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Summary of Verb Tenses Intermediate (B1) Level
Summary of Verb Tenses Intermediate (B1) Level
Summary of Verb Tenses Intermediate (B1) Level
For each verb tense you will find the following information
• the affirmative verb form
• most common uses
• some example phrases
A. PRESENT TIME
Present simple
FORM USES EXAMPLES
The verb ‘to be’ : 1. habitual actions I walk to school every day.
I am ; You are ; S/he/it is She goes to school by bus.
We /You (plural), they are
For other verbs : use infinitive 2. general truths / state The earth is round. (general truth)
form of the verb, except for We are a happy family (state)
third-person singular when you
add –s or –es.
Present continuous
FORM USES EXAMPLES
Present tense of the verb ‘to Refers to the temporary present The children are playing in the
be’ + gerund (-ing) form of i.e. actions happening now/at garden.
verb. the moment
James is studying for an exam.
B. PAST TIME
Past simple
FORM USES EXAMPLES
For regular verbs - add -ed To refer to finished actions in I worked at home yesterday.
the past
For irregular verbs - refer to Mary went to London last
verb table year.
Past continuous
FORM USES EXAMPLES
Past tense of the verb ‘to be’ + To refer to activities in Peter and his wife were
gerund (-ing) form of verb. progress at a specific moment working in France this time
or period of time in the past last year.
Present tense of the verb ‘to For a period of time leading up The group have made five
have’ + past participle. to the present or for recent past since they formed ten years
time ago..
This tense is used with
expressions which refer to ‘any I have never been to Australia
time up to now’ (e.g. ever,
never, recently, often, just, Sally has just finished her
already, yet.) and finished degree course
actions that are important
now. Frank can’t play soccer this
season because he has broken
his leg.
Present perfect continuous
FORM USES EXAMPLES
has/ have been + gerund (-ing) To refer to activities which I have been painting my son’s
form of verb. started in the past and are still bedroom all morning – I hope
in progress. to finish it tomorrow.
Past perfect
FORM USES EXAMPLES
had + past participle When you are already talking I missed the train –it had left
about the past when you want two minutes before when I
to refer to an earlier past. arrived at the station.
Will
FORM USES EXAMPLES
Will + infinitive form of verb For making predictions . United will win the match.
(without ‘to’)
For stating something in the You will never finish that
future you are sure of. book.
Be going to
FORM USES EXAMPLES
Present tense of the verb ‘to For expressing plans, David is going to see his best
be’ + going to + infinitive form predictions and firm intentions. friend for lunch.
of verb
This form usually indicates the I feel ill, I’m going to lie
future as a fulfilment of the down.
present i.e. the future resulting
from a present situation. Look at those black clouds –
it’s going to rain.
Present continuous
FORM USES EXAMPLES
Present tense of the verb ‘to For talking about personal My husband is playing tennis
be’ + gerund (-ing) form of arrangements or fixed plans, at 5 o’clock.
verb. usually in the near future.
(n.b. a time , date and/or We’re inviting lots of people
location is given to make clear to the party.
you are not talking about the
present momenrt) Susan is flying to Prague on
Thursday.
Present simple
FORM USES EXAMPLES
The verb ‘to be’ : The present simple is used The concert starts at 10.00pm
I am ; You are ; S/he/it is to talk about the future The train leaves at 2.15pm
We /You (plural), they are when referring to Simon arrives home tomorrow.
timetables, routines and
For other verbs : use infinitive schedules
form of the verb, except for
third-person singular when you
add –s or –es.