Verb Tenses

Verb Tense in English

Verbs in English actually have two parts: the time and the aspect, or way of looking at that time.

For example, within the present time frame, there are three aspects commonly used: simple, continuous, and perfect.

In the present time frame, simple is used to show habitual activity: “I ride my bike every day.”

Continuous shows ongoing activity or activity in the moment: “I am riding my bike right now.”

Perfect in the present time frame shows activity that began in the past but continues into the present time frame: “I have ridden my bike for about ten years.”

The past and future time frames also have simple, continuous, and perfect aspects (and in some cases, perfect continuous tenses).