ii) He is minding the class as the teacher is away for some reason.
(iii) The plumber is seeing to the leakage in the drain pipe.
14. After ‘hope’ we generally use the Simple Present Tense
❖ I hope my result gets declared today.
❖ She hopes her parents return today.
15. To express mental actions
❖ We agree with you.
❖ They trust you.
❖ She remembers her name.
16. To describe procedures in Active Voice
❖ In order to make a tea, we boil water with tea leaves for one minute and a half
and strain it in a kettle. Pour black tea in a cup and add milk and sugar
according to taste.
17. In subordinate clauses (starting with if, in case, provided that, unless, till, until,
as soon as, when, before etc.) showing time or condition when the main clause is
in the future
❖ If you boil water, it evaporates. (Type-0 Conditional Sentences)
❖ If it rains, we will not go out. (Type-I Conditional Sentences)
❖ When my father comes home, we will play chess.
❖ I will wait till you return.
Adverbs Frequently used with Simple Present Tense
every day every year every month every week
daily usually often Commonly
frequently Never seldom Hardly
always Sometimes today every hour
every....................... Regularly generally Occasionally
Once a year Twice a week

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 Simple Past Tense
Representation of Simple Past Tense on Time Line

Past Present Future

Sentence Pattern (SV2)

Types of Sentence Pattern Examples

Affirmative Sentences He /She/It/Singular Subject/ He wrote a letter.
I/We You/They/Plural
Subject+ Second form of They played cricket.
Verb
Negative Sentences: He/ She/It/Singular Subject/ He did not write a letter.
I/We You/They/Plural
Subject+ did not+ First form They did not play cricket.
of Verb
Interrogative Sentences Did+ He /She/It/Singular Did he write a letter?
Subject/I/We/You/They/Plural
Subject+ First form of Verb Did they play cricket?
Interrogative Negative Did+ He/ She/It/Singular Did he not write a letter?
Sentences Subject/ I/We/ You /They/
Plural Subject+ not+ First Did they not play cricket?
form of Verb

Use of Simple Past Tense

1. To denote an action or situation that occurred or completed in the past at a
definite time even if the time is mentioned or not. The actions denoting Past
Tense have no connection with present. There is a direct or indirect reference to
past time in sentences expressed Past Tense.
❖ I went to market yesterday.
❖ Last year we visited the Taj Mahal.
❖ I got up late this morning.
❖ The train arrived late by twenty minutes.
❖ I bought this dress at Mumbai.
2. To denote actions that happened for a period of time in the past and completed
in the past.
❖ She stayed with us for a week.
❖ They spent ten years in Chennai.
3. To tell stories, past events, happenings, celebrations, experiences etc.
❖ Once upon a time, there was a king.
❖ We celebrated Children’s day with great pomp and show this year.
❖ I enjoyed myself a lot at Goa.

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4. To denote habitual actions, routines or customs of the past (for past habits, the
use of ‘used to’ and ‘would’ is discussed in the chapter dealing with Modal
Auxiliaries)
❖ When I was a student, I played cricket.
❖ While at Shimla, I often went for a walk.
❖ She never missed her classes.
❖ They always came late.
❖ People exchanged things for business in the past.
❖ The early man lived in forests.
5. To talk about discoveries, inventions achievements etc.
❖ Colombo discovered America.
❖ Neil Armstrong was the first man to land on the moon.
❖ Thomas Edison invented electric bulb.
6. To talk about historical events, wars, battles, movements etc.
❖ The First War of Independence started in 1857.
❖ Mahatma Gandhi started Quit India Movement in 1942.
7. In type-2 conditional sentences
❖ If I have money, I would buy a big house.
❖ If I had money, I will buy a big house.
❖ If I had had money, I would buy a big house.
❖ If I had money, I would buy a big house.
❖
❖ If he were you, he would never behave so.
❖ If I went to Jaipur, I would visit the Hawa Mahal.
8. To denote an action that happens just before another one
❖ He had completed his homework before he went to play.
❖ She had switched off the lights before she went out of the room.
9. For two simultaneous actions of the past
❖ When I played, my brother studied.
❖ We sang the National Anthem when the Prime Minister hosted the flag.
10. In Optative sentences starting with ‘I wish....’ or ‘If only....’
❖ If only she allowed me to accompany her.
❖ I wish I knew them well.
11. To express Unreal Past starting with ‘It is time......’
❖ It is time you started working hard.
❖ It is high time you finished your work.
❖ It is time we went back home.
12. After ‘would rather’ to express a preference in the following structure
Subject+ would rather +Object+ Verb in the Past Tense
❖ I would rather he went home.
❖ Can he go back? I would rather he didn’t.
13. Type-2 Conditional Sentences:
❖ If I had money, I would buy a new car.
❖ If I were a bird, I would fly in the sky.

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 Type 0 Facts If you boil water, it evaporates.
Type 1 Condition (Simple If I go to market, I
Present)+Result will/may/can/must/should bring
(will/can/may/shoul vegetables.
d/must)+1
Type 2 Hypothetical Be form: were/V2
(Unreal V2+would/could/ If I were a bird, I would fly in the sky.
past) Might+V1 If I had money, I could buy a car.
Type 3 Had+V3, Would If you had invited me, I would have
(Real Past) have V3 attended the party.
Had you invited me, I would have
attended the party. (Inversion)

Should he arrive on time, I will meet him.

Adverbs/phrases frequently used with Simple Past Tense

yesterday Last week Last month Last year
Last evening Last night ago Long ago
Once upon a time.....
For Denoting Past habits or routines with reference to the past
every day every year every month every week
daily usually often Commonly
frequently never seldom Hardly
always sometimes today every hour
every....................... regularly generally Occasionally
Once a year Twice a week

I go to temple every day.

When I was in Delhi, I ______to temple every day.

Go, will go, went, had gone

When I was in Delhi, I used to go to temple every day.

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 Will go, should go, used to go, must go

When I was in Delhi, I would go to temple every day.

Will go, would go, should go, could go

Simple Future Tense

Representation of Simple Future Tense on Time Line

Past Present Future

Sentence Pattern (S+will/shall+V1)

Types of Sentences Pattern Examples

Affirmative Sentences He/She/It/Singular Subject/ He will write a letter.
You/They/Plural Subject +
will+ First Form of Verb They will play cricket.
I/We + shall/will+ First Form I shall/will write a letter.
of Verb
Negative Sentences: He/ She/It/Singular Subject/ He will not write a letter.
You/They/Plural Subject +
will+ not+ First Form of They will not play cricket.
Verb
I/We + shall/will+ not+ First I shall/will not write a letter.
Form of Verb
Interrogative Sentences Will+ He/She/It/Singular Will he write a letter?
Subject/ You/They/Plural
Subject + First Form of Verb Will they play cricket?

Shall+ I/We + First Form of Shall I write a letter?

Verb
Interrogative Negative Will+ He/She/It/Singular Will he not write a letter?
Sentences Subject/ You/They/Plural
Subject + not+ First Form of Will they not play cricket?
Verb
Shall+ I/We + not+ First Shall I not write a letter?
Form of Verb

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 Use of Simple Future Tense
1. To describe a future action or event
❖ We will go to Delhi next week.
❖ The marriage will take place the next month.
2. To express determination, invitation, request or prediction
❖ I will lend you some money.
❖ Will you accompany me?
❖ It will rain today.
❖ Will you pass the salt please?
3. To make an offer or promise
❖ He shall get a prize tomorrow.
❖ I will buy you a new toy.
4. To indicate an instant decision
❖ There is a party at my friend’s house. I will dance there.
❖ Let’s go for shopping. We will buy new clothes.
5. To express hopes and expectations
❖ I hope she will win the competition.
❖ I wonder what will happen now.
❖ I expect they will return today.
❖ He thinks he will shift by Sunday.
❖ I am sure things will settle down soon.
6. In main clauses when the subordinate clauses show time and condition and start
with if, in case, provided that, unless, till, until, as soon as, when, before etc.
❖ If you complete your work, I you play.
❖ When my mother comes home, we will take dinner.

Important Note: A future action can be denoted by using:

• Simple Present Tense: The next train leaves at 8:30 pm.

• Present Continuous: My father is leaving for Delhi tomorrow.
• Be+about to form: The meeting is about to begin.
• Be+Going to: I am going to start a new job soon.
• Be+ to: I am to visit my friend today.

Adverbs/phrases frequently used with Simple Future Tense

tomorrow next week Next month Next year
Next day This night In future Now onwards
Today onwards
For Denoting Future planning, routines or determination with future reference
every day every year every month every week
daily usually often Commonly
frequently never seldom Hardly

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always sometimes today every hour
every....................... regularly generally Occasionally
Once a year Twice a week

I go to temple every day.

When I was a child, I went to temple every day.

I have decided that I will go to temple every day.

Exercise: Fill in the blanks with Simple Present, Simple Past or Simple Future Tense of
the verbs given in the brackets.

1. “Do you know your friend is in hospital?” “Oh! Really? I..........................(visit)

him tomorrow.” Will visit
2. My friend is in hospital. I ....................................(visit) him tomorrow. am going
to visit/ am visiting/ will visit
3. Tagore..........................................(receive) noble prize for his contribution to
literature.
4. He...............................................(buy) a new car yesterday.
5. We.................................................(shift) to Pune last year.
6. The teacher ....................................us a test on next Monday. (give)
7. We.....................................(visit) you the next month.
8. I have decided that I..................................(take) revenge upon him.
9. If you follow my instructions carefully, you..................................(find) the
treasure.
10. I wonder how she......................................... (pass) the test.
11. I expect India ................................(win) the test series.
12. They............................................(play) a cricket match in the evening.
13. The Principal is on leave today. The meeting................................to be cancelled.
(be going)
14. I have planned that I..............................................(spend) my vacation at Manali.
15. We............................................(celebrate) our annual function at the end of the
session.
16. He.................................(get) married last month.
17. I ..........................(meet) Mr. Sharma at the conference.
18. He..............................(have) a lot of friends when he was in college.
19. I wish I....................................(can) help her.
20. He...................................................(not take) the test on Saturday as he was not
well.
21. Akbar...............................(be) a great king.
22. Today onwards the boys .........................................(exercise) regularly.

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23. We have planned that we..............................................(go) on vacation twice a
year.
24. I think the board............................................(announce) the result soon.
25. Probably, the guests...............................................(arrive) at 8 o’ clock.
26. The sun...........................(rise) in the east and..........................(set) in the west.
27. Water......................................(freeze) at zero degree centigrade.
28. My brother................................(practice) swimming every day.
29. He always...................................(come) late to the class.
30. The earth...............................(be) known as blue planet.
31. People..............................................(celebrate) Christmas on 25th December every
year.
32. I hope she...........................(stand) first in the class. stands/will stand
33. Here .................................. (come) the chief guest!
34. Rahul never.................................(tell) a lie.
35. You will surely succeed if you.........................................(work) hard.
36. He.....................................(not like) chocolate ice cream.
37. India.....................................(get) freedom in 1947.
38. If I.....................................(win) the prize, I would be rich.
39. When.....................you........................(sell) your car?
40. How..................... (be) the weather when you....................... (be) at Shimla?
41. ....................... (do) he.......................... (do) his work on time?
42. She.......................................(not attend) the class regularly.
43. I ..............................................(not agree) with you at this point.
44. Keats ...................................(say), “A thing of beauty is a joy forever”.
45. The wages of sin..............................death. (be)
46. Riches..................................(have) wings.
47. ...................you...............................(understand) what I mean?
48. He........................................(look) upset today.
49. My friend......................................(speak) French well.
50. Planets.............................................(not twinkle), but stars............................(do).

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 Present Continuous Tense

Representation of Present Continuous Tense on Time Line

Past Present Future

Sentence Pattern (S+is/am/are+V1+ing)

Types of Sentences Pattern Examples

Affirmative Sentences He/She/It/Singular Subject+ He is writing a letter.
is+ First form of verb+ ing
I+ am+ First form of verb+ I am writing a letter.
ing
We/ You/They/Plural They are playing cricket.
Subject+ are+ First form of
Verb+ ing
Negative Sentences: He/She/It/Singular Subject+ He is not writing a letter.
is not+ First form of verb+
ing I am not writing a letter.
I+ am not+ First Form of
Verb+ ing They are not playing cricket.
We/ You/They/Plural
Subject+ are not+ First form
of Verb+ ing
Interrogative Sentences Is+ He/ She/It/Singular Is he writing a letter?
Subject+ First form of verb+
ing Am I writing a letter?
Am+ I+ First form of verb+
ing Are they playing cricket?
Are+ We/ You/They/Plural
Subject+ First form of Verb+
ing
Interrogative Negative Is+ He/ She/It/Singular Is he not writing a letter?
Sentences Subject+ not+ First form of
verb+ ing Am I not writing a letter?

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 Am+ I+ not + First form of
verb+ ing Are they not playing cricket?
Are+ We You/They/Plural
Subject+ not +First form of
Verb+ ing

Use of Present Continuous Tense

1. To denote an action in progress at the time of speaking
❖ I am going to school.
❖ The boys are playing cricket in the stadium.
❖ My mother is cooking food.
2. To denote an action in progress and continuity around present time, not necessarily at
the time of speaking
❖ I am learning French these days.
❖ India is progressing by leaps and bounds.
❖ She is writing a book.
3. For habitual actions or repeated actions, used with adverbs like always, regularly,
continuously etc. Here Present Continuous Tense is used to express displeasure or
annoyance at the repeated action.
❖ He is always arguing with others.
❖ They are continuously coming late.
❖ She is regularly complaining about the services.
4. Planned future Actions
❖ We are going to Delhi next week.
❖ They are meeting tonight.
5. Use of ‘will’ and ‘be going to’ for future actions
Both ‘will’ and ‘be going to’ are used to denote future actions. However, there is a
difference between the two. We use ‘will’ when we plan to do something at the time
of speaking. On the other hand, ‘be going to’ is used to denote actions that are
planned or actions that are likely to happen.
❖ My friend is going to get married. (Planned action)
❖ She will get married after her Ph.D. (not planned as yet)
❖ Sumit is riding his bicycle carelessly. He is going to fall. (action likely to
happen)
❖ Look at the clouds in the sky. It’s going to rain.
❖ I don’t have money to buy a car. I will take a loan from bank.
❖ I am going to take loan from bank. (Already planned) or, I am taking loan
from bank.

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 6. Use of Simple Present and Present Continuous
Simple Present Present Continuous
I go to school at 7 am. (routine) I am going to school. (now)
I have a big house. I am having dinner.
The sun rises in the east. The sun is rising; it’s looking beautiful.
I usually wear a suit. Today, I am wearing a saree.
When two actions are happening at the same time in Present Tense, we use the
Present Continuous Tense for the action that started before and continues after the
other action is over.
❖ My baby always cries when I am taking dinner.
❖ His brother disturbs when we are studying.

7. State Verbs: There are some verbs that express some mental process, feeling,
emotion, appearance, perceptions or possession.
Verbs of mental process: think, believe, know, remember, imagine, understand,
suppose, agree, disagree, trust, forget, mean, mind etc.
Verbs of appearance: appear, look, seem etc.
Verbs of perception: see, hear, smell, notice, recognise etc.
Verbs of possession: belong to, own, have, contain, own, possess
Verbs of emotions: feel, love, like, dislike, hate, loathe, wish, hope, forgive, feel,
desire, prefer, want, need etc.
These State verbs are mostly used in Simple Present Tense. However, if the same verb
is used to denote a particular action with a different meaning, it can be in Present
Continuous Tense.
❖ The doctor is feeling the pulse of the patient.
❖ The monitor is minding the class.
❖ I am forgetting the name of the singer. (trying to recollect)
❖ I am seeing my friend today. (going to meet)
❖ I am thinking of selling my old house. (considering)

Adverbs/phrases that can be used with Present Continuous Tense

now At this time At present These days
Now days here

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 Past Continuous Tense

Representation of Past Continuous Tense on Time Line

Past Present Future

Sentence Pattern (S+was/were+V1+ing)

Types of Sentence Pattern Examples

Affirmative Sentences I/ He/She/It/Singular He was writing a letter.
Subject+ was+ First form of
verb+ ing I was writing a letter.
We/ You/They/Plural
Subject+ were+ First form of They were playing cricket.
Verb+ ing
Negative Sentences: I/ He/She/It/Singular He was not writing a letter.
Subject+ was not+ First form
of verb+ ing I was not writing a letter.
We / You/They/Plural
Subject+ were not+ First They were not playing
form of Verb+ ing cricket.
Interrogative Sentences Was+ I/ He/She/It/Singular Was he writing a letter?
Subject+ First form of verb+
ing Was I writing a letter?
Were+ We/ You/They/Plural
Subject+ First form of Verb+ Were they playing cricket?
ing
Interrogative Negative Was+ I/ He/She/It/Singular Was he not writing a letter?
Sentences Subject+ not+ First form of
verb+ ing Was I not writing a letter?
Were+ We/You/They/Plural

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 Subjec+ not +First form of Were they not playing
Verb+ing cricket?

Use of Past Continuous Tense

1. To denote an action which was happening at a particular time in the past
❖ He was playing at 5 o’ clock in the evening.
❖ Yesterday at 10.00 am, he was travelling to Ludhiana.
2. To denote an action which was in progress when another action happened
❖ When the teacher entered the class, the students were making a noise.
❖ It was snowing the whole night.
❖ When my father entered the room, my brother was learning his lessons.
3. To suggest a gradual action in the past
❖ The lady was getting tired day by day.
❖ I was getting late for the meeting.
❖ The boy was turning into a young boy.
❖ The sapling was growing to become a big tree.
4. To express two simultaneous actions
❖ When my brother was playing tennis, I was swimming.
5. To indicate repeated past actions or past habitual actions causing annoyance or
irritation
❖ She was always disturbing the class.
❖ He was always asking unnecessary questions.
6. Polite enquiries or requests
❖ I was wondering if you could help me with some money.

Adverbs/phrases often used with Past Continuous Tense

then At that time Those days there
at+past time When clause

18
 Future Continuous Tense

Representation of Future Continuous Tense on Time Line

Past Present Future

Sentence Pattern (S+will/shall+be+V1+ing)

Types of Sentence Pattern Examples

Affirmative Sentences He/She/It/Singular Subject/ He will be writing a letter.
You/They/Plural Subject +
will+ be+ First Form of I shall/will be writing a letter.
Verb+ ing
I/We + shall/will+ be+ First They will be playing cricket.
Form of Verb +ing
Negative Sentences: He/She/It/Singular Subject/ He will not be writing a
You/They/Plural Subject + letter.
will+ not+ be+ First Form of
Verb+ ing I shall/will not be writing a
I/We + shall/will+ not + be+ letter.
First Form of Verb +ing
They will not be playing
cricket.
Interrogative Sentences Will+ He/She/It/Singular Will he be writing a letter?
Subject/ You/They/Plural
Subject+ be+ First Form of Shall I be writing a letter?
Verb+ ing
Shall+ I/We + be+ First Will they be playing cricket?
Form of Verb +ing
Interrogative Negative Will+ He/She/It/Singular Will he not be writing a
Sentences Subject/ You/They/Plural letter?

19
 Subject+ not+ be+ First Form Shall I not be writing a
of Verb+ ing letter?
Shall+ I/We + not+ be+ First Will they not be playing
Form of Verb +ing cricket?

Use of Future Continuous Tense

1. To denote an action in progress in future

❖ Tomorrow at this time, he will be studying maths.
❖ The next week at this time, she will be getting married.

2. To denote plans or arrangements

❖ He will be reaching here by tonight.
❖ The aeroplane will be landing soon.
3. To denote an action in progress when another action happens
❖ When he comes back home, his children will be sleeping.
❖ If it rains, people will be running here and there.
4. To describe an action expected to happen in the normal course
❖ He will be travelling now.
❖ She will be recording her new song.
❖ The company will be launching new smartphones soon.
5. To ask a question politely or hesitatingly or to know about the listener’s
plan
❖ When will you complete your homework? (Teacher to student)
❖ When will you be finishing the syllabus? (student to teacher)
❖ Will you be passing the post office today? I need some stamps.
6. To denote an action which is the result of a routine
❖ He shall be attending the class tomorrow.
❖ She will be going to her office at the time.

Exercise: Fill in the blanks with Present Continuous, Past Continuous or Future
Continuous Tense of the verbs given in the brackets.

1. He informed me that he...............................................(come) late that day.

2. At that time, the bride...................................................(get) ready.
3. We..............................................(cross) the road when the accident took place.
4. Where.......................she................................at this time? (go)

20
5. Why........................people.....................................(shout)?
6. I ..................................................(learn) driving these days.
7. He usually travels by train, but today he .................................................(travel) by air.
8. Due to bad weather, the trains....................................................late. (run)
9. I................................................my friend this evening. (meet)
10. When....................you............................ (leave) for Chennai?
11. What......................they............................. (do) here?
12. Rajan...........................always...............................(fight) with his classmates.
13. Prices.....................................................(go up) rapidly.
14. Life...................................................(become) tough day by day.
15. Look at that speeding car, it...........................................(be going) to hit someone.
16. She.......................................................(work) very hard as she wants to win the game.
17. They.........................................(sleep) at 6 o’ clock last evening.
18. Yesterday at 10.00 am, she................................................(attend) a meeting.
19. When my mother came home,the gardener........................................(water) the plants.
20. When my father......................................(work) on a project, my mother .......................
..................................(prepare) dinner.
21. The weather.....................................(turn) cold as the days passed.
22. Those days, I..................................................(write) a novel.
23. I ..................................................(read) a book when the light went off.
24. At this time last year, they...................................................(construct) their new house.
25. He...............................................(watch) TV when his friend came.
26. What...................................you..................................(do) when the murder took place?
27. He fell down the hill while he..............................................................(click) a
photograph.
28. The baby fell asleep while it.......................................................(play).
29. Why...........................you...........................(be) so selfish?
30. He ....................................................(think) of shifting his family here.
31. They..........................................................(have) a great time at Canada.
32. Next year at this time, we.....................................................(sow) seeds in our fields.
33. At 9:30, I ............................................................(watch) TV.
34. Next week at this time, they..........................................................(celebrate) Christmas.
35. I need your car. ..........................you......................................... (be, use) it today?
36. He is late today. His parents ..............................................................(wait) for him.
37. She...................................................................(rehearse) for her dance performance the
next week.
38. Sara...................................................................(revising) her lessons all evening.
39. Don’t disturb him now, he.....................................................(study).
40. People.............................................................(prepare) for New Year now.
41. The children ............................................................(play) in the playground now.
42. Don’t call me between 10 pm and 5 am. I.....................................................(sleep) .
43. His break starts at 12:30. It is 12:45 now. He ..................................................(take) his
lunch.
44. The train..........................................................(arrive) at platform in another 5 minutes.

21
 45. Will you post this letter? Of course, I will. I................................. (pass) that way.

Present Perfect Tense

Representation of Present Perfect Tense on Time Line

Past Present Future

(Past action linked with present)

Or,

Action started in the past continues in the present

Past Present Future

Sentence Pattern (S+has/have+V3)

Types of Sentences Pattern Examples

Affirmative Sentences He/She/It/Singular Subject+ He has written a letter.
has+ Third form of verb+
I/We You/They/Plural They have played cricket.
Subject+ have+ Third form I have written a letter.
of Verb
Negative Sentences: He/She/It/Singular Subject+ He has not written a letter.
has+ not+ Third form of
verb+ They have not played cricket.
I/We You/They/Plural
Subject+ have+ not+ Third I have not written a letter.
form of Verb

22
Interrogative Sentences Has+ He/She/It/Singular Has he written a letter?
Subject+ Third form of verb+
Have they played cricket?
Have+ I/We/You/They/Plural
Subject+ Third form of verb Have I written a letter?
Interrogative Negative Has+ He/She/It/Singular Has he not written a letter?
Sentences Subject+ not+ Third form of
verb+ Have they not played
cricket?
Have+ I/ We/ You/ They/
Plural Subject+ not+ Third Have I not written a letter?
form of verb

Use of Present Perfect Tense

1. To denote a recently completed action
❖ He has just left for the office.
❖ I have received your email just now.
❖ They have recently purchased a new house.
2. To express past actions when the past time is not mentioned
❖ I have taken lunch.
❖ The students have taken their test.
❖ My brother has returned from school.
3. To denote an action beginning in the past and still continuing
❖ I have worked in this office for ten years. (I am still working here.)
❖ We have known each other for five years.
4. To denote a past action the result or effect of which still continues
❖ I have bought a new computer. (I am using it now.)
❖ They have opened a new showroom. (They are running the showroom now.)
❖ The children have eaten all the bananas. (None is left for you.)
5. To denote repeated or habitual actions
❖ I have always believed in the dignity of hard work.
❖ She has often wondered why her boss is so dominating.
6. Used with words such as ‘just’, ‘already’, ‘ever’, ‘never’ ‘yet’ , as yet, so far, before,
etc.
❖ They have already taken their lunch.
❖ Have you ever seen a movie like this?
❖ He has never met any celebrity.
❖ The baby has not got up yet.
❖ I have never seen a panda before.
❖ I have finished writing twenty pages so far.
7. To describe a past experience connected with the present
❖ He has never behaved rudely.

23
 ❖ They have never tasted wine.
❖ I have never been to Agra.
❖ I have never seen such a beautiful place as this.
❖ This is one of the most interesting books I have ever read.

Use of for/since
‘Since’ and ‘for’ both are used in Perfect and Perfect Continuous Tense. ‘Since’ is used to
mention ‘point of time’ whereas ‘for’ is used to mention ‘period of time’.

Examples:
1. I have been studying since morning. (Morning is the point of time when the action
started.
2. He has worked here for ten years. (period of time)
3. I have been studying for two hours. (We don’t know the point of time when the action
started, but we know that the period of action is two hours.)
4. I have known him since 2015.

Exercise: Fill in the blanks with Present Perfect Tense of the verbs given in the
brackets.

Past Perfect Tense

Representation of Past Perfect Tense on Time Line

Past Simple
Perfect Past

Past Present Future

Sentence Pattern (S+had+V3)

Types of Sentences Pattern Examples

Affirmative Sentences He/She/It/Singular Subject/ He had written a letter.
I/We You/They/Plural
Subject + had+ Third form of They had played cricket.
verb+ I had written a letter.

Negative Sentences: He/She/It/Singular Subject/ He had not written a letter.

I/We You/They/Plural

24
 Subject + had+ not+ Third They had not played cricket.
form of verb+
I had not written a letter.
Interrogative Sentences Had+ He/She/It/Singular Had he written a letter?
Subject / I/We You/ They/
Plural Subject +Third form Had they played cricket?
of verb+
Had I written a letter?
Interrogative Negative Had+ He/She/It/Singular Had he not written a letter?
Sentences Subject / I/We You/ They/
Plural Subject + not+ Third Had they not played cricket?
form of verb+
Had I not written a letter?

Use of Past Perfect Tense

1. To denote an action which happened or completed before some other action took
place in the past
❖ The patient had died before the doctor arrived.
❖ The peon had rung the bell when I reached school.
2. In a simple sentence, Past Perfect is used with words as ‘already’, ‘ever’, ‘for + period
of time’, ‘just’, ‘never’, ‘before’, ‘since+ point of time’. Such sentences are used in
narrating some past event or story.
❖ She had never visited the city before.
❖ The students had already left the school.
3. In type-3 Conditional sentences to express an unfulfilled condition in the past
❖ Had you invited me, I would have attended the meeting.
❖ If you had worked hard, you would have succeeded.
4. Used with verbs like expect, hope, mean, suppose, think, intend, want etc. to describe
things we hoped or wished to do but did not or could not do so.
❖ He had hoped to score 95% marks.
❖ I had never expected such behaviour of you.

Exercise: Fill in the blanks with Past Perfect Tense of the verbs given in the brackets.

25
 Future Perfect Tense
Representation of Past Perfect Tense on Time Line

Future Simple
Perfect Present

Past Present Future

Sentence Pattern (S+ will/shall+ have+V3)

Types of Sentences Pattern Examples

Affirmative Sentences He/She/It/Singular Subject/ He will have written a letter.
You/They/Plural Subject +
will+ have+ Third form of They will have played
verb cricket.
I/We+ shall/will+ have+ I will have written a letter.
Third form of Verb

Negative Sentences: He/She/It/Singular Subject/ He will not have written a

You/They/Plural Subject + letter.
will+ not+ have+ Third form
of verb They will not have played
I/We+ shall/will+ not+ have+ cricket.
Third form of Verb I will not have written a
letter.
Interrogative Sentences Will+ He/She/It/Singular Will he have written a letter?
Subject/ You/They/Plural
Subject + have+ Third form Will they have played
of verb cricket?
Shall+ I/We + have+ Third

26
 form of Verb Shall I have written a letter?

Interrogative Negative Will+ He/She/It/Singular Will he not have written a

Sentences Subject/ You/They/Plural letter?
Subject +not+ have+ Third
form of verb Will they not have played
Shall+ I/We + not+ have+ cricket?
Third form of Verb
Shall I not have written a
letter?

Use of Future Perfect Tense

1. To denote an action which will be completed at some point of time in future
❖ By the end of this month, I will have completed this book.
❖ I will have returned by Saturday.
❖ We shall have submitted the report by 5 o’ clock in the evening.
❖ She will have prepared dinner before her husband returns.
2. To express a belief that something has taken place
❖ The tourist will have reached the mountain top by now.
❖ I believe you must have completed your work by now.

Exercise: Fill in the blanks with Present Perfect, Past Perfect or Future Perfect Tense of
the verbs given in the brackets.

1. I ...............................................................(paint) this picture by tomorrow evening.

2. He ....................................................(learn) all his lessons before final exams.
3. The Chairman .................................................(retire) by next month.
4. They .......................................................(repay) all their debts before leaving the city.
5. She ..........................................................(stitch) a new dress by coming Monday.
6. Students ............................................... (decorate) their classes by the next hour.
7. The people .......................................................(cast) their votes by evening.
8. The sun ................................................(set) by 6:30 pm.
9. I think that she......................................................(change) her decision by now.
10. By the end of this year, I ................................................(worked) for this company for
20 years.
11. I .........................................(get) up before the sun rose.
12. The train...............................................(arrive) when I reached the station.
13. The boys..................................(practise) well before the final match.
14. He .........................................................(imagine) that he would win a lottery.
15. We............................................(hope) that you would cooperate with us.
16. .............................(have) you............................(have) your dinner?
17. I .........................never......................(be) to a hill station.

27
18. They...................................(purchase) a new house.
19. I .............................................(know) him for a long time.

20. We...............................................(pack) our bags. We are ready to leave.

21. ...........................you..............................(read) this book?
22. She......................................................(work) here for five years.
23. The train...................................................................(not arrive) as yet.
24. The Principal...........................already..............................(warned) him many times.
25. Don’t send him any message now. I...............................already..........................a word
with him.
26. The road is closed. There..............................................(be) an accident.
27. He ................................................(give) up smoking.
28. The boys..........................................................(not finish) their meal as yet.
29. She lost her job last month, and.......................................................(not find) another as
yet.
30. It is still raining. It.......................................................(not stop) yet.
31. The chief guest...................................(reach) before the function started.
32. I .....................never............................(expect) such behaviour of you.
33. The thief ................................................(run) away when the police came.
34. Children ran out to play after they...................................their homework.
35. He fell down. I...........................already.............................him not to run.
36. He was sure that he..................................................(kept) the money in safe.
37. We............................................(expect) that she would visit us.
38. I wish I............................................(accept) the offer.
39. Rajan...........................................(buy) new clothes before Diwali.
40. Reema was excited to wear the new frock. She ...................................always
..............................(dream) of wearing it.
41. She.........................................................(take) her degree in three years from now.
42. The train............................................................(leave) the station before we reach
there.
43. The team..........................................................(score) two hundred runs by the thirtieth
over.
44. By the time you arrive, I...........................................................(finish) the reading of
this book.
45. I am sure that they................................................................(rent) their house by now.

28
 Present Perfect Continuous Tense

Representation of Present Perfect Continuous Tense on Time Line

Action started in the past continues in the present

Past Present Future

Sentence Pattern (S+ has/have+been+V1+ing+ since/for+ time)

Types of Pattern Examples

Sentences
Affirmative He/She/It/Singular Subject+ has+ been+ He has been writing a letter
Sentences First form of verb+ ing since morning.
I/ We You/They/Plural Subject+ have+ I have been writing a letter
been+ First form of Verb+ ing for an hour.
They have been playing
cricket for two hours.
Negative He/She/It/Singular Subject+ has+ not+ He has not been writing a
Sentences: been+ First form of verb+ ing letter since morning.
I/ We You/They/Plural Subject+ have+not I have not been writing a
+ been+ First form of Verb+ ing letter for an hour.
They have not been playing
cricket for two hours.
Interrogative Has+ He/She/It/Singular Subject+ been+ Has he been writing a letter
Sentences First form of verb+ ing since morning?
Have+ I/ We/ You/ They/ Plural Subject+ Have I been writing a letter
have+ been+ First form of Verb+ ing for an hour?
Have they been playing
cricket for two hours?

29
Interrogative Has+ He/She/It/Singular Subject+ not+ Has he not been writing a
Negative been+ First form of verb+ ing letter since morning?
Sentences Have+ I/ We/ You/ They/ Plural Subject+ Have I not been writing a
have+ not+ been+ First form of Verb+ ing letter for an hour?
Have they not been playing
cricket for two hours?

Use of Present Perfect Continuous Tense

1. To denote an action that started in the past and continues in present
❖ It has been raining since morning
❖ They have been waiting for the chief guest for one hour.

2. For repeated actions when the number of repetitions are not mentioned
❖ I have been telling him not to fly kites. (frequency not mentioned)
❖ I have told him many times not to fly kites. (Frequency mentioned using the
word ‘many’)
3. Drawing conclusions/Indicate a completed action
❖ The roads are flooded. It seems that it has been raining for long.
❖ He is tired. It looks that he has been working continuously.
4. To ask questions starting with ‘How long’ or ‘Since when’
❖ How long have you been living in this city?
❖ Since when have you been working for this company?

Important Note:

I have worked here for ten years.

I have been working here for ten years. (Focuses more on continuity)
Past Perfect Continuous Tense

Representation of Past Perfect Continuous Tense on Time Line

Past Present Future

Sentence Pattern (S+ had+ been+ V1+ ing+ since/for+ time)

Types of Pattern Examples

Sentences
Affirmative He/She/It/Singular Subject/ I/We He had been writing a letter since morning.
Sentences You/They/Plural Subject + had+ I had been writing a letter for an hour.
been +First form of verb+ ing They had been playing cricket for two
hours.
Negative He/She/It/Singular Subject/ I/We He had not been writing a letter since
Sentences: You/They/Plural Subject + had+ morning.

30
 not+ been +First form of verb+ I had not been writing a letter for an hour.
ing They had not been playing cricket for two
hours.
Interrogative Had+ He/She/It/Singular Subject / Had he been writing a letter since
Sentences I/We You/ They/ Plural Subject+ morning?
+ been +First form of verb+ ing Had I been writing a letter for an hour?
Had they been playing cricket for two
hours?
Interrogative Had+ He/She/It/Singular Subject / Had he not been writing a letter since
Negative I/We You/ They/ Plural Subject+ morning?
Sentences not + been +First form of verb+ Had I not been writing a letter for an hour?
ing Had they not been playing cricket for two
hours?

Use of Past Perfect Continuous Tense

1. To denote an action that started in the past and continued up to a certain point in the
past
❖ When my father reached home, I had been studying for two hours.
❖ He had been teaching in this school for 20 years when he got retired.
❖ The students were tired as they had been attending classes since morning.
2. Repeated actions in the past
❖ The coach was annoyed as the players had been coming late for a month.
❖ The landlord was angry as the tenant had been coming late for two weeks.
3. For drawing conclusions
❖ Her eyes were swollen. Apparently, she had been crying all night.
❖ He came home tired. He had been travelling the whole day.
❖ The roads were flooded. It had been raining all night.

Future Perfect Continuous Tense

Representation of Future Perfect Continuous Tense on Time Line

Past Present Future

Sentence Pattern (S+ will/shall+ have+ been+ V1+ ing+ since/for+ time)

Types of Pattern Examples

Sentences

31
Affirmative He/ She/It/ Singular Subject/ You/ He will have been writing a letter
Sentences They/ Plural Subject+ Will+ have+ been since morning.
+First form of verb+ ing I shall/will have been writing a
I/We+ shall/will+ have+ been+ First letter for an hour.
Form of Verb+ Ing They will have been playing cricket
for two hours.
Negative He/ She/It/ Singular Subject/ You/ He will not have been writing a
Sentences: They/ Plural Subject+ Will+ not+ have+ letter since morning.
been +First form of verb+ ing I shall/will not have been writing a
letter for an hour.
I/We+ shall/will+ not+ have+ been+ They will not have been playing
First Form of Verb+ Ing cricket for two hours.
Interrogative Will+ He/ She/It/ Singular Subject/ Will he have been writing a letter
Sentences You/ They/ Plural Subject+ have+ been since morning?
+First form of verb+ ing Shall I have been writing a letter for
Shall+ I/ We+ have+ been+ First Form an hour?
of Verb+ ing Will they have been playing cricket
for two hours?
Interrogative Will+ He/ She/It/ Singular Subject/ Will he not have been writing a
Negative You/ They/ Plural Subject+ not+ have+ letter since morning?
Sentences been +First form of verb+ ing Shall I not have been writing a letter
Shall+ I/ We+ not+ have+ been+ First for an hour?
Form of Verb+ ing Will they not have been playing
cricket for two hours?

Use of Future Perfect Continuous Tense

Future Perfect Tense is used to describe an action that will be in progress over a period of
time at some point in future. This Tense is rarely used.

❖ By the end of this year, I will have been practising law for two years.
❖ By December, he will have been working for on this project for six months.

Exercise: Fill in the blanks with Present Perfect Continuous, Past Perfect Continuous or
Future Perfect Continuous Tense of the verbs given in the brackets.

1. The police....................................................(look) into the matter for two months by

Monday.
2. The workers...................................................(work) since morning when it strikes 5.
3. They ...........................................................(hold) a meeting since 9 o’ clock when they
disperse.
4. The police....................................................(look) into the matter for two months.
5. The workers are tired as they ...............................................(work) since morning.
6. She........................................................................(not feel) well since yesterday.
32
7. The doctor............................................................(examine) the patient for half an hour.
8. They ...........................................................(hold) a meeting since 9 o’ clock.
9. The police....................................................(look) into the matter for two months when
the case was closed.
10. The boys ...............................................................(swim) in the pool for more than an
hour.
11. The militants.........................................................(hide) in an old house for a week.
12. A strong wind.................................................................(blow) since last night.
13. The earth...........................................................(revolve) around the sun for thousands
of years.
14. My mother..........................................................(fast) since Monday.

15. The workers were tired as they ...............................................(work) since morning.

16. She........................................................................(not feel) well since morning, so she
went to cosult a doctor.
17. The farmers were happy when it rained. They ...............................................................
(wait) for rain for more than a month.

18. They ...........................................................(hold) a meeting since 9 o’ clock.

19. The boys ...............................................................(swim) in the pool for an hour when
the instructor asked them to come out.
20. The militants.........................................................(hide) in an old house for a week
when they were shot dead by the police.
21. My mother..........................................................(fast) since Monday when the doctor
came.
22. The phone...............................................................(ring) for ten minutes when my
father received the call.
23. The workers .......................................................(protest) for a month when the
management agreed to fulfil their demands.
24. The boys ...............................................................(swim) in the pool for an hour when
the instructor asks them to come out.
25. By tomorrow, the militants.........................................................(hide) in an old house
for a week.
26. My mother..........................................................(fast) since Monday when the doctor
comes.
27. The phone...............................................................(ring) for ten minutes when my
father receives the call.
28. The workers .......................................................(protest) for a month by Tuesday.
29. By evening, the players..........................................................(practising) for five hours.
30. By next week, they ............................................................(live) in this house for ten
years.

33
Exercise: Correct the following sentences.

1. He study his book by fits and starts.

2. By next week, he will be practising law for two years.
3. Riches has wings.
4. We had visited the Taj Mahal last year.
5. Children likes sweets.
6. Pt. Nehru has been a man of letters.
7. I am thinking that you should apologise.
8. She did not write the letter yet.
9. I have received your letter yesterday.
10. She already went home.
11. I did not hear from her for a month.
12. I am living in Delhi since 1995.
13. Columbus has discovered America.
14. We are trusting you.
15. He did not ate food yesterday.
16. It is time we revise our lessons.
17. The peon has not come when the boss called him.
18. The train left before I reached the station.
19. I will return you book after I had read it.
20. The old man has died of cold last night.
21. I would rather he returns home.
22. I am not recognising you.
23. I wondered what will happen to his family.
24. Tomorrow at this time I was playing hockey.
25. I have heard the news a moment ago.
26. I never saw a museum.
27. By the next year, she had completed her course.
28. They watch a movie last week.
29. She got married at this time the next week.
30. The teacher informed the students that the earth revolved around the sun.
31. My neighbour wanted to know why I am not going to function.
32. I had always wished to buy a new car.
33. I wish I can help you.
34. This book costed me hundred rupees.
35. I was curious to know what she will look like.
36. He behaves as if he is mad.
37. As soon as I reached the school, the peon rings the bell.
38. I returned your book after I have read it.
39. I hope they won the court case.
40. Yesterday at noon, he is painting a picture.

34
 41. We had already had our lunch.
42. I has never been to Chennai.
43. It is drizzling for three hours.
44. This is the most beautiful place I had ever seen.
45. When the sun rose, it was raining all night.
46. He has been waiting since an hour.
47. Usually I went to school on foot, but today I am going by bus.
48. Here is coming the queen!
49. I will never forget the place where I am brought up.
50. She will return home once she had achieved her goal.

All Tenses
Present Past Future
Simple Sub+V1 (s/es) or Sub+V2 Sub+will/shall+V1
Sub+V1 I/We+shall/will+V1
He/she/it/singular noun+ Other subjects+will+V1
V1+s/es All subjects+V2
I/We/You/they/plural All Subjects+did+ not+V1 He will write a letter.
Noun+V1 He wrote a letter. He will not write a letter.
He writes a letter. He did not write a letter. Will he write a letter?
He does not write a letter. Did he write a letter? Will he not write a letter?
Does he write a letter? Did he not write a letter?
Does he not write a letter
Continuous Sub+ is/am/are+V1+ing Sub+was/were+V1+ing Sub+ will/shall+ be +
He/she/it/Singular Subject+is He was writing a letter. V1+ing
I+ am He was not writing a He will be writing a
We/you/ they/plural
subject+are
letter. letter.
He is writing a letter. Was he writing a letter? He will not be writing
He is not writing a letter. Was he not writing a a letter.
Is he writing a letter? letter? Wills he be writing a
Is he not writing a letter? letter?
Will he not be writing
a letter?
Perfect Sub+ has/have+V3 Sub+ had+V3 Sub+ will/shall
He has written a letter. He had written a letter. +have+V3
He has not written a He had not written a He will have written a
letter. letter. letter.
Has he written a letter? Had he written a letter? He will not have
Has he not written a Had he not written a written a letter.
letter? letter? Will he have written a
letter?
Will he not have

35
 written a letter?
Perfect Sub+ has/have+ Sub+ had+ been+ Sub+will/shall+
Continuous been+V1+ing+ since/ V1+ing+ since/ for+ have+been+ V1+ing +
for +time time since/for+ time
He has been writing a He had been writing a He will have been
letter for two hours. letter for two hours. writing a letter for two
He has not been writing a He had not been writing hours.
letter since 10 o’clock. a letter since 10 o’ He will not have been
Has he been writing a clock. writing a letter since
letter for two hours? Had he been writing a 10 o’ clock.
Has he not been writing a letter for two hours? Will he have been
letter since for ten Had he not been writing writing a letter for two
minutes? a letter since 10 o’ hours?
clock? Will he not have been
writing a letter for ten
minutes?

36