What are the different verb tenses, and when should you use them?

The following information is correct for both American and British English.

When you’re writing, consistency is everything—especially when it comes to verb tenses. Shifting between past, present, and future tenses within the same sentence or paragraph can confuse readers, so clarity is key.

Verb tenses show when an action happens—present, past, or future. But it doesn’t stop there. Each of these time frames can also take different forms: simple, perfect, or progressive. Here’s an explanation of each with examples.

SIMPLE PRESENT: The simple present tense is used to describe actions that are happening at the present moment or that occur regularly. It can create a more personal and intimate tone, making the reader feel as if they are inside the character’s head.

• Example 1: She drinks coffee every morning.

• Example 2: I hear someone behind me, but when I turn around, no one is there.

PRESENT PERFECT: The present-perfect tense is used to describe things that just happened or are still going on right now.

• Example: We have lived in this town since we were children.

PRESENT PROGRESSIVE: The present-progressive tense is used to describe actions that are happening right now or are in progress around the current time. It’s formed by combining the verb “to be” (am, is, are) with the “-ing” form of the main verb.

• Example: The door is creaking open. Something is moving in the shadows.

SIMPLE PAST: The simple past tense is used to describe actions that happened before now. It makes it clear that events happened and finished in the past, helping readers understand the timeline easily.

• Example: She opened the letter and read the first line.

PAST PERFECT: The past-perfect tense is used to show that one action or event happened before another in the past. It’s formed by using “had” and the past participle of the main verb.

• Example: They had buried the truth for years, but now it was coming back to the surface.

PAST PROGRESSIVE: The past-progressive tense describes an action that was ongoing at a specific moment in the past. It’s formed by using the verb “was” or “were” and the “-ing” form of the main verb.

• Example: He was walking through the forest when he found the old cabin.

SIMPLE FUTURE: The simple future tense is used to describe actions that will happen after the present moment. It can add excitement to a story, making readers curious about what’s coming. It’s formed by using “will” or “shall” followed by the base form of the verb.

• Example: They will return once the storm passes.

FUTURE PERFECT: The future-perfect tense describes an action that will end at some point in the future. It’s formed by using “will have” with the verb’s past participle.

• Example: They will have left by the time we arrive.

FUTURE PROGRESSIVE: The future-progressive tense is used to describe actions that will begin in the future and continue for some time. It is formed by using “will be” followed by the “-ing” form of the main verb.

• Example: He will be waiting by the door when she arrives.

Verb tenses play a big role in how clearly your writing comes across, and choosing the right tense helps your readers follow along without confusion.

Switching tenses can be a powerful storytelling tool when used intentionally, but consistency is what keeps your writing smooth and easy to follow.

So choose your tenses carefully—when your verbs work, your writing really flows.