Explanation of tenses in English. How to remember tenses in English: a detailed explanation

Having studied the most important verbs of the English language, such as to be, to have, as well as modal verbs, you need to move on to studying verbs of simple tenses. Simple tenses make it possible to communicate not only in the present tense, but also to make sentences that refer to the future or past tense. This detailed video lesson explains what simple verb tenses are and how to use them.

Video lesson “English from scratch. Lesson 12. Simple tenses of verbs"

Simple Group Times

When we talk about simple times, we mean three main times, united by a common name - the times of the Simple (Indefinite) group. You can’t do without knowing these times, because they are the most common. In addition, they allow you to express almost any thought, which is a real godsend for a beginner. There are three tenses in this group:

• simple past tense - past simple;
• simple present tense – present simple;
• simple future tense – future simple.

In all of the above names, the word simple can be replaced with the word indefinite, which means “indefinite.”

Three verb forms

Each verb can be represented in three forms, where the first will be used for the present simple tense and the future after the particle will, the second - for the simple past, and the third - for tenses that do not belong to the group of simple ones. Here are some examples of regular verb forms you need to learn:

• do – did – done;
• make – made – made;
• forget – forgot – forgotten.

Irregular forms of the verb require adding the ending -ed to the second and third forms:

• enter – entered – entered;
• dance – danced – danced.

Formulas of simple times

In the simple present tense, 1 form of the verb is used, and for the third person singular (she, it, he) you must add the ending –s. For example: she likes to eat peaches.

For the simple past tense, you must use the 2nd form of the verb or the first form verb with the ending –ed. For example: he entered the room.

For the simple future tense, you must use the modal particle will, after which the verb is placed in the first form. For example: he will come to see us tomorrow.

Simple tenses are a great way to start communicating and practicing English in a coherent and meaningful way. Try to consolidate the material you listened to by writing in workbook several example sentences in different simple tenses.

Understand, repeat or learn tenses in English? You're kidding! This is almost a Chinese letter! Actually, no, and we know several secrets on how to easily and quickly learn and remember English tenses (table attached).

It is the times that become the main brake that prevents you from easily and simply mastering this most beautiful and popular language in the world. Sit back, sit back, because now we will tell you how to quickly and easily learn and remember verb tenses in English.

Method 1: how to quickly learn verb tenses in English

Students are confused from the very beginning, believing that there are 100,500 tenses in the English language. In fact, in English there are also 3 tenses: present (Present), past (Past) and future (Future). Then, as soon as you master these basics, you will need to add other knowledge to the existing foundation.

Now is the time to find out that all verbs denoting actions in English can be divided into ongoing and non-continuous (i.e. continuous and non-continuous).

How to distinguish them: if an action occurs, has occurred or will occur over a certain period of time, then it is continuous (long or long-lasting). For example, Kolya was sleeping, Lena was doing her homework, Artem was reading a book.

If a sentence contains the following constructions, use Continuous - long time:

• at the moment,
• from 5 to 7,
• the whole day,
• when he came and so on.

It is used when it comes to about an unfinished process, action, which was done, is being done or will be done in a specific period of time.

Band times Indefinite or Simple are used to denote an action that occurs regularly, every day, and its exact moment is unknown. It is characterized by indicator words: usually, twice, a week, on Sundays, often, sometimes, never, in summer, hardly, ever and so on. These words state the fact that an action is being performed.

When talking about a completed action, use Perfect, if the sentence contains phrases:

• already,
• just,
• recently
• lately, etc.

These indicator words indicate about the presence of a result by a certain moment: something happened now or yesterday by 5 o’clock, or will be ready by tomorrow morning.

Now we define Is it important for understanding the meaning by what point in time this action will be completed?. Thanks to this, we will understand whether we should use the perfect tense or not (Perfect or non-Perfect). Now is the time to bring together all the signs of action we have identified. This way we get a complete definition of the available time. For example, Past continuous Perfect.

Perfect Continuous's times real life are practically not used. However, to pass the test and understand the literary language, it still won’t hurt to study them. For example: In April I’ll have been working on the book for 10 months. In Russian it will sound something like this: in April it will be 10 months since I started working on the book.

Method 2: how to quickly learn English tenses (table)

There is another way if the previous one didn’t work out. There is nothing easier than learning the English tense table.

This table shows all the signs of action. By comparing one sign with another, it will not be difficult for you to determine what time appears before you.

And if you still don’t have enough time to prepare for taking a test or test in English, don’t hesitate to contact the student assistance service. Service specialists know everything, if not more, about the times, and they certainly know how to help you. And to broaden your horizons or just keep up to date with student life, subscribe to our telegram channel.

And here is a video about how to quickly and easily learn time in English:

English times - playlist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPy4KYVKxDc&list=PL3KDFIV9zTkxiqBwEY6JoeDv7Gzt65Aja In this video lesson we look at tenses in English. This is an English grammar lesson. Provided full list English times. You can use this video to learn English tenses from scratch (all English grammar presented in this form is accompanied by very simple, but very important examples, which allows you to better understand this material). The video is aimed both at beginners (when the first 6 English tenses are understood - English tenses 1-6 from the list), and for advanced students (for those who know English at an intermediate level (the second part of the video). All tenses in this lesson are illustrated with examples. English tenses are given with example sentences and grammatical explanations. All tenses in English, presented in a video - a list of 12 English tenses with explanations: Time 1. Present Simple Tense (another name for Present Indefinite) - the simple present tense in English. The general case is analyzed. with the verb and when the verb to be is used 2. Future Simple Tense (Future Indefinite) simple future tense 3. Past Simple Tense (Past Indefinite) - simple past tense in English. regular verb(regular verbs) and irregular verbs (irregular verbs). 4. Present Continuous Tense (Present Progressive) present continuous or present continuous tense. 5. Past Continuous Tense (Past Progressive) past continuous tense. 6. Present Perfect Tense - present perfect tense. This tense is also often called the nearest past tense. 7. Past Perfect Tense - past perfect tense (pre-past tense). 8. Present Perfect Continuous Tense - present perfect continuous tense. 9. Future Continuous (Future Progressive) Tense - Future continuous tense 10. Past Perfect Continuous Tense (past perfect continuous / long tense) - an analogue of the Present Perfect Continuous, only for the past tense, usually used in complex sentences. 11. Future Perfect Tense - future perfect tense. The main time indicator of a given time is by. 12. Future Perfect Continuous Tense - future perfect continuous tense. The signal to use this tense is for, since. ***************************************** Welcome to my channel English Galaxy - English language for beginners and intermediates. Here you will find free online English lessons and video courses. The author of the channel is Alexander Bebris, a professional English tutor with a teaching certificate from the University of Cambridge - CELTA. On this channel you can learn English online for free and with pleasure. ************************************** Subscribe to my second channel - Bebris English

“...only having mastered to the possible perfection... our native language, we will be able to master a foreign language to the possible perfection, but not before...” (F. M. Dostoevsky)

I subscribe to every word you say, Fedor Mikhailovich. If we have basic knowledge of our native language in our heads AS A SYSTEM, logical and understandable, then we will easily learn the laws of a foreign language. For such a complex category as “tense” and the part of speech “verb” this is doubly relevant. For reference: at the philology department, 1 semester is devoted to the verb and 1 to all other parts of speech - it alone is more difficult than all of them combined! So, let's deal with English verb tenses once and for all.

Why do they confuse us? English verb tenses

When I read articles/manuals about English verbs, sometimes it even becomes funny from phrases like this: “English has 12 tenses, but Russian only has 3. That’s why it’s difficult for us.”

Is it true: We have 3 hours and it’s difficult for us.

Lie: in English there are 12 tenses (there are 3, like ours).

Additionally: Believe me, our verbs also have a lot of their own “problems”. If we understand them, we will understand English faster. Now we will do just that: we will analyze the Russian system of tenses, and then “overlay” it on the English tenses of verbs.

By the way, I didn’t make a mistake. There are 3 tenses in English:

• Past (past),
• Present (present),
• Future (future).

But each of them has 4 forms:

• Simple,
• Continuous,
• Perfect
• Perfect Continuous.

Thanks to such a detailed system, tenses in English describe the situation in detail and even without context, verbs provide more information than Russian ones.

Get to know your native verbs a little better

Regarding Russian verbs, we will focus on only two features: tense and aspect. Understanding these categories will “give us strength” to comprehend the system of English times.

1. The tense of the verb expresses the relationship between the time of action and the moment of speech.

Everything is simple here: if the action took place before the moment of speech, it is in the past, if it takes place after, it is in the future, if during the time, it is in the present.

2. The type characterizes the action as completed or incomplete.

If the action is completed and cannot continue (its limit has been reached), then the verb is perfect and answers the question “what to do?”

Example: Freeze, sleep, run, go away, etc.

If the action is extended, “there is no end in sight,” then the verb is imperfect and answers the question “what to do?”

Example: freeze, sleep, run, leave, etc.

Aspect is a constant attribute of a verb; a verb does not “change in appearance,” but is always either perfect or imperfect.

IMPERFECT verbs have all three tenses.

Example: I was looking - I am looking for - I will look (compound form of the future tense)

PERFECT verbs have only past and future forms.

Example: found - I will find.

Pay attention to this: if the action is completed (everything, its limit has been reached), then in Russian it cannot be in the present tense.

3. The real tense and the grammatical form of the verb do not always coincide:

Example: He yesterdaycomesto me andspeaks: “Finally there’s sunshine outside!”

The action takes place yesterday (that is, in the past in relation to the moment of speech), but we express it in the forms of the present tense.

Another example: “The train leaves at three o’clock”

We talk about the future, but use the present tense.

Pay attention to this, because in the English language there are also similar “inconsistencies” (and you don’t need to be afraid of this).

4. We can talk about absolute and relative times.

For example, verbs "gone" And "fell asleep"– both past tense (absolute). But if we insert them into a sentence “After I left, he fell asleep.”, then the action "gone" will be in the past relative to the action "fell asleep". It turns out that relative time is the one that we see only from the context. Remember this moment.

Relative time can be expressed not only subordinate clauses, as in the example above, but also with the help of participles and gerunds.

An example with a perfect participle:Having cooked cake, sheremoved put it in the refrigerator. (first I cooked it, and then I put it away, here one action follows another)

An example with an imperfect participle:Cooking cake, shereadbook (actions are simultaneous, parallel).

Example with participle:Removedmom's apartmentlay downrest (first cleaned up and then lay down).

Main differences: how to quickly learn English verb tenses

Now we're ready to move on to times English verbs. As I said above, their tenses provide more comprehensive information about the action even without context (it is laid down grammatically). I will name 5 more important differences between verb forms in English that I discovered while writing this article.

1. A different attitude to the concept of “moment of speech.”

Example: a Russian person says "I live in Russia". The moment I talk about it, I live. That's it, the time is present (we have only one).

In English "I live in London" It can be “always, constantly” or “at the moment, limited, and then something can change.” The choice of tense (Present Simple or Present Continuous) depends on these conditions.

2. This leads to another significant difference - the importance of the “segment of time” in which the action is performed.

This is perfectly illustrated by the example described above, and all the tenses of the Continuous “family”. Let me give you another one:

Compare: "Iwasin MoscowVlast year" and "Iwasin Moscowthroughoutall summer"

For a Russian verb there is no difference: past tense, imperfect form.

However, in English we will translate the first option into Past Simple, and the second into Past Continuous, since the period of time is indicated.

I was in Moscow last year. – I was living in Moscow all summer.

It turns out that indicating a period of time involves using the Continuous form.

3. Also important is the “point in time” at which the action will take place.

Example: a Russian person can say "II'll ordersoup"(verb of the future tense, perfect form).

In English, such a sentence will be constructed in the Future Simple: I will order a bowl of soup(spontaneous decision made at the moment of speech).

To make a verb perfect (perfective, if we draw an analogy with Russian), you need to indicate a specific point in time by which the action will be completed:

I will have called him backby six o'clock. - I'll call him backcloser to six o'clock(the action will be completed by a certain moment, use Future Perfect)

It turns out that indicating a point in time involves using the Perfect form.

By the way, by interval and moment of time we mean NOT only the direct meaning “from 17:00 to 18:00” or “by two o’clock in the morning”, but also time RELATIVE to another action/event/state (I did it while you did it).

He will have bought a new car before his wife comes back from a trip to London. – He will buy a car before his wife returns from a trip to London (he will complete the action BEFORE a certain moment, we use the Future Perfect).

4. In English, as in Russian, there is the concept of “completeness of action” (perfect). BUT!

There is a difference that causes English speakers to have a perfect present tense: is the result of the action performed in the past or in the present? If in the present, then we use the Present Perfect.

I have broken the cup - resulting in fragments;

Our son has learned how to read - as a result, he can read.

By the way, speaking of the Present Perfect, we will return again to the “moment and period of time.” If the action has completed BY NOW (just, already) or in a period of time that has NOT ENDED YET (today, this week/month/year), then the time is considered present.

5. In English there are perfect continuous verbs (in Russian they are either perfect or imperfect).

She had been working all night long - the translation of “She worked all night” will be logical, but the most accurate meaning of the sentence “She aboutworkedall night andfinished workin the morning,” that is, the action took place over a period of time and ended at its end.

It turns out that indicating both a segment and a point in time requires the use of the Perfect Continuous form.

English verb tenses with examples

We've sorted out the theory - let's move on to practice. Let's talk about each specific time. Let me make a reservation right away that I will NOT describe all cases of using tenses - this information can be found in different sources. I will simply describe the BASIC cases of using tenses in English (with examples) and explain their logic.

What's happening in the present

Present Simple used when we talk about a regular, constant, typical action that is NOT tied to the moment of speech.

Example: She speaks 2 foreign languages ​​– She speaks two foreign languages(that is, she knows how to speak them, this is her constant characteristic).

Present Continuous used when we want to show that an action is being performed right now (now). BINDED to the moment of speech.

Example: The doctor is performing an operation now - The doctor is now performing an operation (he is doing it right now, at the time of the speaker’s speech).

Present Perfect used when the action has completed (there is a result), but the time has not ended.

Example: He has called me today. – He called me today. (the action has already ended, but “today” has not yet ended).

Present Perfect Continuous used when an action began in the past and is still continuing in the present (we emphasize its duration).

Example: She has been watching TV all day. – She watches TV all day (from the very morning until now, can you imagine? It’s been all day!).

What happened in the past

Past Simple used to express an action that occurred at a certain time in the past, while the period of time has already ENDED.

Example: I saw him yesterday. – I saw him yesterday (that day is already over).

Past Continuous indicates a process that LASTED at a certain moment or period in the past.

Example: I was reading a book at midnight - I read a book at midnight (this process was in the past and lasted for some period of time).

Past Perfect Let's remember Russian relative time. Do you remember mom who went to bed after cleaning? She cleaned the house in the Past Perfect. This “PRE-PAST” tense.

Example: I had studied English before I moved to Moscow - I learned English BEFORE I moved to Moscow (first I learned the language, and then I moved).

Past Perfect Continuous indicates an action that began in the past, continued for some “span of time” and ended at its end (or did not end).

Example: She had been cooking dinner for an hour before I came - She was preparing dinner for an hour before I came (The action lasted for a certain period of time, and then ended at a certain moment).

What will happen in the future

Future Simple used to denote any fact, decision or intention in the future, made at the time of speech.

We will take a taxi. – We will take a taxi (showing the intention in the future, accepted now).

Future Continuous indicates a process that will begin before a certain point in the future and will still be ongoing at that point.

I will be studying at university in a year. – I will study at the university in a year (the sentence does not indicate when the event will begin or end, we are talking about this specific moment in time, which lasts now, but in a year).

Future Perfect used to express a future action that will take place before a certain point in the future.

He will have gone by then. – He will have already left by that time (the action will be completed by the moment indicated in the context).

Future Perfect Continuous shows an action that will begin EARLIER than another future action, will have a certain RESULT at that moment, but will CONTINUE after it.

We will have been living together for 12 years next year - Next year we will live together for 12 years (the moment is indicated - next year, the duration is shown - for 12 whole years! But the action does not even think of ending).

But this form is used extremely rarely and is replaced either by the Future Continuous or the Future Perfect.

Looking for logic in everything: tenses in English “for dummies”

By the way, if you understand the logic of the main meaning of a particular time, then additional cases of use will fit perfectly into it.

1. For example: using the Present Continuous when we want to show dissatisfaction, irritation.

He is always coming late! - He's always late.

We're talking about habit! Why is the Present Simple not used? Because we indicate the duration and incessancy of this action. “Well, how long can this continue?” the Present Continuous is indignant in this case.

2. Another example: the use of Present Simple in schedules of buses, trains, movie shows, etc.

The train leaves at 8 a.m. – The train leaves at 8 am.

Why is the present tense used for actions that will take place in the future? Because these are periodically repeated actions. A more detailed comparison of Simple and Continuous.

So, in almost every case you can find a completely clear explanation. If it still doesn’t work out, well, you’ll have to remember. Still, a different language means a different way of thinking :)

Our YouTube video will help you figure it out even better.

English tenses are considered the most difficult topic, because in Russian we have only 3 tenses, and in English there are 12.

When studying them, everyone has many questions.

• What time should I use?
• Would it be considered a mistake to use one tense instead of another?
• Why is it necessary to use this time and not another?

This confusion occurs because we learn the rules of grammar but do not fully understand them.

However, English tenses are not as complicated as they seem.

Their use depends on what idea you want to convey to your interlocutor. To do this correctly, you need to understand the logic and usage of English tenses.

I warn you right away that in this article I will not explain to you the grammatical formation of sentences. In it I will give precisely an understanding of the times.

In the article we will look at the cases of using 12 tenses and compare them with each other, as a result of which you will understand how they differ and when to use which tense.

Let's get started.

What tenses are there in English?

In English, as well as in Russian, there are 3 blocks of tenses familiar to us.

1. Present (present) - denotes an action that occurs in the present tense.

2. Past - denotes an action that occurs in the past tense (once upon a time).

3. Future - denotes an action that will occur in the future tense.

However, the English times do not end there. Each of these groups of times is divided into:

1. Simple- simple.

2. Continuous- long-term.

3. Perfect- completed.

4. Perfect Continuous- long-term completed.

The result is 12 times.

It is the use of these 4 groups that baffles English language learners. After all, in the Russian language there is no such division.

How do you know what time to use?

To use English tenses correctly, you need 3 things.

• Understand the logic of English tenses
  That is, to know what time is intended for what and when it is used.
• Be able to construct sentences according to the rules
  That is, not only to know, but to be able to speak these sentences.
• Understand exactly what idea you want to convey to your interlocutor
  That is, be able to choose the right time depending on the meaning you put into your words.

To understand English tenses, let's look at each group in detail.

Once again, I will not explain the grammatical formation of sentences. And I’ll explain to you the logic by which we determine which group’s time should be used.

We'll start with the easiest group - Simple.

Bonus! Do you want to easily learn English tenses and use them in your speech? in Moscow and find out how easy it is to master tenses and start speaking English in 1 month using the ESL method!

Simple group tenses in English

Simple is translated as “simple”.

We use this tense when we talk about facts that:

• happen in the present tense
• happened in the past
• will happen in the future.

For example

I drive a car.
I drive a car.

We say that a person knows how to drive a car and this is a fact.

Let's look at another example.

She bought a dress.
She bought a dress.

We are talking about the fact that sometime in the past (yesterday, last week or last year) she bought herself a dress.

Remember: when you talk about some action as a fact, then use the Simple group.

You can study all the times of this group in detail here:

Now let's compare Simple with another group of tenses - Continuous.

Continuous tenses in English

Continuous is translated as “long, continuous.”

When we use this tense, we talk about action as a process that:

• happening at the moment
• happened in the past at a certain moment,
• will happen in the future at a certain moment.

For example

I am driving a car.
I'm driving.

Unlike the Simple group, here we do not mean a fact, but talk about a process.

Let's see the difference between fact and process.

Fact:“I know how to drive a car, I have a license.”

Process:“I got behind the wheel some time ago and now I’m driving the car, that is, I’m in the process of driving.”

Let's look at another example.

I will be flying to Moscow tomorrow.
Tomorrow I will fly to Moscow.

We are talking about the fact that tomorrow you will board a plane and for some time you will be in the process of flying.

That is, for example, you need to get in touch with a client. You tell him that you will not be able to talk to him at this time, as you will be in the middle of a flight.

Remember: when you want to emphasize the duration of an action, that is, that the action is a process, use the Continuous tenses.

You can read in detail about each time of this group here:

Now let's move on to the Perfect group.

Perfect tenses in English

Perfect is translated as “complete/perfect.”

We use this tense when we focus on the result of an action, which:

• we have received by now,
• we got to a certain point in the past,
• we will receive by a certain point in the future.

Note that even in the present tense this tense is translated into Russian as the past. However, despite this, you say that the result of this action is important in the present moment.

For example

I have fixed my car.
I fixed the car.

We focus on the result that we currently have - a working machine. For example, you say that you fixed your car, now it works, and you can go to your friends’ country house.

Let's compare this group with others.

Let's talk about a fact (Simple):

I cooked dinner.
I was preparing dinner.

For example, you tell your friend about the fact that you prepared a delicious dinner yesterday.

I was cooking dinner.
I was preparing dinner.

You say you were in the process of cooking. For example, they didn’t answer the phone because they were cooking (we were in the process) and didn’t hear the call.

Let's talk about the result (Perfect):

I have cooked dinner.
I cooked dinner.

You currently have the result of this action - a ready-made dinner. For example, you call the whole family for lunch because dinner is ready.

Remember: when you want to focus on the result of an action, use the Perfect group.

Read more about all the times of the Perfect group in these articles:

Now let's move on to the last group, Perfect Continuous.

Perfect Continuous tenses in English

Perfect Continuous is translated as “complete continuous.” As you noticed from the name, this group of tenses includes characteristics of 2 groups at once.

We use it when we talk about a long-term action (process) and obtaining a result.

That is, we emphasize that the action began some time ago, lasted (was in process) for a certain time and at the moment:

1. We received the result of this action

For example: “He repaired the car for 2 hours” (the action lasted 2 hours, and at the moment he has a result - a working car).

2. The action is still going on

For example: “He has been fixing the car for 2 hours” (he started fixing the car 2 hours ago, was in the process of fixing it, and is still fixing it now).

We can say that the action began some time ago, lasted and:

• ended/continues in the present,
• ended/continued until a certain point in the past,
• will end/will continue until a certain point in the future.

For example

I have been cooking this dinner for 2 hours.
I cooked dinner for 2 hours.

That is, you started cooking 2 hours ago and by now you have the result of your action - a ready-made dinner.

Let's compare this time with others similar to it.

Let's talk about the process (Continuous):

I am painting a picture.
I'm painting a picture.

We say that we are currently in the process of drawing. It doesn’t matter to us how much time it has already taken, it is important to us that you are currently involved in this process.

We talk about the result (Perfect)

I have painted a picture.
I painted a picture.

We say that at the moment we have a result - a completed picture.

We talk about the result and the process (Perfect Continuous)

1. I have been painting a picture for an hour.
I painted the picture for an hour.

We say that at the moment we have a result - a completed picture. You also point out that you spent an hour in the drawing process to get this result.

2. I have been painting a picture for an hour.
I paint a picture for one hour.

We say that we are now in the process of drawing, while we focus on the fact that we have been busy with this process for an hour. Unlike Continuous times, where we care only about what is happening at a certain (given) moment, and not how long we have been doing it.

Remember: if you want to emphasize not only the result obtained, but also its duration (how long it took you to get it), then use the Perfect Continuous.

General table comparing tenses of the groups Simple, Continuous, Perfect and Perfect Continuous

Let's look again at what each group of tenses is responsible for. Look at the table.

Bottom line

Use English tenses depending on the meaning you want to convey to your interlocutor. The most important thing is to understand what the emphasis is on in each tense.

1. We talk about action as a fact - Simple.

2. We talk about action as a process - Continuous.

3. We talk about action, focusing on the result - Perfect.

4. We talk about the action, emphasizing that it took a certain time before obtaining the result - Perfect Continuous.

I hope that now you understand the logic of English times, and you will be able to convey the correct meaning to your interlocutor.