The subject of tenses is an important segment of the English portion of most U.S. competitive tests, such as the SAT, ACT, and GRE. Tenses are extremely important in deciding the time when an action occurs, and they help to communicate whether something occurred in the past, is happening at present, or will occur in the future. As we employ various forms of tenses in our day-to-day conversation and writing, a firm understanding of this idea is necessary for constructing clear and grammatically accurate sentences. Knowledge and use of the right tense not only enhance communication but also lead to better performance in exams where accurate use of language is tested.

Let’s understand them clearly with the help of some examples:

1. Ella is writing a novel now.
2. Ella has written a novel.
3. Ella wrote a novel yesterday.
4. Ella was writing a novel at that time.
5. Ella will write a novel tomorrow.

Here, the same verb (write) is used in all these sentences, but we find different verb forms in the sentences. In sentences 1 and 2, the verb forms (is writing and has written) refer to the present time. In sentences 3 and 4, the verb forms (wrote and was writing) refer to the past time. In sentence 5, the verb form (will write) refers to the future time. These different forms of the verb are called Tenses.

Forms of Tenses

When we talk about the forms of tenses, we often use these terms:

1. Base form
2. Past tense
3. Past Participle
4. Present Participle

Types of English Grammar Tenses

There are three types of tenses:

1. Present tense
2. Past tense
3. Future tense

Let’s learn about them in detail individually.

Present Tense

The present tense is used to talk about the present and to talk about the future.

Simple Present Tense

The structures go like:

Subject(I/You/We/They) + Base form of the Verb(V1) Subject(He/She/It) + Base form of the verb(V1) – s/es

The simple present tense is used:

For habits or repeated actions.

Examples:

• She drinks milk every day.
• Ram often uses his laptop.

For general truths.

Examples:

• The Earth revolves around the Sun.
• Water boils at 100oC.

For things that stay the same for a long time.

• My aunt lives in Newyork.
• My father works in the Railway department.

To tell a story dramatically.

Examples:

• Aadil now rushes forward and deals a heavy blow to Rehaan.

To describe actions as they happen.

Examples:

• In commentaries, live broadcasts, or sporting events.

Present Continuous Tense

The structures go like:

Subject(I) + am + Present participle form of the verb(V + ing) Subject(He/She/It) + is + Present participle form of the verb(V + ing) Subject(You/We/They) + are + Present participle form of the verb(V + ing)

The present continuous tense is used:

For actions going on at the time of speaking.

Examples:

•  I am reading a book. (now)
•  My friends are waiting for me.

For actions that are happening now and not necessarily at the time of speaking.

Example:

• I am reading “Think like a monk”. (but I am not reading now.)

To talk about people‘s plans or arrangements for the future.

Examples:

• I am flying to Paris tomorrow.
• We are organizing a Fun Fest next Saturday.

Present Perfect Tense

The structures go like:

Subject(I/You/We/They) + have + Past participle Form of the Verb(V3) Subject(He/She/It) + has + Past participle form of the verb(V3) 

The present perfect tense is used:

For past actions when we think of their effect on the present.

Examples:

• I have cleaned the glass jar. (It is clean now.)
• Gopi has eaten the meatball subs. (There are none left now.)

For actions that happen only a short time ago. (with just)

Examples:

• She has just gone out.
• I have just come home.

For indefinite actions that happened in a period leading up to the present time (often with already, ever, never, yet, twice, four times, etc.)

Examples:

• I have already stitched my dress.
• Have you ever seen the TV series Friends?

For actions beginning at some time in the past and going on up to the moment of speaking (with ‘since’ and ‘for’ phrases)

Examples:

1. I have known him since childhood.
2. We have lived in Los Angeles for 10 years. (We still live in Los Angeles.)

Note:The Present Perfect tense says about the past and the present, while Simple Past refers only to the past.

Present Perfect Continuous Tense

The structures go like:

Subject(He/She/It) + has been + Present participle form of the verb(V + ing) Subject(I/You/We/They) + have been + Present participle form of the verb(V + ing)

The present perfect continuous tense is used:

For an action which started at some time in the past and is still continuing and also with the time expressions “How long, Since…, For…”.

Examples:

• How long have you been playing in the rain?
• They have been repairing this TV since morning.
• We have been waiting for 2 hours.

For an action already finished and the results of the action happen in the present.

Examples:

• I am very tired. I have been dancing.
• Megha is all wet as she has been swimming.

Past Tense

The past tense is used to talk about a past activity or a past state of being.

Simple Past Tense

The structure goes like:

Subject(He/She/It/You/We/They) + Past form of the verb(V2)

The simple past tense is used:

For an action finished at some time in the past.

Examples:

• Ram arrived last night.
• She called me yesterday.

For habits or repeated actions in the past.

Examples:

• We usually spent the winter in Paris.
• When I was in Mumbai, I went to Juhu beach.

Past Perfect Tense

The structure goes like:

Subject(I/He/She/It/You/We/They) + had + Past participle form of the verb(V3)

The past perfect tense is used: For an action completed before a certain point in the past or before another action happened.

Examples:

• I got to the bus stand at 6.00, but the bus had left by that time.
• I had not slept much on the ship.

Past Continuous Tense

The structures go like:

Subject(I/He/She/It) + was + Present participle form of the verb(V + ing) Subject(You/We/They) + were + Present participle form of the verb(V + ing)

The past continuous tense is used: For an action completed before a certain point in the past or before another action happened.

Examples:

• I was painting my room at that time.
• He was playing chess when I saw him.

The past continuous tense is often used in combination with the simple past. The past continuous usually refers to a longer “background” action; the simple past tense is used for a new action that happened in the middle of the longer one. 

Past Perfect Continuous Tense

The structure goes like:

Subject(I/He/She/It/You/We/They) + had been + Present participle form of the verb(V + ing)

The past perfect continuous tense is used: When an ongoing action in the past has ended.

Examples:

• Rachel had been making a trifle.
• Ross had been thinking about Rachel.

Future Tense

The future tense is used to talk about a future activity or a future state of being.

Simple Future Tense

The structures go like: Subject(I/We/He/She/It/You/We/They) + will + Present form of the verb(V1) Subject(I/We) + shall + Present form of the verb(V1) The simple future tense is used:

To talk about things which we cannot control.

Examples:

• I shall be 25 next year.
• It will be Holi next month.

To talk about predictions.

Examples:

• I think I will win this game.
• Perhaps I will visit Los Angeles next month.

When we decide to do something at the time of speaking.

Examples:

• It is cold. I will close the door.
• I will wait for him as he is in a meeting.

Future Perfect Tense

The structures go like:

Subject(I/We/He/She/It/You/They) + will + have + Past participle form of the verb(V3) Subject(I/We) + Shall + have + Past participle form of the verb(V3)

The future perfect tense is used. For an action that will be completed at some time tomorrow.

Examples:

I shall have finished my assignment by that time.

• She will have left before you go to see her.

Future Continuous Tense

The structure goes like: Subject(I/He/She/It/You/We/They) + will + be + Present participle form of the verb(V + ing)

The future continuous tense is used:

To talk about something that will be going on at a particular time or over a particular period in the future.

Examples:

• This time tomorrow, I will be playing guitar.
• Don’t call me between 8.00 and 8.30. I will be watching the news at that time.

When the future action is the result of a previous decision or arrangement.

Examples:

• Mr. Shah will be giving a lecture at the same time tomorrow.
• I will be seeing you one of these days.

To talk about a routine activity.

Example:

• I will be meeting Aashiq on Friday. That is when we usually meet.

Future Perfect Continuous Tense

The structure goes like:

Subject(I/He/She/It/You/We/They) + will + have + been + Present participle form of the verb(V + ing)

The future perfect continuous tense is used: For an ongoing action that will be completed at some specified time in the future. Example:

Phoebe will have been baking some cookies.

Understanding tenses is critical to excelling in the English section of most U.S. competitive examinations. As tenses contribute to bringing clarity to time and action expression, comprehending their subtleties can significantly enhance your grammar and writing abilities. If you are getting ready for the SAT, ACT, or other standardized tests, a good understanding of tenses can be of immense benefit to you. Make sure to practice regularly and sharpen your knowledge to maintain accuracy in written and spoken English.