Verb Tenses - Definitions

Participle

A verb form that ends in -ing, -ed, -d, -t, or -n and used as an adjective (and sometimes a noun).

Simple Past Tense

The ____ tense refers to things that have already happened, and are finished doing their thing. World War II was from 1939-1945. Mom cooked supper. I did the dishes. Regular verbs are changed to the _____ tense by adding ‑ed to the end of the root form. If the verb already ends in ‑e, we just add ‑d. Play - played Type - typed Listen - listened Love - loved Irregular verbs follow no pattern when they change to the _____ tense. You'll have to check a dictionary if you're unsure as to what the _____ tense might be. Some verbs don't change from their present form.

Simple Present Tense

The _____ tense is the one which we use when an action is happening right now. In _____ tense, regular verbs use the root form, except for third person singular (which ends in ‑s). Irregular _____ tense verbs are things like "to be", which change for each person (am, is, are, was, were). Ex: Today I go to school.

Past Progressive Tense

The _____ tense is used to refer to several situations. It's made with the past tense of "be" + the present participle (the root word = ‑ing). EX: Narrative in past tense: It was raining. The water was pouring down in sheets and the passersby were getting wetter with every step, despite their umbrellas. EX: When one action is happening at the time of another particular time: It was raining at noon. It was raining during lunch. EX: When one action is happening at the same time as another: It was raining while I was out walking.

Past Perfect Tense

The _____ tense is used to show that one action in a sentence finishes before a second action begins. Words like "before" and "after" are indicators that the _____ tense may be used; however, there are no strict rules for this situation. You must choose the best verb tense for your sentence. The _____ tense is created by using I had, you had, he/she had, we had, you had or they had + past participle.

Future Perfect Tense

The _____ tense is used to talk about an action that will be finished before something else happens in the future. It's made by using "will" + "have" + the past participle. Look for key words which suggest the action is in the future, such as later, tomorrow, next week and next year. EX: I promise I will have this finished by the end of today. Hopefully, the prospectors will have found gold before winter comes. Will you have shaken that cold by next week, do you think?

Present Perfect Tense

The _____ tense is used when an action began in the past yet is still relevant. It's created by using the present tense of "have" + the past participle. EX: I have seen You have seen He/she/it has seen We have seen You have seen They have seen Martha has asked for the day off.

Future Progressive Tense

The _____ tense relates one action in the future to another specific action or time. It's formed this way: will + be + present participle (root word + ‑ing). We will be going to the gym after work. Will you be joining us? At 5 a.m. tomorrow, they will be departing Alaska. I'll be returning home next Thursday.

Simple Future Tense

Ther _____ is the tense we use when something will begin and end later. It's created by putting will in front of the root word. EX: I will learn a new language.

Present Progressive Tense

When something is happening at the same time we're talking about it, that's when we use the _____ tense. We form it by using the present tense of "be" + present participle (the root word + ‑ing). Ex: She is washing the car as we speak. Are you coming with us to the party? Where are we going? I am not arguing with you; I am discussing the matter with you.