Simple Verb Tenses

Simple Verb Tenses

(Present, Past, and Future Tenses)

The tense of a verb tells when the action or state of being takes place.

The present tense tells what is going on now or that is always the case.

• Ex. She is at the park.

• Ex. I love chocolate ice cream.

The past tense tells about things or situations that happened in the past, either once or repeatedly, but are now finished.

• Ex. I met Lisa yesterday.

• Ex. He went to college for four years.

The future tense refers to things that haven’t yet happened at the time of speaking, but are due, expected, or likely to occur in the future. It is formed with the helping verb will (or shall) and the infinitive of the verb, without “to.”

• Ex. I will write that report on Thursday.

Identify the underlined verb as present, past, or future tense.

Multiple Choice

A turtle will hatch from the buried egg.

• present

• past

• future

Multiple Choice

My family attends church every Sunday.

• present

• past

• future

Multiple Choice

I brought my lunch with me today.

• present

• past

• future

Multiple Choice

Joe played in the basketball game.

• present

• past

• future

Multiple Choice

Ellen studies for her classes every night.

• present

• past

• future

Complete each sentence with the correct form of the verb given.

Fill in the Blank

I _____ over the fence for my soccer ball. (look - past tense)

Fill in the Blank

Chris ______ in the marathon in March. (run - future tense)

Fill in the Blank

The construction worker _____ houses. (build - present tense)

Fill in the Blank

I ______ dinner tonight. (cook - future tense)

Fill in the Blank

The girls _____ shopping at the mall last weekend. (go - past tense)