Tenses: Simple Present Tense

Pamir English language & computer institute
Tenses
We have 12 tenses
1. Simple present tense.
2. Present continuous tense.
3. Present perfect tense.
4. Present perfect continuous tense.
5. Simple past tense.
6. Past continuous tense.
7. Past perfect tense
8. Past perfect continuous tense.
9. Simple future tense.
10. Future continuous tense.
11. Future perfect tense.
12. Future perfect continuous tense.
Simple present tense
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Definition: simple present tense expresses daily habits or usual activities. It also expresses general
statement of facts or situation that exist always, usually, habitually, in the past, present and future.
Usage of simple present tense
A. The main use of simple present tense is to express habitual activity.
Example: He smokes.
B. The simple present tense is often used with adverbs of adverb phrases. (Always, usually, sometime,
never).
Example: I always eat at that restaurant.
C. This tense does not tell us whether or not action is being performer at the moment of speaking. If we
want make it clear. We should use present continuous tense.
D. It is used in newspaper and headlines to show past events.
Example: president meets prime minister. This example means that the president met prime minister
some time ago.
E. It can be used instead of present continuous tense with verb, which cannot be used in present
continuous tense
Example: (like, want.) I want to study.
We cannot say that I wanting to study.
Affirmative statements:
Subject+ verb(s/es) + object +time
He Every day.
She Writes* a letter Every week.
It Every month.
Ahmad Every year.
Example: he writes a letter every day.
How to add (s/es) with a verb:
A.(es) Should be added to verbs ending in (ss, sh, ch, x,o,), when they are used with third person
singular(He, She, It, Ahmad).
Example: He washes the car every day.
B.Verbs ending in (consonant +y) so(y) should be change to (i) and (es) should be added at the end of
verbs. Example: she studies English.
C. Verbs ending in(vowel +y) so only (s) should be added at the end of the verb
Example: she buys apple every day.
D. (S) Should be added to all verbs used with third person singular subject except above-mentioned
rules. Example: She eats an apple every day.

Affirmative statement:
(For first person, second person and third person plural)
Subject+ verb object+ time.
I Everyday.
You Every week.
We Write A letter Every month.
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They Every year.
Asad and karim
Example: I write a letter every day.
Negative statement:
(Third person singular)
(Does not) should be added between subject and verb.
Subject+ does not + verb+ object+ time.
He Everyday.
She Does not Write a letter Every week.
It Every month.
Ahmad Every year.
Example: He does not go to school every day.
Note: (s or es) should not be used in negative and interrogative sentence.
Negative statement:
(First person, second person and third person plural)
(Do not) should be placed between subject and verb.
Subject+ do not + verb+ object + time
I Everyday.
We Do not Write English Every week.
You Every month.
They Every year.
Example: I do not go to school every day.
Interrogative sentence:
(Third person singular)
(Does) should be added at the beginning of sentence.
Does + subject+ verb+ object + time
Does He Everyday?
She Speak English Every week?
It Every month?
Ahmad Every year?

Affirmative short answer negative short answer
He He
Yes She Does No. She Does not
It It
Example: does he go to school every day?
Yes he does. (No, he does not)
(First person, second person and third person plural)
(Do) should be placed at the beginning of sentence.
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Do + subject + verb+ object+ time
I Everyday?
We Every week?
Do You Write English Every month?
They Every year?
Asad and wali
I I
Yes, We Do. No, We Do not.
You You
They They
Contracted from of (do not) is (don’t).
Example: Do they eat apples every day?
Yes, they do. (No, they do not)
Note: when (you) is used for second person singular so answer of (you) should be with (I) and when
(you) is used for second person plural, so the answer of it should be with (we)
Information Question:
He Every day?
what Does She Study Every night?
It Every month?
I Every night?
Where Do We Study Every year?
They Every Sunday?
You
Present continuous tense

Definition: present continuous tense expresses an activity that is happening right now or at the moment
of speaking.
Usage of present continuous tense
A. For an action happening right now.
Example: I am eating lunch now.
B. For an action happening about this time but not necessarily at the moment of speaking.
Example: He is teaching English and learning Spanish.
When two continuous tense having the same subject are joined by (and) and the auxiliary maybe
dropped before the second verb.
Example: she is eating and watching T. V.
C. For a definite arrangement in near future (the most usual way of expressing one’s immediate
plans).
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Example: I am meeting Karim tonight.
It is important to use time expression because there may be confusion between the meaning of
future and present continuous tense. But (come) and (go) can be used without time expression.
Example: I coming soon.
D. With a point in time to indicate an action which begins before this point and probably continuous
after it.
Example: At 6:00. I am bathing the baby.
E. With the word (always)
Example: He is always thinking about the car accident.
F. For a frequently repeated action.
Example: tom is always going away on weekends.
G. For an action which appears to be continued.
Example: He always working. It means he works whole life.
Subject+ be+ verb+ ing+ object + time
He
She is Studying English Now.
It
I am Studying English Now.
We
You are Studying English Now.
They
Example: He is studying English.

I am going to school now.
We are studying English.
They are working in Bara.
She is reciting the holy Quran.
You are calling Karim now.

How to add (ing) with a verb.
A. When a verbs and is a single (e) so (e) should be omitted before adding (ing).
Argue arguing, come coming, skate skating.
Exception: age ageing, dye, singe or verbs ends with (ee) such as
Agree agreeing, see seeing.
B. When one-syllable verb ends with one vowel and one consonant so the last consonant should be
doubled before adding (ing).
Example: run running, stop stopping.
Exception: Do not double the last (w) or (x)
Snow snowing, fix fixing.
Verb of two or more syllable contains only one vowel and ends with a consonant so double the last consonant
only if the stress fall on the last syllable.
Example: begin beginning, prefer preferring, but enter entering
(Stress is not on last syllable.) When a verb ends with (L) and there is a vowel before (L) or (L) should be
double in British English not in American English example: signal signaling,
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Travel traveling. But in American English signaling, traveling
C. (ing) can be added to a verb ending in (Y) without affecting the spelling of the verb.
Carry carrying, enjoy enjoying
D. If a verb ends with two consonant, just add (ing).
Help Helping, learn learning.
E. When a verb ends with two vowels and one consonant so just (ing) should be added.
Rain raining, heat heating.
F. When a verb ends with (ie), so change (ie) to(Y) and add (ing)
Die Dying, tie tying
Negative statement:
(Not) should be added with helping verb
(Is not, am not, are not).
Subject+ be + not + verb+ ing object +time
He
She is not Working in Bara now.
It
Jamal
I am not Working in Bara now.
We
You are not Working in Bara now.
They
Example: He is not going to school now.
I am not writing a letter now.
They are not going to school now.

To be verbs (is, am, are) should be used at the beginning of sentence.
Be + subject+ verb +ing + object + time
he
Is she Writing English now?
it
Am i Writing English now?
Are we
you Writing English now?
they
Affirmative short answer. Negative short answer.

he he
she is. she is not.
Yes, it No, it
i am not.
i am.
we we
you are. you are not.
they they
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Information question:
Example: what is he eating now?

He is eating an apple.

Exception:
There are some verbs, which cannot be used in present continuous tense.
They are called stative verbs.
is he Stative verbs have been divided
she writing into five categories:
1. What it now? Sense verbs (involuntary action):
am I Writing Example: feel, hear, see, smell,
are we notice, observe (=notice), taste.
they writing
2. Verbs expression feeling and
you
emotions:
Example: admire (=respect) adore, appreciate, desire, detest, dislike, hate, fear, love, like, mind
(care), respect, want, wish.
3. verbs of mental activity:
Example: agree, appreciate (understand), believe, expect (think), feel (=think), forget, know, mean,
recall, recognize, recollect, remember, see (=understand) suppose, think (to have an opinion), seem,
sound, (seem, appear), trust (=believe), appear (=seem), concern, consist, contain, hold (=contain),
keep (=continue), matter.
4. Verbs of possession:
Example: belong, owe, own, possess
5. The auxiliaries expect “Be” and” have”.
Example: is, am, are, can, should, and must.
But
These verbs are possible to be used with (ing) when they have special meaning such as in the following
situations:
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1. When there is a change on physical condition.
Example: asad was sick last week but he is feeling better now.
2. With the word (always).
Example: Asad is always forgetting his keys in car.
3. When the sentence describes an activity of limited duration.
Example: the child is being naughty today.
The following verbs are also possible to be used in continuous tense such as
A. (Gaze, listen, look, at, observe, (=watch), stare and watch) imply, deliberate use of the sense and can
be used in the continuous tense.
S1: watch!
S2: I am watching but I can’t see anything.
He is listening to a tape recorder but he is wearing earphone, so nobody else hears it.
B. Admire: also can be used in continuous meaning
(To look at with admiration).
C. Appreciate: meaning (increase in value).
D. Care for: = (look after), long for, mind (look after/concern oneself with).
E. Value: meaning (estimate the financial worth of).
F. Enjoy: and sometimes love, like (=enjoy) and hate meaning (the opposite).
But it is better to use simple present tense with love, like and hate
Example: He is enjoying his holidays in Europe.
How are you liking your new job?

G. (Be) can be used in continuous in passive.
Example: A letter is being written by him.
It can be used with (ing) with some adjective too.
Example: He is being stupid. It means that he is not trying to understand.
The continuous from (being) may imply that the subject is deliberately acting in the abuse way.
H. Appear: meaning (to come before the public) can be used in continuous tense.
I. Feel: when followed by an adjective indicating the subject’s emotion, physical or mental condition is normally
used in the simple present tense but also can be used in the present continuous tense.
Example: How are you feeling?
J. Feel: meaning (touch) can be used in present continuous tense. And (feel for) meaning (try to find something by
touching) can be used in present continuous.
Example: the doctor was feeling her pulse.
But (feel) is not used in continuous when it means (sense) or (think) and when it is as a link verb.
Example: I feel hot here.
K. Look: (ing) is not used with (look) used as link verb.
Example: that cake looks good.
Or look on (=consider), look up to (=respect) look down on (=despite) but look at, look in, look into,
look out, and look on (=watch) or deliberate action can be used in the continuous tense
Example: He is looking for his glasses.
L. Smell: it cannot be used in continuous meaning (perceive a scent/an odor) or as a link verb but can be
used meaning (sniff at)
Example: why are you smelling the milk?
M. Taste: it cannot be used with (ing) when it is used as a link verb.
Example: the sauce tastes delicious.
But taste meaning (to taste flavor of) can be used in continuous.
Example: she was tasting the pudding see if it is sweet enough
N. See: it can be used in continuous tense when it means (to meet b appointment) usually for business,
interview).
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Example; the director is seeing the applicant.
When it means (visit) usually as a tourist.
Example: tom is seeing sights.
O. The following phrasal verbs also can used in continuous tense.
See about: meaning making arrangements or inquiries.
Example: we are seeing a work permit for you.
See to: meaning (arrange, put right, to deal with).
Example: the plumber is here. He is seeing to leak in our tank.
See somebody home: meaning (escort someone to home).
Example: Is bill seeing you home after a party?
See someone off: meaning (to say good bye to a person who wants to go on a tour at the
station or airport).
P. Hear: it can be used in continuous when it means (listen formally to).
Example: The court is hearing the evidence.
Hear from: meaning (receive news or letters) can also be used in continuous.
Example: I have already been hearing about your accident.
Q. Think: it can be used in continuous when no opinion is given or asked for.
Example: what are you thinking about? (No opinion)
What do you think of it? (Opinion is asked).
I think it is nice. (Opinion is given)

R. Assume: it can be used in continuous when it means (accept as a starting point).
Example: I am assuming that you have time.
Assume power /control of: (a country or organization): can also be used in continuous.
Example: the new government is assuming the power at once.
S. Expect: it can be used in continuous when it means (await):
Example: I am expecting a letter. She is expecting a baby in May.
Present perfect tense

Definition: present perfect tense expresses an activity that happened or did not happen before now
at unspecific time. Maybe it continues to present or finished in the past.
The present perfect tense is formed with (has/have) and past participle form of the verb.
Note:
Perfect: when this word is used as a noun, it means the form of verb that shows a period of time up
to present and including present. It is usually formed with (have) or (has). When this word is used as
an adjective then it means complete and without fault. It also means suitable.
Usage of present prefect tense
A. The present prefect tense expresses an action or situation that happened or did not happen
before now at some unspecified time or times in the past.
Example: He has already eaten lunch.
The action of (eating) happened in past. It means (eating) started and ended, however, time is not
specified.
Example: He has not eaten lunch yet.
The action of (eating) did not happen in the past.
Note: if the exact time is specified then simple past tense is used.
Example: He ate lunch at 2:00 yesterday.
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B. Present perfect tense often expresses activities which were repeated several or many times
in the past. The exact time unspecified.
Example: I have gone to school many times.
Many times shows that (going) happened several times.
C. When present perfect tense is used with “since’’ and “for” then it expresses an activity or
situation that began in the past and continuous to present.
Example: karim has lived in USA since 1980.
This example means that his living started in USA in 1980 and he is still living there.
D. the present perfect tense is used just for a recently complete action
Example: He has just gone out.
It means that he went out a few minutes ago. This is a special use of this tense. “Just” should be
placed between the “auxiliary verb” and “main verb”.
E. Recent action in the present perfect tense often have result in present tense.
Example: kamal has had a bad car accident.
This sentence means that he is probably still in hospital.
F. Action expressed with “present perfect+ yet” or “so for” usually have result in the present.
Example: He has not come yet. I have not met him so for.
G. It is used for an action that began in the past and continues and passes the time of speaking in
present.
Example: He has been in army for two years. This sentence means that he is still in army
H. It is used for an action that is finished at the moment of speaking.
Example: thanks; I have complete my lunch.
This example means that I was eating lunch when you came then I stopped it and started speaking to
you.
Affirmative statements
Subject+ has/have+ past participle+ object
He Many time.
She has Visited Lahore (no mention of time)
It
I Several time.
We have Visited Lahore (no mention of time)
You
They
Note:
The contracted from of subject pronouns with “has” or “have”: he’s, she’s, it’s, l’ve, we’ve, and they’ve.
Example: I have studied English.
She has gone to Islamabad many times.
Negative statements:
Subject+ has/have+ not +past participle+ object.
He Many times.
She Has not Visited Lahore (no mention of time)
It
I Several times?
We Have not Visited Lahore (No mention of
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You times)?
They
Note:
The contract from of “has not” is “hasn’t” and “have not” is “haven’t”.
Example: He hasn’t studied English.
We haven’t spoken English.
Interrogative:
Has/have + subject+ past participle+ object
He Many times?
Has She eaten Lunch (No mention of times)?
It
I Many times?
Have We eaten Lunch (No mention of times)?
You
They

Affirmative short answer: Negative short answer:
He He
Yes She Has. Yes She Has.
It It
I I
Yes We Have. Yes We Have.
You You
They They
Example: Has he gone to school?
No, he hasn’t
Have they written letters many times?
No, they haven’t.
Usage of already, yet, since, and for.

Already: it is used for something that happened before now or before this time. It is used in
affirmative statements. It is placed between subject and verb.
Example: I have already eaten lunch.
It means that I finished eating lunch before now.
Yet: it is used for something that did not happen before now (up to now) but it may happen in
future. It is placed at the end of sentence. It is used in negative and question.
Example: I have not met my friend yet.
Since: expresses the idea that an activity began at a specific time in past and continuous to present.
Since is followed by the mention of a specific point of time.
Example: I have lived here since 1980.
Since: it is an adverb used in present perfect tense.
It means from starting up to now.
It is also used as a preposition meaning “form” and as a conjunction meaning (after the last time
when)
example: it has been years since I met him.
In the above example since is used as a conjunction. Since is used in affirmative, negative and
interrogative sentence.
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For:
A. it is a preposition used to show length of action and length of time
Example: I have studied for two hours.
Note: if a noun ends in (s), e.g hours, weeks, then “for” should be used not “since” the use of
“for” in simple past tense means that the action began and ended in the past.
Example: I studied for two hours.
It means that I started studying and it was continuing for two hours then finished.
B. For is used to express an activity that extended into the present.
Example: I have been in Pakistan for two months.
it means two months ago I came to Pakistan and I am still here. Sometimes “for” can omitted
especially after be, live, and wait.
Example: we have been here an hours.
C. For is not used before time expression beginning with the word (all).
Example: they have worked all night.
D. For is used to say how long an action or situation last.it maybe used in present, past and
future too. Example: He has studied English for two hours.

Difference between “for” and “since”.
For shows the duration of an action and since shows the starting time activity.
Lately and recently: they are used in present perfect tense. They mean “at any time in the past” or a
short time ago.
Comparison of present perfect and simple past tense.
Present perfect tense expresses an activity that happened in past at unspecified time.
Example: they have gone to Saudi Arabia many times.
In above example the time of the going is not specified but simple past tense expresses an activity
that happened in the past at a specified time.
Example: I went to Saudi Arabia last year.
In simple past tense time of happened of the action is specified but in present perfect tense the time
of happening is not specific.
Present prefect continuous tense

Definition: present prefect continuous tense expresses the duration of an activity that started in past and
continues to present or has just finished.
In this tense (for) shows the duration of an action from starting up to present and (since) shows only the
starting time of an activity.
Subject +has/have+ been +verb +ing + object
He
She Has been Living In Peshawar.
It
I
We Have been Living In Peshawar.
You
They
Note: present perfect continuous tense cannot be change to passive voice.
Example: He has been studying English since morning.
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We have been living here for 20 years.
Negative statements
Subject +has/have +not +been +verb +ing+ object
He
She has not been Studying English.
It
I
We have not been Studying English.
You
They
Note: the contract from of (has not) is (hasn’t) and (have not) is (haven’t)
Example: she hasn’t been working since 1990.
They haven’t been working for 20 years.
There are some verbs that they have the same meaning in present perfect tense and present perfect continuous
tenses.
Example: expect, hope, learn, lie, live, look, rain, sleep, sit, snow, stand, stay, study, teach, wait, want and
work.

Example: How long have you lived in Bara?
How long have you been living in Bara?
The above two sentence have the same meaning.
Has/have + subject+ been + verb-ing + object
he
Has she been Studying English?
it
I
Have We been Studying English?
You
They
Note:
Has and have should be placed at the beginning of sentence to from interrogative sentence.
Affirmative short answer Negative short answer

he he
Yes , she has. No , she has not.
it it
I I
Yes , We have. No, We have not.
You
You
They
They
Example: Has he been living in Bara since 1980?

Yes, he has.
Have they been studying English for two years?
Yes, they have.
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Simple past tense
Definition: simple past tense expresses an activity or situation that began and ended at a specific
time in the past.
Note: this tense is also called past indefinite tense or past tense.
Usage of simple past tense:
A. It is used for an action, which is completed at a definite time in the past.
Example: I met him yesterday.
B. It is used for an action when the time is asked.
Example: when did you meet him?

C. It is also used for past habit.
Example: they never drank wine.
D. It is used in the stories.
E. Past tense does not always have a past meaning. Expression like (I had) or (you went) can be
used in some kinds of sentence to talk about present or future. This happens in several
different cases.
1. After (if) E.g if I had money, I would buy a car.
The above sentence means that I do not have money now. It gives the present
meaning.
Example: suppose we spent next month in Saudi Arabia.
This sentence gives the meaning of future tense.
2. In some expression where the past tense expresses a tentative, attitude, suggesting
politeness or respect.
Example: Did you wish to see me now?
I thought you might like flowers.
3. After (it is time) and (wish).
Example: oh, ten o’clock. It is time you went home.
This example means that at ten o’clock every day before you went home but now you
are still here.
Example: I wish I had a car.
It means that I don’t have a car now.
4. The past model forms of could, might would and should generally have present or
future meaning.
Example: you should study hard for exam.
It means that after this time you are obligate to study because you have exam tomorrow.
Example: I would like to go to Islamabad.
The above example means that I will go to Islamabad in future.
5. Simple past tense is often used to talk about a past situation, which still exists. This
happens in reported speech and in some other cases.
Example: Are you deaf? I asked him how old he was. Oh we left Murre! How a nice place
it was.
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How to make past tense and past participle form of verb.
There are two kinds of verbs. Which have different ways to make past tense form and past
participle form of verb.
1. Regular verbs
2. Irregular verbs
Regular verbs:
There are some special rules to make past form and past participle form of a verbs.
a) Add (ed) to some verbs to make its past participle form.

Example: work worked, walk walked.
b) Verbs ending in (e) so only (d) should be added.
Example: love loved
c) Verbs ending in (a vowel + consonant) so double the last consonant and add (ed) with
one syllable verb.
Example: stop stopped.
But if last consonant is (w) or (x) so do not double it only (ed) should be added. If the verb is
more than one syllable so the last consonant should be double only if stress is on last
syllable.
Example: Admit admitted.
If stress is on first syllable, do not double the last consonant.
Example: visit visited, offer offered.
d) Verbs ending in (consonant +y) so change (y) to (I) and add (ed).
Example: study studied, carry carried.
e) Verbs ending with (vowel +y) so (y) cannot be change to (I) only (ed) should be
added.
f) Verbs ending with (vowel + two consonants) so only (ed) should be added.
Example: Help helped
g) Verbs ending in (two vowels + consonant) so only (ed) should be added.
Example: rain rained, heat heated.
h) If a verbs ends in (ie) so only (d) should be added.
Example: die died, tie tied.
i) Verbs ending in (vowel +L) so double the last (L) in British English not in American
English.
American English: travel traveled
British English : travel travelled
Irregular verbs
They do not have any special rules to change base form to past tense and past
participial form of verbs (see the chart for irregular verbs at the end of the book.)
Subject+ past tense form+ object+ time
He Yesterday.
She Last night.
It Last week.
I Went To Lahore Last year.
We Last month.
You Two days ago.
They In 1990. 15
Example: I went to Lahore last year.

Negative statement:
Subject+ didn’t + present form + object+ time
He Yesterday.
She Last night.
It Last week.
I Didn’t Study Englis Last year.
We h Last month.
You Two days ago.
They
Note: contracted from of (did not) is (didn’t).
Example: He didn’t go to Lahore last week.
She didn’t write a letter yesterday.
Did + subject+ present tense + object+ time
He Yesterday?
She Last night?
It Last week?
Did I Study English Last year?
We Last month?
You Two days ago?
They
Note: (Did) should be used at the beginning of sentence and base form of verb not past
tense form of verb.
he he
she she
it it
Yes, I did. No, I Didn’t
We We
You You
They They
Example: Did she go to school
yesterday?
Yes, she did.
Did they clean the house yesterday?
No, they didn’t.
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Past continuous tense

Definition: past continuous tense the duration of an action that began in the past, continued for
some time and ended at a specific time.
Usage of past continuous tense.

a) When it is used without time expression, it indicate gradual development.
Example: it was getting darker.
The weather was getting colder.
b) It is chiefly used for past actions, which continued for some time at a particular time
in the past.
Example: He was writing a letter yesterday.
c) When it is used with time expression then it expresses an action that began before
that time and probably continued after it.
Example: At eight o’clock, he was eating lunch.
Combination of past continuous and simple past tense.
Past continuous tense is very often used in a sentence together with simple past tense. When this
happens, the past continuous tense usually refers to a longer “background” action or situation.
Simple past tense usually refers to a shorter action or event that happened in the middle of the
longer one or interrupted it. It has three kinds of combination.
a) When an action was going on and another action happened but it did not interrupt
the first action. We use past continuous tense for the first action and simple past
for the second action.
Example: while yahya was eating lunch, saoud came.
When Muhib shah Afridi came, Hizbiii khan talking on the telephone.
b) When one action was continuing, another action happened and interrupt the first
action.
Example: while I was walking on the road, I feel down and broke my leg.
Note: (when) is used in simple tense and (while) is used in continuous tense.
c) If two action were happening in the same time so past continuous tense should be
used for both actions.
Example: while Naeem was studying English, his brother was eating lunch.
Difference between simple past tense and past continuous tense:
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Simple past tense expresses an action that started and ended in the past but past continuous
tense expresses the duration of an action or situation that began in the past, continued for
some time and then ends in the past.
Example: Ahmad went to Peshawar yesterday
Ahmad was going to Peshawar yesterday.

Difference between present perfect continuous tense and past continuous tense
Present prefect continuous tense expresses the duration of action or situation that began in
the past and continues to present or maybe finished in the past at unspecific time. However,
past continuous tense expresses the duration of an action or situation that began in the past
and continued for some time and ended at a specific time in the past.
Example: He has been studying English since morning.
He was studying English yesterday.
Subject+ was/were +verb-ing+ object+ time
He Last week.
She Was Living In USA Last month.
It Last year.
I
We Yesterday.
You Were Living In USA Last week.
They Last month.
Note: (was) should be used with (I) because the past form of (am) is (was).
Example: He was studying English yesterday.
We were fixing the car last night.
I was reading a book last month.
Subject+was/were+not+ verb-ing+ object+ time
He Last week.
She Was not Studying in USA Last month.
It Last year.
I
We Last week.
You We’re not Studying in USA Last month.
They Last year.
Note: the contract from of (was not) is (wasn’t) and (were) is (weren’t).
Example: He wasn’t working yesterday.
They weren’t studying last week.
Was he Last week?
she Working In USA Last month?
it Last year?
i
Were We Last week?
You Working In USA Last month?
They Last year?
18
Affirmative short answers negative short answers
he he
Yes, she was. No, she Wasn’t.
it it
I I
we No, we
Yes, you were. you Weren’t.
they they
Example: was she fixing the car yesterday?

Yes, she was.
Were we panting the room last night?
No, we weren’t.
Was I sleeping a few minutes ago?
You weren’t.
Past perfect tense

Definition: past perfect tense expresses an activity that happened before another time or
situation in past at unspecific time.
Usage of past perfect tense:
A. Past perfect tense is only used when there is idea of a second or earlier past
situation. We do not use it just to talk about things that happened some time ago.
Example: He had left when I called him.
B. Note that past perfect tense is not always necessary when we talk about two things
that happened at different times in past. We use past perfect tense mainly when we
are concentrating on a later and an earlier activity.
Example: I felt upset because of what Ahmad had said.
C. Past perfect tense is often used with conjunction of time like (when after, as soon as).
Example: He had escaped when police arrived.
D. Past perfect tense can be used to express an unrealized (hope) and (wish).
Example: I had hoped to leave tomorrow but it looks difficult.
E. Past perfect tense is used after (when), when we want to emphasize that the first
action was completed before the second action started.
Example: thief had escaped when police arrived.
F. Simple past tense and present perfect tense change to past perfect tense in reported
speech.
19
Combination of past perfect tense with simple past tense.
Simple past tense is used with past perfect tense for extra information.
Example: Kamal had gone to Peshawar when I got there.
In the above example, the action, which happened first, is indicate be past perfect tense.
And the second action is indicate be simple past tense because the time of second action is
specific. It means that when got there at
2:00 Kamal wasn’t present at home. He had gone to Peshawar before I got there.
Difference:
A. Between present perfect tense and past perfect tense.
Present perfect tense expresses an activity that happened before now at an
unspecified time in past.
Example: I am not hungry now. I have already eaten lunch.
But.
Past perfect tense expresses an activity that happened before another activity or
situation in past.
Example: Karime had eaten lunch, when we got there.
Both action happened in past but time of the earlier activity is not specified.
B. Between past continuous tense and past perfect tense.
Past continuous tense expresses an activity that was continuing at a particular
time in past.
Example: Ahmad was eating lunch yesterday when I came.
Ahmad began eating lunch at 12:00 when I came at 12:10 he was still eating. Then
he finished eating at 12:30.
But:
Past perfect tense expresses an activity that started and ended before happening
of another action in past.
Example: Ahmad had eaten lunch, when I came.
When I came Ahmad had finished eating and I did not see him eating, his eating
completed before my coming.
C. Between simple past tense and past perfect tense.
Simple past tense expresses an activity that started and ended at a particular time
in past.
Example: Karim ate lunch at 2:00 P.M.
But:
Past perfect tense expresses an activity that started and ended at a unspecific
time in past.
Example: He had eaten lunch when I got there.
We do not know that when he ate but it is clear that he had eaten before my arrived

Subject + had + past participle + object
20
He
She
It
I had eaten lunch.
We
You
They
Example: I had eaten lunch.
They had eaten lunch.
Subject + had+ not + past participle + object
He
She
It
I had not eaten lunch.
We
You
They
Example: He had not gone to Kabul.
They had not studied English.
Note: the contracted from of (had not) is (hadn’t).
Had + subject + past particular + object
he
she
Had it
I Eaten Lunch?
We
You
They
Note: (had) should be placed at the beginning of sentence to make interrogative sentence.
he he
Yes, she Had. No, she Hadn’t
Example:
it it
I I Had she
Yes, We No, We eaten
You Had. You Hadn’t lunch
they They
when you
came? No, she hadn’t.
Had they gone when you got there? Yes, they had.
Past perfect continuous tense

Definition: past perfect continuous tense express the duration of an activity that was in
progress before another action or situation in past.
Combination of past perfect continuous tense with simple past tense.
Simple past tense is used with past perfect continuous tense just for extra information.
21
Note:
in the following example the action which happened first is indicated by past perfect
continuous tense and the second action is indicate by simple past tense because the time of
second action is specified.
Example: Kamal had been studying English for two hours when I got there.
Difference:
A. Between past perfect tense and past perfect continuous tense.
Past perfect tense expresses an activity that happened before another activity in
past. It does not talk about the length of an action it just explains that an action
happened.
Example: I had eaten lunch when Yahya came
But: perfect continuous tense expresses the duration of an activity that happened
before another action in past.
Example: she had been studying English for two hours when Kamal came.
B. Past perfect continuous tense and past continuous tense.
Past perfect continuous tense expresses an activity that was in progress for some time and
finished before another action in past.
Example: He has been sleeping for four hours when I arrived
But:
Past continuous tense expresses an activity that was continuing at a particular time in past.
Subject+ had+ been +verb-ing + object
He
She
It
I had been Studying English.
We
You
They
Example: He had been studying math for one hour when I asked him.
Note: (had) is used with all singular and plural subjects.

Subject+ had+not+ been +verb-ing + object
He
She
It
I had not been Studying English.
We
You
22
They
The contracted form of (had not) is (hadn’t).
Example: Kamal hadn’t been working there, before he came to Pakistan.
Had+ Subject+ been +verb-ing + object
he
she
it
Had I been Studying English?
We
You
They
Affirmative Short Answer Negative Short Answer

he he
Yes, she had. No, she Hadn’t.
it it
I I
We We Hadn’t.
No, You had. No, You
They They
Example: Had he been studying math for three hours?
Yes, he had been.
Had they been living in Canada for 10 years?
No, they hadn’t.
Future Tense
Introduction:
Several different verb forms can be used to talk about the future.
There are some structure that they show future activities.
1. Simple Present Tense with future meaning.
23
2. Present Continuous Tense with future meaning.
3. To + verb talk about future.
4. Immediate future (be about to+ verb).
5. Be going to +verb.
6. Will +verb.
7. Shall +verb.
1. Simple Present Tense with future meaning.
A. Simple Present Tense is common in subordinate clauses about the future, after
conjunction of time, and condition.
Example: I will be happy when I am back home.
B. Simple Present tense is often used with a future meaning after (I bet) and (I hope).
Example: I hope you are fine.
C. Simple present tense can express future time when events are on a definite schedule or
timetable. There are some common verbs that they are used in simple present to talk
about future. The most common are. Arrive, leave, start, began, end, finish, open, close,
be atc.
Example: My plane arrives at 7:35 next morning.
2. Present continuous tense with future meaning.
A. Present continuous tense is used to give future meaning, but we should not forget time
expression because if time expression is not used, there might be confusion between
present continuous tense and future tense.
Example: He is going ti Saudi Arabia next year.
B. Present continuous tense can express future time when the sentence concerns a
definite plan, a definite intention or a definite future activity.
Example: Kamal is flying to Europe next week.
C. Present continuous tense can be used more widely with verbs of movement from one
place to another example: arrive, drive, come, fly, go, leave, start, travel, or verbs
indicating position example: stay remain and the verbs do any have (food or drink). It
can express a decision or plan without any definite arrangement.
Note: example: what are you doing next week? This is the usual way of asking a future
plan.

D. This method of expressing the future cannot be used with verbs, which are not normally
used in the continuous tense. These verbs should be used into the simple future tense
(will/shall).
Example: I will see him tomorrow will see him tomorrow.
E. Present continuous tense is used when a speaker want to make a strong statement
about a future activity.
Example: I am talking the exam next year.
Difference between present continuous tense and simple present tense about future plans:
A. Simple present tense is more important than present continuous tense about future
plans.
Present continuous tense:
Example: I am leaving tonight it means that I have already decided.
24
But simple present tense. Example: I leave tonight. It means that it is a part of plan not
necessarily made by me.
B. Simple present tense can also sound more formal than present continuous tense. It is
better to say example: our new branch opens next week.” Than “our new branch is
opening at pamir English language and computer institute next week.”
C. Simple present tense is used where present continuous tense sounds a bit clumsy.
Example: we leave at 6:00 tomorrow morning and arrive in Board at 8:00 instead of:
We are leaving at6:00 tomorrow morning and arriving in Board at 8:00.
3. To + verb to talk about future tense.
Sometimes we use (to+ verb) to talk about future tense and it is usually sometimes in
the newspaper headlines to talk about an activity that will happen in next time.
Example: president to meet prime minister.
This example means that the meeting will be held in future, maybe tomorrow or the day
after tomorrow.
4. Immediate future using (be about to +verb)
The idioms (be about to + verb) expresses an activity that will happen in the next immediate
future, usually within a few minutes.
Example: the plane is about to land.
5. Using of (be going to + verb) to talk about future.
The (be going to) phrase expresses the subject’s intention to perform a certain future action.
This intention is always premeditated and there is usually also the idea that some
preparation for the action has already been made. The action expresses by the (be going to)
expression is usually
Considered very likely to be performed. Though, there in not same idea of definite future
arrangement that we get from the present continuous tense. The following points about
(be going to) maybe noted.
A. As already shown (be going to) can be used for the near future with a time
expression as an alternative to the present continuous tense. We can say.
I am meeting Kamal at 6:00 PM. I am going to meet Kamal at 6:00PM. But note that (I
am meeting Kamal) shows that I have an appointment for meeting with Kamal but

(I am going to meet Kamal) does not gives the above meaning. It means that Kamal may get
a surprise and I am meeting him without appointment.
B. (Be going to) can be used to emphasize the subject’s intention.
Example: he is going to be a dentist when he grows up.
C. (Be going to) can be used without a time expression.
Example: he is going to lent me some money.
D. (Be going to) can be used with the verbs, which are not used in the continuous tense.
Example: I am sure. I am going to like it.
E. Note that it is not very usual to use (go) and (come) into the ((Be going to) from,
instead we use present continuous tense.
Instead of (I am going to go) we say (I am going) and
Instead of (I am going to come) we say (I am coming).
25
Comparison of (Be going to +verb) and (will +verb) to express intention
Very often we can use either the (Be going to) or (will +verb) but there are difference
between them as a result of which there are occasion when only one of them is
possible.
The chief difference is:

A. The (Be going to) form always implies a premeditate intention and often an
intention + plan. But (will + verb) implies intention alone and this intention is
usually, though not necessary, unpremeditated. Therefore, if preparation for
action have been made. We must use (Be going to).
Example: I bought a sweater. I am going to wear it tonight.
B. (Be going to) usually refers to the fairly immediate future. (Will) can refer either
to the immediate or to the more remote future.
Be going to + verb form can be used for predication

A. The (Be going to) can express the speaker’s feeling of certainty. The time is
usually not mention but the action is expected to happen in near or immediate
future.
Example: look at those clouds! It is going to rain.
It can be used in this way after verbs such as (be sure/be afraid/believes/think).
B. (Be going to) implies that there are signs that something will happens in future.
(Will) implies that the speaker thinks, believes, hopes, and assumes that it will
happen.
Example: it going to break down. It implies that the lift is making some strange
noises. But (the lift well break down). It implies that the lift is over load, it may be
broken down.
C. (Be going to) is used to express a preconceived plan but (will) is used to.
Example: I will help you.

Subject + be going to + verb + object+ time
He tomorrow.
She Is going to buy a car next month.
It next year.
I am going to buy a car tomorrow.
We next month.
You are going to buy a car next Friday.
Thy next year.
Example: he is going to buy a car tomorrow.
We are going to build a house next month.
(Note) should be used between (be) and (going to).
26
Subject + be +not+ going to + verb + object + time
He tomorrow.
She Is not going to buy a car next month.
It next year.
I Am not going to buy a car tomorrow.
We next month.
You are going to buy a car next Friday.
Thy next year.
Example: she is not going to buy a car next month.

They are not going to go to Murree tomorrow.
Note: contracted form of (is not) is (isn’t) and (are not) is (aren’t).
(Is, am, are) should be placed at the beginning of sentence to make interrogative
sentence.
Be+ subject+ going to + verb + object+ time
he tomorrow?
Is she going to buy a car next month?
it next year?
Am I going to buy a car tomorrow?
Are We next month?
You going to buy a car next Friday?
They next year?

he he
she Is. she Is not
it Example: is it he going to buy a
Yes, I am. No, I am not.
car tomorrow?
We We
Yes, he is.
You are. You Are not.
Are they going to go to
They They
Murree tomorrow?
No, they are not.
Simple future tense
Definition: simple future express an activity that will happen at a time in future.
27
Usage of simple future tense.
A. Simple future is used similarly for future habitual action which we assume will
take place.
Example: spring will come again.
B. Verbs not normally used in the continuous tenses.
Example: He will see you here tonight.
C. Simple future is chiefly used in newspaper and news broadcasts, for formal
announcement of future plans and for weather forecasts.
Example: the president will go to Paris tomorrow.
D. “Wont” Can be used will all person to expresses negative intention.
Example: He won’t pay the bill.
Usage of will:
“Will” is a model auxiliary verb. It has a contracted (II)
Example: He’ll call you tonight.
And its negative contracted form is (won’t). “Will” can be used in different ways.
A. Prediction: “will” is used for predication about future.
Example: He will be rich one day.
B. Prediction: can be used as a way of giving order instead of telling someone to do
something, you just say firmly that it will happen.
Example: you will start work at 6:00 tomorrow morning.
“Will” can also be used to make a kind of Prediction about present to say what you
think must be happening.
Example: Don’t call them. They will be sleeping.

C. Willingness and intention
1. “Will” (but not I shall) is used to express willingness to do something to offer to
do something.
Example: can some body help men? “I will.”
2. “I will” can also be used to talk about intentions, to make promises or threats.
Example: I will stop smoking.
3. Refusal: can be expressed with “won’t”.
Example: she won’t open the door?
4. “Will” is often used with (you) to make request or to give orders.
Example: will you open the door?
5. “Will you” can also introduce invitations.
Example: will you attend my birthday party tonight?
6. “Won’t you” makes the invitation very strong.
Example: won’t you come in?
28
7. “Will” can be used to talk about repeated and habitual behaviors.
Example: He will often say, “I am mental.”
8. “Will” is used to talk about the natural behaviors of things.
Example: gold won’t dissolve in hydrochloric acid.
9. “Will” must not be confused with (wish, want, would like to).
“Will” expresses an intention +a decision of a plan to fulfill it.
Example: I will buy a car.
But (want, wish, would like to) expresses a desire.
Example: I want to go to Peshawar.
Difference between “will” and “shall”

A. Formerly “will” is kept for intention.
Example: I will wait for you.
But “shall” is used when there is intention.
Example: for actions where the subject‘s wishes are not involved.
Example: I shall be 25 next week.
“Shall” is also used in tag question after let’s:
Example: let’s go, shall we?
It used in suggestions: shall we take a taxi?
In requests for order and instructions: what shall o do? Will you mail?
B. “Shall” is used for promises.
But “will” in not used. Example: I shall meet Ahmad.
C. “Shall” is used with second and third person singular and plural (he, she, it, you, they).
Affirmative statement
Subject + will/shall + verb + object + time.
He tomorrow.
She next week.
It will buy a car next month.
You tonight.
They next year.
I will buy a car tomorrow.
we Tonight.
Example: I shall go to Peshawar tomorrow.
They will buy a car tomorrow.
She study English next year.
Note: in American English (will) is used with all subject including (I and we) but in British English
(shall) must be used with (I and we).
Negative statement:
29
Subject + will/shall +not+ verb + object + time.
He tomorrow.
She next week.
It will not study English next month.
You next year.
They tonight.
I shall not study English tonight.
We tomorrow.
Example: I shall not go to Peshawar tomorrow.
They will not buy a car tomorrow.
She will not study English next year.
Note: contract form of (will not) is (won’t) and (shall not) is (shan’t)
Will/shall+ subject + verb + object + time.
he tomorrow?
she next week?
Will it study English next month?
you next year?
they tonight ?
Shall i study English tonight?
we tomorrow?
Example: shall I go to Peshawar tomorrow?
Will they buy a car tomorrow?
Will she study English next year?
Future continuous tense

Definition: future continuous tense expresses an activity that will be going on at a time in the
future.
Difference between simple future tense and future continuous tense.
A. Sometimes there is little or no difference between future continuous tense and simple
future tense. Especially when future event will occur an indefinite time in the future.
Example: she will be coming soon.
She will come soon.
B. Simple future tense expresses an activity that will happen in the future but future
continuous expresses the duration of an activity that will happen in the future.
C. Simple future tense expresses future with intention but future continuous tense expresses
future without intention.
Example: He will buy a car.
He will be working in Lahore.
D. Simple future tense can express invitation, request, or command.
Example: will you come to my house tonight?
30
But future continuous tense can have none of the above meaning.
Example: will you be coming my house tonight?
This sentence talks about the duration of coming.
Difference between present continuous tense (with future meaning) and future
continuous tense.
Present continuous tense can only be used with define time to talk about future especially
for near future. While future continuous tense can be used with or without a definite time
and for the near or distant future.
Example: I am studying English tomorrow.
I will be studying English.
Subject+ will/shall+ be+ verb +ing + object + time
He tonight.
She tomorrow.
It will be reading English next week.
You next month.
They next year.
I shall be reading English tomorrow.
We tonight.
Example: He will be studying English tonight.
She will be sleeping at this time tomorrow.

Negative statements.
Subject+ will/shall+ not+ be+ verb +ing + object + time
He tonight.
She tomorrow.
It will not be reading English next week.
You next month.
They next year.
I shall not be reading English tomorrow.
We tonight.
Note: “not” should be placed between “will/shall” and “be” and the contracted form of
“will not” is “won’t” and “shall not” is “shan’t”
Example: she won’t be studying English tomorrow.
They won’t be working there.
Interrogative sentences.
Will/shall + subject+ be+ verb+ing +object+ time.
he tonight?
she tomorrow?
Will it be studying English next week?
you next month?
they next year?
Shall i be studying English tomorrow?
31
we tonight?
Note: “will/shall” should be placed before subject to make interrogative sentences.
Affirmative short answer

he
negative short answer it will be.
he No, you
it will be. they
Yes, you No, I shall be.
they we
Yes, I shall be.
we
Example: will he be studying tomorrow?
Yes, he will.
Will they be working there next year?
Yes, they will.
Future perfect tense

Definition: future perfect tense expresses an activity that will be completed before another
time or an activity in future.
Note: in the example (by the time) introduction a time clause. The simple present tense is used
in a time clause.
Example: By the time Ahmad comes here, I will have eaten my dinner. This example explains
that when Ahmad comes “eating” will have been finished.
Subject+ will/shall+ have +past participial form+ object.
He
She
It will have eaten lunch.
You
They
I shall have eaten lunch.
We
Example: They have gone, when you reach there.
He will have eaten lunch.
Subject+ will/shall+ not+ have +past participial form+ object.
He
She
It Will not have eaten lunch.
32
You
They
I Shall not have eaten lunch.
We
Note: “not” should be placed between “will/shall” and “have”.
Example: He will not have gone to Lahore.
Will/shall + Subject+ have past participial form+ object.
He
She
Will It have eaten lunch.
You
They
shall I have eaten lunch.
We


he he
Yes, she No, she
it will have. it will have.
you you
they they
Yes, i shall have. No, I shall have.
we we
Example: will he have gone?

Yes, he will have.
Will they have completed their homework?
Yes, they will have.
Future perfect continuous tense

Definition: future perfect continuous tense emphasize the duration of an activity that will be
in progress before another time or an activity in the future.
Example: by the time he gets home, they will have been sleeping for two hours.
Difference between future perfect tense and future perfect continuous tense.
A. Future perfect tense explain that an event will happen before another activity in the
future but future perfect continuous tense expresses the duration of an activity that
will be going on before another event in future.
B. Sometimes future perfect tense and future perfect continuous tense give the same
meaning.
33
Example: when I retire next month, I will have taught for ten years.
When I retire next month, I will have been teaching for ten years.
Subject + will/shall + have been + verb+ing + object
He
She will have been living in USA.
It
You
They
I shall have been living in USA.
We
Example: He will have been studying for two hours, when you reach there.
They will have been working for five hours there.

Subject + will/shall + not+ have been + verb+ing + object.
He
She Will not have been living in USA.
It
You
They
I shall not have been living in USA.
We
Example: He will not have been working for two hours.
They will not have been living in Peshawar for two years.
Interrogative sentences:
Will/shall +Subject + have been + verb+ing + object.
He
She have been living in USA?
Will It
You
They
Shall I have been living in USA?
We
Affirmative short answer No, he negative

short answer she will have been
Yes, he it .
she will have been you
it . they
you No, i shall have
they we been.
Yes, i shall have
we been.
Example: will he have been living in Peshawar for two years?
34
Yes, he will have been.
Wish you all the best
35

Tenses: Simple Present Tense

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Tenses: Simple Present Tense

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Pamir English language & computer institute

Pamir English language & computer institute

Simple present tense

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Present continuous tense

Example: He is studying English.

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Pamir English language & computer institute

Affirmative short answer. Negative short answer.

Example: what is he eating now?

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Pamir English language & computer institute

Present perfect tense

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Pamir English language & computer institute

Usage of already, yet, since, and for.

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Present prefect continuous tense

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Affirmative short answer Negative short answer

Example: Has he been living in Bara since 1980?

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Pamir English language & computer institute

Pamir English language & computer institute

Past continuous tense

Usage of past continuous tense.

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Example: was she fixing the car yesterday?

Past perfect tense

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Pamir English language & computer institute

Past perfect continuous tense

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Affirmative Short Answer Negative Short Answer

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Pamir English language & computer institute

Pamir English language & computer institute

The chief difference is:

Be going to + verb form can be used for predication

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Example: she is not going to buy a car next month.

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Pamir English language & computer institute

Difference between “will” and “shall”

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Pamir English language & computer institute

Future continuous tense

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Affirmative short answer

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Future perfect tense

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Affirmative short answer Negative short answer

Example: will he have gone?