How to Learn Verb Tenses in English: Exercises, Examples, and a Step-by-Step Guide

The 3 Basic English Tenses

Present

Present Simple:

The formula for conjugating verbs in the present simple tense is very simple: Subject + Verb (in base form) + Object. For example, “I eat breakfast every morning.”

Present Continuous:

The formula for this tense is “to be” + present participle (i.e., the -ing form of the verb). For example, the sentence “I am walking to the store” would be in the Present Continuous tense.

Present Perfect:

It is made up of two parts: the present tense of the verb “to have” + the past participle of the main verb. For example, the present perfect tense of the verb “to eat” would be “I have eaten,” while the present perfect tense of the verb “to go” would be “I have gone.”

Present Perfect Continuous:

The Perfect Continuous tense formula is very simple: has/have been + verb-ing. For example, the sentence “I have been writing a novel” is in the Perfect Continuous tense.

Past

Past Simple:

The formula for creating sentences in the Past Simple tense is subject + verb (in the past tense) + object. For example, “I played soccer.”

Past Continuous:

The Past Continuous tense formula is: the subject + the verb “to be” conjugated in the past tense + the present participle of the main verb (ending in -ing). For example, the formula for regular verbs would be: “I was playing.”

Past Perfect:

The formula for the Past Perfect tense is: had + [past participle]. For example, if you wanted to say “I had eaten breakfast,” you would use the formula like this: I had + eaten = I had eaten.

Past Perfect Continuous:

The formula for the Past Perfect Continuous tense is very simple: had + been + verb-ing. For example, if you wanted to say “I had been studying,” you would use the formula had + been + studying.

Future

Future Simple:

The formula for the future simple tense is [base form of verb] + [s/es] (for third-person singular verbs only). For example, the future simple tense form of the verb ‘walk’ is ‘walks’.

Future Continuous:

The Future Continuous tense formula is composed of two parts: the Subject + the auxiliary Verb “will” + be + the Present Participle of the main verb (ending in -ing). For example, in the sentence “I will be studying history tonight,” the subject is “I,” the auxiliary verb is “will,” and the present participle is “studying.”

Future Perfect:

The formula for the Future Perfect tense is: “will have + past participle.” For example, “I will have finished my homework by the time you get home from work.”

Future Perfect Continuous:

The Future Perfect Continuous formula is will have been + [verb]ing. This tense is used to describe an ongoing action that will be completed at some point in the future. For example, “I will have been studying for my exams for six hours by the time you get home.”

Verb Tenses: 30 Tips, Tricks, and How-Tos

1. Build verb lists

One way to build verb lists is to start with the most basic tense, the present simple. For regular verbs, this entails adding -s or -es to the root form of the verb (for example, walk becomes walks). For irregular verbs, the present simple forms must be memorized. Once you have a list of present simple verbs, you can then move on to the next tense on your list.

Doing this system will help ensure that you don’t miss any tenses and will make it easier to keep track of your progress. As you become more comfortable with each tense, you can add more complex verbs to your list. Eventually, you’ll be able to build up a comprehensive list of all the verbs you know in all their different time expressions.

2. Craft verb tense flashcards

One way to help learn verb tenses is to create verb tense flashcards. This formula can be used for creating the cards: (subject + situation + formula). On one side of the card, write the formula. On the other side, write the subject, situation and specific verb conjugation. It can be helpful to use different colours for each element on the front of the card. For example, red for the subject, blue for the situation and green for the formula. That way, when you are trying to remember the formula, you can quickly visualize the different parts.

3. Conjugation games

One simple aspect to memorize verb conjugations is to create games out of them. This can be done by making flashcards or playing memory-based games with friends or family.

Another way to gamify the learning process is to come up with formulaic sentences in which the verb must be conjugated correctly in order for the sentence to make sense. For example, a game could involve coming up with a sentence in which the verb must be conjugated in the present tense, then in the past tense, and then in the future tense. The possibilities are endless; the important thing is to have fun while learning, and pay attention to verbs!

4. Keep a journal

Keeping a journal is a great way to learn passive verb forms as you can track your progress over time. Here is a formula for how to keep a journal to learn verb tenses:

• Choose a tense you want to focus on (e.g. present simple, past simple, future simple).
• Make a list of all the verbs you want to practice in that tense.
• Write one sentence for each verb in your chosen tense, using each verb from your list.
• Repeat this process for different tenses as you progress through your language-learning journey.

5. Watch Youtube Videos

When it comes to learning verb tenses, watching YouTube videos can be a great way to get started. Here’s a formula for how to do it:

• Start by finding a few channels that focus on language learning. There are many great options out there, so take some time to explore until you find a few that you like.
• Once you’ve found a few good channels, start watching some of their videos on verb tenses. Pay attention to how the verbs are used in different contexts and make note of any patterns you see.
• After watching a few videos, try applying what you’ve learned by creating your own examples. This will help you to cement the concepts in your mind and start using the verbs correctly yourself.

6. Research common phrases

There are a few formulaic phrases that are used quite often in English. By learning these phrases, you can quickly increase your vocabulary and improve your verb tense usage. For example, the phrase “I am going to” is always followed by a verb in the infinitive form, such as “I am going to eat breakfast.” Another common phrase is “I have to,” which is always followed by a verb in the base form, such as “I have to go to the store.” By memorizing these formulaic phrases, you will be able to use them correctly in conversation.

7. Recognize the sounds of verbs

There are a few key things to keep in mind when trying to recognize the sounds of verbs to learn verb tenses. First, it’s important to be able to identify the different parts of speech that make up a sentence. For example, you need to be able to spot the subject, object, and verb in order to determine which tense the sentence is in.

Once you’ve got that down, it’s time to start paying attention to the sounds of verbs. In particular, you’ll want to listen for the ending sound of the verb, as this can often give away the tense. For example, verbs that end in “ed” are typically past tense, while verbs that end in “ing” are usually a present continuous action.

8. Listen to yourself

One of the best ways to learn verb tenses is to simply listen to yourself. Pay attention to the way you speak and the words you use. Over time, you’ll start to notice patterns in the way you use verbs. You can then use these patterns as a formula for conjugating verbs in the future.

9. Watch a verb tenses video

There are many resources available to help you learn verb tenses. One helpful resource is a verb tenses video. These videos provide a clear explanation of how to conjugate regular and irregular verbs in both the present and past tense. They also offer tips and tricks for memorizing difficult conjugations. By watching a verb tenses video, you can quickly learn the formulas for conjugating regular verbs and begin memorizing irregular verbs.

10. Create a spreadsheet

This can be done by creating a column for each tense and then filling in the verbs for each tense in the appropriate column. For example, in the present tense column, you would put verbs like “walk,” “talk,” and “eat.” In the past tense column, you would put verbs like “walked,” “talked,” and “ate.” And in the future tense column, you would put verbs like “will walk,” “will talk,” and “will eat.”

11. Tell a story

Telling stories is a great way to learn verb tenses. The formula is simple: identify the tense you want to learn, find a story that uses that tense, and then retell the story using the correct verb forms. For example, if you want to learn the Present Perfect tense, you could find a story that uses that tense and then retell it using the correct verb forms. This method is especially effective for visual learners who can see the verbs in action.

12. Sing a song about helping verbs

Sing a song about helping verbs! Helping verbs, also called auxiliary verbs, are words like “be,” “have,” and “do.” They don’t have a lot of meaning on their own, but they help to express the tense of a verb. For example, the helping verb “is” is used to form the present tense, as in “I am singing a song about helping verbs.”

13. Display verbs in a simple chart

One of the best ways to learn verb tenses is to create a simple chart with the formula for each tense. This will help you to see how the tenses are constructed and how they differ from one another. To create such a chart, start by listing the formula for each tense:

• Simple Present: [Subject + Verb]
• Present Progressive: [Subject + am/is/are + Verb + ing]
• Past Simple: [Subject + Verb + ed]
• Present Perfect: [Subject + have/has + Verb + ed]
• Future Simple: [Subject + will + Verb]

Then, write out a few examples of tense verb sentences for each tense. For the simple present, you might write, “I walk to school every day.”

14. Link sentences with helping verbs

For example, if the subject is “I” and the verb is “walk,” the formula would be: I + walk + object. Using the formula, we can see that the sentence would be “I walk to the store.” If we wanted to change the tense of the sentence to simple past, we would use the formula: I + walked + O, which would give us “I walked to the store.” To change the tense to simple future, we would use the formula: I + will walk + object, which would give us “I will walk to the store.”

15. Help someone else

If you’re trying to help someone else learn verb tenses, there are a few things you can do to make it easier. First, explain the formula for each tense. For example, the formula for the present simple tense is subject + verb (in the present tense) + object. Once your student understands the formula, they can fill in the blanks for any verb. Next, provide plenty of examples of each tense in action. This will help your student to see how the formula works in practice. Finally, give your student plenty of opportunities to practice using each tense.

16. Create a Mind Map

A mind map is a technique that can be used to learn verb tenses. The formula is simple: first, draw a large circle in the centre of a piece of paper. Then, draw smaller circles around the outside of the big circle. In each of the small circles, write a different verb tense. Finally, connect the small circles to the big circle with lines. The result should look something like a sunburst. The mind map technique can be used to learn any type of information, but it is especially effective for memorizing formulaic information like verb tenses. By seeing all of the tenses laid out in front of you, you can more easily see how they are related to one another.

17. Schedule Practice Time

One of the best ways to learn verb tenses is to create a formula for yourself and then practice it regularly. First, decide how many tenses you want to learn. For example, if you’re just starting out, you might want to focus on the present, past, and future tenses. Once you’ve decided on the tenses you want to learn, create a formula for yourself. For example, you might want to spend 10 minutes practicing each tense every day. You can break down this time however you want, but make sure you’re spending at least a few minutes on each tense. Finally, stick to your schedule!

18. Be critical

In order to learn verb tenses, it is important to be critical of yourself. Focus on the formula for each tense and how it differs from the others. For example, the formula for the present tense is different from the formula for the past tense. Pay attention to your own mistakes when speaking and correct them. Also, try to find patterns in your mistakes. For instance, do you always mix up the order of the verb and the subject? Once you identify your mistakes, it will be easier to correct them.

19. Be consistent

The key to learning any new skill is consistency. When it comes to mastering verb tenses, this still holds true. The formula for success is simple: regular practice + time = mastery. Of course, regular practice can look different for different people. Some may prefer to do a little bit every day, while others may prefer to have longer study sessions a few times a week. The important thing is that you find a schedule that works for you and that you stick to it.

20. Keep a positive attitude

Learning how to conjugate verbs can be one of the most challenging aspects of English grammar, but it’s also essential for being able to communicate effectively. One way to approach this task is to keep a positive attitude. Remember that everyone struggles with learning new concepts at first and that you’ll eventually get the hang of it if you keep at it. It can also be helpful to connect the new verb tenses with ones that you already know. For example, if you’re having trouble remembering how to say “I am eating,” try thinking of it as the present tense of “I eat.”

21. Make it colourful

One way to remember how to conjugate verbs is to think of them as being like a set of stairs. For example, the verb “to walk” is irregular because the present tense (I walk) is different from the past tense (I walked). However, if you imagine walking up a set of stairs, it’s easy to remember that the present tense is just taking the first step, while the past tense is taking all the steps. You can also use colours to help you remember which verb tense to use. For example, you might think of the present tense as being blue, the past tense as being green, and the future tense as being red. By associating each verb tense with a different colour, you’ll be able to easily recall which one you need to use.

22. Test yourself

There are many strategies that can be used in order to learn and master verb tenses in English. However, one of the most effective ways to learn is to test yourself on a regular basis. This will not only help you to identify any areas where you need improvement, but it will also force you to recall the correct forms of various tenses. One way to test yourself is to create flashcards with key verbs and their corresponding tenses. Then, test yourself by randomly selecting a card and conjugating the verb.

23. Write down conversations

One way to learn how to use verb tenses in English is to write down conversations. This will help you to see how verbs are used in different contexts. Pay attention to how the verbs change depending on who is speaking, the time frame, and the situation. For example, the verb “to be” is used differently in the present tense (“I am”) than in the past tense (“I was”). By writing down conversations, you will start to notice patterns in how verbs are used.

24. Multitask

Learning verb tenses can be tricky for English learners. There are so many different tenses, and it can be difficult to keep track of when to use each one. However, there is a helpful strategy that can make learning verb tenses easier: multitasking. By doing two things at once, you can expose yourself to more English verb tenses and learn them more quickly. For example, you could listen to a podcast while looking at a list of the different tenses. Or you could watch a TV show with the subtitles on, paying attention to how the verbs are used in context.

25. Ask for help

One way to become better at using verb tenses in English is to practice with a tutor or native speaker. When you are speaking with someone who is patient and willing to help, you can ask them to point out when you use the wrong tense. It can be helpful to keep a notebook handy so that you can jot down the corrections for future reference. You can also try listening to English conversations and taking note of which tenses are used in different situations.

26. Do verb exercises

These exercises can help you to identify the different tenses and how they are used. They can also help you to practice using the tenses in different situations. Another way to learn verb tenses is to read books or articles that use them. This can help you to see how the tenses are used in context. Finally, you can also listen to native speakers using different tenses. This can help you to hear how the tenses are pronounced and how they are used in conversation.

27. Make it a game

Learning verb tenses doesn’t have to be dull and boring. In fact, there are lots of ways to make it into a game. For example, you could create a board game with different conjugations of verbs in each space. Or you could make a matching game using cards, with one side featuring the base form of the verb and the other side featuring the past tense or present tense conjugation. There are also lots of online games and apps that can help you learn verb tenses in a fun and interactive way. By making it into a game, you can take the stress out of learning verb tenses and actually enjoy yourself in the process.

28. Find a study buddy

One way is to ask around at your local English language school or university. Another option is to post a message on an online forum or message board specifically for English learners. You could also try searching on social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter. Finally, there are a number of online directories that can connect you with potential study buddies in your area. Whichever route you choose, make sure to take some time to get to know your study buddy and figure out how you work best together before diving into the material. Once you’ve found a good match, you’ll be well on your way to mastering those verb tenses in no time!

29. Use English grammar apps

One of the most difficult things about learning English grammar is memorizing all of the different verb tenses. If you’re struggling to keep track of all the different rules, a grammar app like LillyPad can be a big help. LillyPad offers a variety of exercises and reading features to help you learn how to use different verb tenses correctly. You can also enjoy practice sessions to test yourself on specific tenses or areas that you’re struggling with. By using LillyPad on a regular basis, you’ll be able to quickly master all of the different verb tenses in English.

30. Go forth and practice

First, it’s important to break down the task into smaller parts. For example, focus on learning the present tense before moving on to other tenses. Second, practice makes perfect. In order to really learn verb tenses, it’s important to use them in speaking and writing as often as possible. Finally, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone learns best by trial and error. So go forth and practice those verb tenses – the more you use them, the better you’ll get!

10 Verb Tense Exercises

Correct the Following Sentences:

1. Yesterday, I walk to the store.

2. Last week, she drives to work.

3. They eating breakfast at 6:30 AM every morning.

4. We is going to the park later.

5. I seen her yesterday.

6. He done his homework already.

7. When she was younger, she liked to play outside.

8. The sun shines brightly today.

9. My parents is coming over for dinner tonight.

10. In two hours from now, I will take a nap.

Answers:

1. Yesterday, I walked to the store.

2. Last week, she drove to work.

3. They eat breakfast at 6:30 AM every morning.

4. We are going to the park later.

5. I saw her yesterday.

6. He did his homework already.

7. When she was younger, she liked playing outside.

8. The sun is shining brightly today.

9. My parents are coming over for dinner tonight.

10. In two hours from now, I am going to take a nap.

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