English Tenses – Graphic Comparison

English Tenses – Graphic Comparison


Problems with the English tenses? Have a look at
the time line, it might help you understand when to use which tense. As
there is a similarity between past, present and future tenses, there are
just a few rules to keep in mind.


If you know how to use the present progressive
correctly to express present actions, you will as well be able to use
the past progressive correctly to express past actions.


→ Legend





Legend

moment in time	action that takes place once, never or several times actions that happen one after another actions that suddenly take place
period of time	action that started before a certain moment and lasts beyond that moment actions taking place at the same time
Result	action taking place before a certain moment in time puts emphasis on the result
Course / Duration	action taking place before a certain moment in time puts emphasis on the course or duration of the action