English Tenses Overview
Tense Formulas
Basic formulas for the twelve main tenses in English.
| Aspect | Past | Present | Future |
| Simple | Subject+verb+object | Subject+verb+object | Subject+will+verb+object |
| Continuous | Subject+past verb to be+verb with ing+object | Subject+verb to be+verb with ing+object | Subject+will+be+verb with ing+object |
| Perfect | Subject+had+past participle+object | Subject+have+past participle+object | Subject+will+have+past participle+object |
| Perfect Continuous | Subject+had+been+verb with ing+object | Subject+have+been+verb with ing+object | Subject+will+have+been+verb with ing+object |
Examples
Examples using an irregular verb to make the difference between past and past participle forms more clear.
| Aspect | Past | Present | Future |
| Simple | Made | Make | Will make |
| Continuous | Was making | Am making | Will be making |
| Perfect | Had made | Have made | Will have made |
| Perfect Continuous | Had been making | Have been making | Will have been making |
Sentences
Sentences demonstrating the use of the tenses. Notice that the actual use is often more complex than the basic formulas, which are meant only to show the basic structure.
1. I made a necklace for Mom last Christmas.
2. I was making an important call when she arrived.
3. I had made dinner by the time David came home.
4. I had been making blankets for three years before they were good enough to sell.
5. I make jewelry when I have time.
6. I am making progress on my homework.
7. I have already made the beds.
8. I have been making cards out of construction paper for years.
9. I will make something special for you.
10. I will be making most of my Christmas presents this year.
11. I will have made dinner by the time you get here.
12. I will have been making cards for three hours by the time she comes to help me.