Understanding Verb Forms and Tenses

Front

What are the four basic forms of verbs?

Back

Present, present participle, past, and past participle.

Front

How is the present participle formed?

Back

By adding -ing to the present form of the verb.

Front

How is the past participle used?

Back

Uses a form of the helping verb 'have' and the past form of the verb.

Front

What do perfect tenses describe?

Back

Actions that are completed, or perfected.

Front

How are perfect tenses formed?

Back

By using the past participle along with some form of the helping verb 'have'.

Front

What does the present perfect tense express?

Back

A state of being or action that has been completed during the present time or one that began in the past and has continued to the present.

Front

How is the present perfect tense formed?

Back

By combining the present tense of the helping verb 'have' and the past participle of the main verb.

Front

What does the past perfect tense express?

Back

An action that was completed (or a state that existed) before a certain time or event in the past.

Front

How is the past perfect tense formed?

Back

Using 'had' (the past tense of the helping verb 'have') along with the past participle of the main verb.

Front

What does the future perfect tense describe?

Back

An action that will be completed before a future time or event takes place.