Simple Verb Tenses

 

Verbs are words that express action (run) or a state of being (love). The action can also be
abstract rather than visible, such as the words think and decide.

Verb tense tells when an action occurred on a time line. There are three tense-
present, past, and future.

Aspect indicates whether an action is complete or not.

The simple aspect indicates that an action occurred, without an indication of when it occurred.

The continuous (progressive) aspect indicates that the action is ongoing.

The progressive aspect indicates that the action is complete.

These two concepts are combined to give the twelve verb 12 different verb tenses. These are:

The simple tenses- present, past, and future
The continuous tenses- present, past, and future
The perfect tenses- present, past, and future
The perfect continuous- present past, and future.

Below is an explanation of the simple verb tenses and when they should be used.

 

Simple Present Tense

 The simple tense is the base form of the word. The simple present tense is used when talking
or writing about events, actions, or situations that exist now, have existed in the past, and
will probably exist in the future.

When using the simple present, be sure to follow the subject-verb agreement rule. Some verbs
require an -s at the end, depending on what the subject of the sentence is.

Use an –s ending with verbs that have he, she, it, or singular nouns as subjects of the sentence.
Mary takes a walk after class every day.

Use no -s ending on verbs that have I, we, they, you, or plural nouns as subjects.
I always take a walk after class.

Use the simple present tense:

1. When talking about general truths and scientific or permanent facts.
          Water covers over 70% of the Earth’s surface.

2. When talking about general statements, when no particular time is specified.
          A college education improves one’s chances for a financially rewarding job.

3. When talking about actions, situations, or states of being that occur all the time,

      frequently, or at any time.
          I exercise every morning before I go to work.

4. When giving opinions.
          Everyone loves a parade.

5. When talking about processes or giving directions.
          Insert flap A into slot B.

Practice

Working in pairs, ask each other the following questions, answering in the simple present tense.
Each partner should ask and answer each question. Be sure to use complete sentences in your
answers. For additional practice, change the words in parenthesis to make your own questions.

Where do you (come from)?
Where does (your brother live)?
Why do you like (football)?
When do you (get to work)?
Do you think (London is beautiful)? (answer is yes or no)
What time do you (get up on Saturday)?
How many (biscuits do you eat for breakfast)?
How do you (spell your name)?
Does your (brother work in an office)? (answer is yes or no)
Which (newspaper do you read) every day?

 

Simple Past Tense

The simple past is formed by using the verb with an -ed ending for regular verbs or the past
tense form of irregular verbs.

Use the simple past tense:

1. When talking about single events, actions, or situations completed in the past.
          Susan cooked spaghetti last night.

2. When talking about habitual events, actions or situations completed in the past.
          I always went swimming in the summer when I was a kid.

Practice

Working in pairs, ask each other the following questions, answering in the simple past
tense. Each partner should ask and answer each question. Be sure to use complete
sentences in your answers. For additional practice, change the words in parenthesis
to make your own questions.

What did (you do yesterday)?
What (sport did you like in) high school?
What did you have for (dinner last night)?
Who was the (first president of your country)?
What did you buy (at the store yesterday)?
How did you meet (your boy/girl friend)?
When did you go (to the movies last)?
What was (one famous event in your country’s history)?
Who was (your best friend) in grade school?
What did you (eat for breakfast)?
What was the (last meal you cooked)?
When was (your last birthday, and what did you get as a present)?
Who was the teacher you (disliked most in middle school)?
What time did you (wake up this morning)?
When was the (last time you ate pizza)?

 

Simple Future Tense

The simple future tense is formed by using will or going to + verb.

Use the future simple:

1. When talking about events, actions, or situations that will occur in the future.
          The President will address the nation tomorrow night.

2. When talking about future habitual events, actions or situations.
          John will take a bus to work tomorrow because his wife will use the family car.

3. When talking about events, actions or situations that are presently occurring and will
      occur in the future.
          I will live in Korea until next year.

Practice

Working in pairs, ask each other the following questions, answering in the simple past tense.
Each partner should ask and answer each question. Be sure to use complete sentences in
your answers. For additional practice, change the words in parenthesis to make your
own questions.

When will the next (Olympic Games be held and in what country)?
When will your best friend (visit you next)?
When are you going (to the beach next)?
Where will you go (immediately after this class)?
Who are you going to (meet this weekend)?
What time will you go (to work tomorrow)?
Will you buy (me a present for my birthday)?
Where are you going to be (tomorrow at midnight)?
What are you going to eat (for dinner tonight)?
When are you going to (the movies next)?
What will you (wear tomorrow)?
When will your next (birthday be)?
What time are you going to (get up tomorrow morning)?