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PAST |
PRESENT |
FUTURE |
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SIMPLE |
Action that finished at some time in the past – she left the country last year Past habits – she always carried lunch to office |
Use for hobbies – I play badminton. Everyday actions – I get up at 6am. Regular things – She goes to church every Sunday. Permanent things – I live in India. Universal truths – Sun rises in the east |
Things in future which we cannot control – the train will leave at 9am. Something we believe will happen in future – I think India will win the match. When something has been decided before talking about it – I am going to quit my job. |
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CONT. |
Action going on at some time in the past – it was raining. A sub action at the time of a main action – it was raining when I came home. |
Action happening at the time of speaking – I am doing my homework Temporary situation – I am living in Bangalore. |
Actions which will be in progress at a time in future – I will be waiting for you in the garden, please come on time. Planned actions going to happen in future – My boss will be meeting me next week |
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PERFECT |
If two actions happened in the past, use past perfect for first and simple past for second. I had finished my dinner when my husband came home He came to see me today. I had met him 10 years ago. |
Actions finished in immediate past – he has left home just now. Past actions for which time is not specified – have you seen the movie jungle book? Actions that happened in past, but have an impact even now My son has eaten all the biscuits. (so now there are no biscuits left) I have known him for 3 years. |
Action that will be completed by a certain future time He will have left for Malta by this time next week I will have completed my English training by end of this month. |
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PERFECT CONT. |
Action that started in past and continued up to a time in past In 1996, he had been writing a novel. When I joined the army, my father had been working there for 20 years. |
Action that began at some time in past, and continuing up to now He has been sleeping for 7 hours. |
Not used. |
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