Mastering English Tenses: Examples and Usage
Where do you come (come) from? Are you American?
The sentence is asking about the person’s place of origin, which is a general fact or habitual action.
It is usually dry here at this time of the year doesn’t rain (not / rain) much.
The sentence describes a general situation or a fact that is true in general.
Water boils (boil) at 100 degrees Celsius.
The sentence states a scientific fact or a general truth.
Look at that man over there! What is he doing (he / do)?
The sentence refers to an action happening at the moment of speaking, and the speaker wants to know the current action of the man.
When I arrived at the theatre, the concert had already started, so I wasn’t allowed to enter.
Yesterday afternoon she went to the station to meet a friend.The sentence refers to an action in the past.
I still don’t know what to do, I haven’t decided yet.
Everything is going well. We haven’t had any problems so far.
When Sue heard the news she wasn’t very pleased.
Mary was making a cake when I got home last night.The sentence describes an ongoing action that was interrupted by another past action.
Shakespeare wrote many plays.
He has lived in Vigo since his childhood.
I am travelling (travel) to Australia next week. I have already bought the tickets and booked the hotel.The speaker is talking about a future action that will happen next week. The use of “will´´ indicates the future tense.
She has made a decision: although it is complicated, she will organise (organise) her best friend’s wedding.
Oh! We have run out of milk and I need it right now. I will go (go) to the supermarket to buy some.The speaker is expressing their intention to go to the supermarket in order to buy milk.
Look at those dogs! They seem very angry. I am sure they will fight (fight).
You are really busy! Can I help (I / help) you?
A stroll around the block: refers to a leisurely walk taken around the neighborhood or a specific city block. It is usually a relaxed and unhurried activity, often done for exercise, relaxation, or enjoyment.
End of term party at school: an end of term party at school is a celebration or social event that takes places at the end of a specific term or academic period. It is typically organized by the school or students to mark the conclusion of a semester, trimester, or any designated period of study. The end of term party provides an opportunity for the school community to socialize, have fun, and celebrate the achievements and hard work of the term.
The dishwasher has broken, so I can’t do the washing-up.
The vacuum cleaner has broken, so I can’t vacuum the floors.
The iron has broken, so I can’t do the ironing.
I haven’t got a duster, so I can’t dust the furniture.
She is annoyed because she had an argument with her boyfriend last night.
She is embarrassed because she fell over in front of the whole class.
She is worried because he spilled coffee all over her carpet.
She feels guilty because he is late and she thinks they are going to miss their train.
She is pleased because the drugs worked and she is not in pain any more.