This English Tense Formula Guide helps learners understand how to build sentences correctly in all major English tenses. Each section includes formulas, examples, signal words, and common uses.
Present Tense Formulas
Tense
Formula
Example
Signal Words
Present Simple
Subject + base verb
I study English every day.
always, usually, often
Present Continuous
Subject + am/is/are + verb ing
She is studying now.
now, right now, today
Present Perfect
Subject + have/has + past participle
They have finished the lesson.
already, just, yet
Present Perfect Continuous
Subject + have/has been + verb ing
We have been studying for two hours.
since, for, lately
Present Tense Quick Tips
Use Present Simple for routines and facts.
Use Present Continuous for actions happening now.
Use Present Perfect for experiences and completed actions connected to the present.
Use Present Perfect Continuous for duration and ongoing activities.
Past Tense Formulas
Tense
Formula
Example
Signal Words
Past Simple
Subject + past verb
I visited London last year.
yesterday, ago, last week
Past Continuous
Subject + was/were + verb ing
She was reading when I called.
while, when
Past Perfect
Subject + had + past participle
They had left before we arrived.
before, after
Past Perfect Continuous
Subject + had been + verb ing
He had been working all day.
for, since
Past Tense Quick Tips
Use Past Simple for completed past actions.
Use Past Continuous for actions in progress in the past.
Use Past Perfect for actions before another past action.
Use Past Perfect Continuous for duration before a past moment.
Future Tense Formulas
Tense
Formula
Example
Signal Words
Future Simple
Subject + will + base verb
I will call you tomorrow.
tomorrow, soon
Be Going To
Subject + am/is/are going to + base verb
She is going to travel next month.
next week, tonight
Future Continuous
Subject + will be + verb ing
We will be studying tonight.
this time tomorrow
Future Perfect
Subject + will have + past participle
They will have finished by noon.
by tomorrow
Future Perfect Continuous
Subject + will have been + verb ing
I will have been working for hours.
for, by the time
Future Tense Quick Tips
Use Future Simple for predictions and promises.
Use Going To for plans and intentions.
Use Future Continuous for future actions in progress.
Use Future Perfect for completed future actions.
Use Future Perfect Continuous for duration before a future moment.
