Seminarski Rad-Verb Tenses in English Grammar

FAKULTET ZA TEHNIČKE STUDIJE
INŽINJERSKA INFORMATIKA
Verb tenses in English grammar
Student: Professor:
Azer Delić Prof. Melika Vehab
Travnik, july 2021.

Table of Contents
1. Introduction.........................................................................................................................................3
2. Present Simple Tense...........................................................................................................................4
2.1. Future Uses..................................................................................................................................4
2.2. How to form the Present Simple Tense?......................................................................................4
3. Present Continuous Tense....................................................................................................................5
3.1. Future Uses..................................................................................................................................6
3.2. How to form Present Continuous?...............................................................................................6
3.3. When not to use the Present Continuous Tense?..........................................................................7
4. Present Perfect Simple Tense..............................................................................................................7
4.1. How to form Present Perfect Simple?..........................................................................................8
5. Present Perfect Continuous..................................................................................................................8
5.1. How to form Present Perfect Continuous?...................................................................................9
6. Past Simple Tense................................................................................................................................9
7. Past Continuous Tense.......................................................................................................................10
8. Past Perfect Tense..............................................................................................................................10
9. Past Perfect Continuous Tense...........................................................................................................11
10. Future............................................................................................................................................11
10.1. Future Simple (will, shall and be going to)............................................................................11
10.2. Future Continuous.................................................................................................................12
10.3. Future Perfect Simple............................................................................................................13
10.4. Future Perfect Continuous.....................................................................................................13
11. Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................15
12. Literature.......................................................................................................................................16
2
1. Introduction
Tense in the English language is the word that comes from the Latin tempus which means time. It
basically indicates the time of action or we can say that tense is a word that describes the time of
a verb.1 There are three main tenses:
 present tense,
 past tense
 future tense
The present tense is used to describe things that are happening right now, or things that are
continuous. The past is used to describe things that have already happened (e.g., earlier in the
day, yesterday, last week, three years ago). The future tense describes things that have yet to
happen (e.g., later, tomorrow, next week, next year, three years from now. Each of the main
tenses are divided into four selections following:
Picture 1: Main tenses in English grammar2
1
Types of tenses in English. Source: https://englishfinders.com/types-of-tenses-in-english/ [Accessed
26.06.2021.]
2
A quick way to learn English tenses. [Internet]. Source: https://www.learnenglishteam.com/a-quick-way-
to-learn-english-tenses-free-pdf/ [Accessed 25.06.2021.]
3
2. Present Simple Tense3
We use the present simple when something is generally or always true. (e.g. People need food.)
Similary, we need to use this tense for a situation that we think is more or less permanent. (e.g.
She works in a bank.) The next use is for habits or things that we do regularly. We often use
adverbs of frequency (such as ‘often’, ‘always’ and ‘sometimes’) in this case, as well as
expressions like ‘every Sunday’ or ‘twice a month’. (e.g. I play basketball every Monday.) We
can also use the present simple for short actions that are happening now. The actions are so short
that they are finished almost as soon as you’ve said the sentence. This is often used with sports
commentary. (e.g. He takes the ball, he runs down the wing, and he scores.)
2.1. Future Uses

We can use present simple tense to talk about future as well. We will use it when we are e
discussing a timetable or a fixed plan. Usually, the timetable is fixed by an organisation, not by
us. (e.g. School begins at nine tomorrow.)
We also use the present simple to talk about the future after words like ' 'when', 'until', 'after',
'before' and 'as soon as'. These are sometimes called subordinate clauses of time. (e.g. I'm going
to make dinner after I watch the news.)
2.2. How to form the Present Simple Tense?
In the simple present, most regular verbs use the root form, except in the third-person singular
(which ends in -s). For a few verbs, the third-person singular ends with -es instead of -s.
Typically, these are verbs whose root form ends in o, ch, sh, th, ss, gh, or z. (e.g. go – goes).
The formula for making a simple present affirmative form is: subject+ verb (base form) + object.
The formula for making a simple present verb negative is do/does + not + [root form of verb].
3
Tenses Explanation. [Internet]. Source: https://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/support-files/tenses-
explanations.pdf [Accessed 25.06.2021.]
4
We can also use the contraction don’t or doesn’t instead of do not or does not. The formula for
asking a question in the simple present is do/does + [subject] + [root form of verb].
In the following table4, there is an example for each affirmative, interrogative and negative form:
3. Present Continuous Tense
First, we use the present continuous for things that are happening at the moment of speaking.
These things usually last for quite a short time and they are not finished when we are talking
about them. (e.g. I'm working at the moment.) We can also use this tense for other kinds of
temporary situations, even if the action isn’t happening at this moment. (e.g. She’s staying with
her friend for a week.) We can use the present continuous for temporary or new habits (for
normal habits that continue for a long time, we use the present simple). We often use this with
expressions like ‘these days’ or ‘at the moment’. (e.g. You're smoking too much.) Another
present continuous use is for habits that are not regular, but that happen very often. In this case
we usually use an adverb like 'always', 'forever' or 'constantly'. Often, we use the present
continuous in this way to talk about an annoying habit. (e.g. She's constantly missing the train.)5
4
26.06.2021.]
5
5
3.1. Future Uses
We can also use the present continuous tense to talk about the future—if we add a future word!!
We must add (or understand from the context) a future word. "Future words" include, for
example, tomorrow, next year, in June, at Christmas etc. We only use the present continuous
tense to talk about the future when we have planned to do something before we speak. We have
already made a decision and a plan before speaking. (e.g. We're going to the beach at the
weekend; I'm leaving at three.)6
3.2. How to form Present Continuous?
The Present Continuous Formula: to be [am, is, are] + verb [present participle]. Negative and
interrogative forms are in table showed in the following table7:
3.3. When not to use the Present Continuous Tense?8
6
7
26.06.2021.]
8
Verb Tenses. Source: https://www.grammarly.com/blog/verb-tenses/ [Accessed 26.06.2021.]
6
Do not use the present continuous tense with stative verbs. Stative verbs show a state of being
that does not show qualities of change. These verbs can stay in the simple present. For example:
Aunt Christine is preferring the maple walnut pancakes over the banana peanut butter ones that
Scott loves. - incorrect
Aunt Christine prefers the maple walnut pancakes over the banana peanut butter ones that Scott
loves. - correct
Here, the stative verb to prefer shows opinion, and therefore should not be conjugated into the
present continuous. Stative verb categories include emotion (to love), possession (to belong), and
thoughts (to recognize), and none of these should use the present continuous form. Exceptions to
this rule are verbs to be and to think. ( I am thinking about getting a new job.)
4. Present Perfect Simple Tense
We use this tense when we want to talk about unfinished actions or states or habits that started
in the past and continue to the present. Usually we use it to say 'how long' and we need 'since' or
'for'. We often use stative verbs. ( I've known Karen since 1994; She's lived in London for three
years.)
A finished action with a result in the present (focus on result). We often use the present perfect
to talk about something that happened in the recent past, but that is still true or important now.
(I've lost my keys - so I can't get into my house).9
4.1. How to form Present Perfect Simple?
The formula is: Subject + have/has + Verb (past participle form) + Object. Negative and
interrogative forms are in table showed in the following table10:
9
7
In this tense, we use both 'been' and 'gone' as the past participle of 'go', but in slightly different
circumstances. We use 'been' (often when we talk about life experience) to mean that the person
we’re talking about visited the place and came back. We use 'gone' (often when we are talking
about an action with a result in the present) to mean that the person went to the place and is at the
place now. (e.g. They have never been to Bosnia or He has gone to Travnik).11
5. Present Perfect Continuous
Present Perfect Continuous Tense describes an action which started in the past and still
continuing. (e.g. They have been staying home for six months.) Basically, we use it to say how
long for unfinished actions which started in the past and continue to the present. We often use
this with ‘for’ and ‘since’. We can also use it for actions which have recently stopped and have
results that we can hear or feel. (e.g. I'm so tired, I've been studying.) The present perfect simple
has a very similar use, which focuses on the result of the action, whereas the present perfect
continuous focuses on the action itself.12
5.1. How to form Present Perfect Continuous?

10
26.06.2021.]
11
A quick way to learn English tenses. [Internet]. Source: https://www.learnenglishteam.com/a-quick-
way-to-learn-english-tenses-free-pdf/ [Accessed 25.06.2021.]
12
8
The formula is subject + have been/has been + verb ( + ing) + object. Another forms are showed
in table below:13
6. Past Simple Tense
Past Simple is usually used to indicate the completed action in the past or a past habit. (e.g. I saw
this person yesterday.)
The formula is: subject + verb (past form) + object. Past Simple Tense takes ‘did’ as a helping
verb before the subject of an interrogative sentence and ‘didn’t after the subject of the negative
form of a sentence and the main verb remains unchanged.14
7. Past Continuous Tense

13
26.06.2021.]

14
26.06.2021.]
9
Past Continuous Tense usually indicates the action in the past which was continued for some
time. (e.g. She was holding the mirror).
The formula is: Subject + was/were + Verb(+ing) + Object. Past Continuous Tense takes ‘was’
and ‘were’ as helping verbs. ‘Was’ is placed in case of first-person and third-person on the other
hand ‘were’ is placed in case of the second person.15
8. Past Perfect Tense
Past Perfect Tense is placed between the two past actions which occurred before and later action
is called Simple Past. (e.g. Selim had left before I came). The formula is: Subject + had +
Verb(past participle form) + Object. Past Perfect Tense takes ‘had’ as a helping verb.16
9. Past Perfect Continuous Tense
Past Perfect Continuous Tense describes an action that started and continued for some time in the
past. In Past Perfect Continuous Tense ‘since’ and ‘for’ can be used in order to indicate how long
15
16
10
the action continued in the past. (e.g. I had been walking since morning). The formula is
Subject+had been+Verb(+ing)+Object. 17
10. Future18
In the following part, 4 types of future tenses will be explained.
10.1. Future Simple (will, shall and be going to)
We use the future simple with ‘will’ to predict the future. It is the basic way we talk about the
future in English, and we often use it if there is no reason to use another future tense. (e.g. The
sun will rise at 7am). We also use it for promises or offers. (I'll help you with your homework.)
'Shall' is used mainly in the forms 'shall I?' and 'shall we?' in British English. These forms are
used when you want to get someone's opinion, especially for offers and suggestions. (e.g. Shall I
open the window?)
17
18
11
We often use ‘be going to’ to talk about our future intentions and plans. We have usually made
our plans before the moment of speaking. (e.g. We've run out of milk. B: I know, I'm going to
buy some).19
10.2. Future Continuous
We use the future continuous to talk about an action in the future that overlaps another, shorter
action or a time. (e.g. I'll be waiting when you arrive). We can use the future continuous to talk
about something that will happen if everything happens as we expect. (e.g. The Government will
be making a statement later.) We can’t use the future continuous with stative verbs, so if we want
to use a stative verb in one of the situations where we need to the future continuous, then we use
the future simple with ‘will’.20
10.3. Future Perfect Simple
We use the future perfect to say ‘how long’ for an action that starts before and continues up to
another action or time in the future. Usually we need ‘for’. (e.g. At 4 o’clock, I’ll have been in
this office for 24 hours.) We use the future perfect with a future time word, (and often with 'by')
to talk about an action that will finish before a certain time in the future, but we don't know
exactly when.(e.g. By the time I'm sixty, I will have retired. (= I will retire sometime before I'm
sixty. Maybe when I’m fifty-nine, maybe when I’m fifty-two.)21
19
20
21
12
10.4. Future Perfect Continuous
Just like with the other perfect continuous tenses, we can use the future perfect continuous to say
‘how long’ for an action that continues up to another point in the future. The second point can be
a time or another action. Generally, we need ‘for + length of time’ and if we use ‘when’ or ‘by
the time’, we usually use the present simple. (e.g. In April, she will have been teaching for
twelve years).
In the same way as with the future perfect simple, we often use the future perfect continuous
because we like easy numbers. It’s also possible to use the present perfect continuous, but then
we get a more complicated number. (e.g. I’ve been working here for 11 months and three weeks.
(This is correct, but the time is not an easy number.)22
22
Verb Tenses. Source: https://www.grammarly.com/blog/verb-tenses/ [Accessed 26.06.2021.]
13
11.Conclusion
As conclusion, in the table23 is one sentence changed due to all tenses we explained.
23
12 types of tenses with explanation. Source: https://englishstudyhere.com/tenses/12-types-of-tenses-
with-examples-pdf/ [Accessed 26.06.2021.]
14
12.Literature
15
1. A quick way to learn English tenses. [Internet]. Source:
https://www.learnenglishteam.com/a-quick-way-to-learn-english-tenses-free-pdf/
[Accessed 25.06.2021.]
2. Tenses Explanation. [Internet]. Source: https://www.perfect-english-
grammar.com/support-files/tenses-explanations.pdf [Accessed 25.06.2021.]
3. 12 types of tenses with explanation. Source: https://englishstudyhere.com/tenses/12-
types-of-tenses-with-examples-pdf/ [Accessed 26.06.2021.]
4. Types of tenses in English. Source: https://englishfinders.com/types-of-tenses-in-english/
[Accessed 26.06.2021.]
5. Verb Tenses. Source: https://www.grammarly.com/blog/verb-tenses/ [Accessed
26.06.2021.]
6. English Tenses. Source: . Source: https://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/grammar/tenses
[Accessed 26.06.2021.]
16

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FAKULTET ZA TEHNIČKE STUDIJE

Verb tenses in English grammar

Travnik, july 2021.

Picture 1: Main tenses in English grammar2

2.1. Future Uses

2.2. How to form the Present Simple Tense?

3. Present Continuous Tense

3.2. How to form Present Continuous?

3.3. When not to use the Present Continuous Tense?8

4. Present Perfect Simple Tense

4.1. How to form Present Perfect Simple?

5. Present Perfect Continuous

5.1. How to form Present Perfect Continuous?

Types of tenses in English. Source: https://englishfinders.com/types-of-tenses-in-english/ [Accessed

6. Past Simple Tense

7. Past Continuous Tense

Types of tenses in English. Source: https://englishfinders.com/types-of-tenses-in-english/ [Accessed

Types of tenses in English. Source: https://englishfinders.com/types-of-tenses-in-english/ [Accessed

8. Past Perfect Tense

9. Past Perfect Continuous Tense

In the following part, 4 types of future tenses will be explained.

10.1. Future Simple (will, shall and be going to)

10.2. Future Continuous

10.3. Future Perfect Simple

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