Grammar: Verb Tense Definitions (This page is under construction!)
Present Tense
The present tense shows an existing condition or state, something occurring at the present time, or a habitual action
Example: Martha travels around the world.
Past Tense
The past tense indicates something that has already occurred.
Example: Martha traveled to Spain.
Future Tense
The future tense tells something that will happen.
Example: Next year, Martha will travel to Ethiopia.
***Present Perfect Tense
The present present tense tells us something that began in the past and continues in the present. OR The present perfect could also show what happened in the past, but at no specific time.
Note: Always use has or have.
Example: Local newspapers are covering Martha's journey; so far, she has traveled to two continents.
Past Perfect Tense
The past perfect tense shows something that was completed before another past action.
Note: Use had + past participle
Example: After Martha had traveled to Spain, she decided to take a break from her globe trotting activities.
Future Perfect
The future perfect tense indicates something that will be completed before another future event.
Note: use will have or shall have.
By next year, Martha will have traveled halfway around the world.
Progressive Tenses Indicates continuing action.
Note: Form progressive tense by using is, was, will be, have been, had been, or will have been + the -ing form of the verb.
Present Progressive
The present perfect progressive tense shows something that is happening right now, ongoing action. Example: Martha is traveling around the world
Past Progressive
The past perfect progressive tense shows an event that was happening while another past event was happening:
Note: use was or were + the -ing form of the verb. EXAMPLE: Martha was traveling in Europe when her sister went into labour.
Future Progressive
The future perfect progressive tense indicates an event that will be happening when something else in the future is happening.
Note: Use will be + the ing form of the verb.
EXAMPLE: Martha will be traveling when her sister graduates from elementary school.
Present Perfect Progressive indicates action that starts in the past and is continuing in the present
Note: Use have been or has been + ing form of the verb
Michael has been writing his book since last the fall of last year.
Past Perfect Progressive indicates duration of an action and shows that it had been happening before another past action
Note: Use had or have been + ing
EXAMPLE: Martha had been traveling for fifteen years before finally getting married.
Future Perfect Progressive
Indicates duration of an action and shows that it will have been happening for a long time before another future action. Use will have been + -ing
EXAMPLE: Mary will have been traveling for over ten years before she reaches her thirtieth birthday.
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