Explanation Past Present Future

Simple Past Simple Present Future I Simple

action that takes place once, He played football He plays football He will / is going to
never or several times every Tuesday. every Tuesday. play football every
Tuesday.
actions that happen one He played football He plays football He will play football
after another and then he went and then he goes and then he will go
home. home. home.
state He loved football. He loves football. He will love football.

Past Progressive Present Future I Progressive

Progressive

action going on at that He was playing He is playing He will be playing

moment football. football. football.
actions taking place at the He was playing He is playing He will be playing
same time football and she was football and she is football and she will
watching. watching. be watching.

Past Perfect Present Perfect Future II Simple

Simple Simple

action taking place before a He had won five He has won five He will have won five
certain moment in time; matches until that matches so far. matches by then.
emphasises the result day.

Past Perfect Present Perfect Future II Progressive

Progressive Progressive

action taking place before a He had been playing He has been playing He will have been
certain moment in time (and football for ten years. football for ten playing football for ten
beyond), emphasises the years. years.
duration