How many progressive verb forms are there in english

In English, there are three basic tenses : present, past, and future. Each has a perfect form , indicating completed action; each has a progressive form , indicating ongoing action; and each has a perfect progressive form , indicating ongoing action that will be completed at some definite time.

Here is a list of examples of these tenses and their definitions:. Present tense expresses an unchanging, repeated, or reoccurring action or situation that exists only now. It can also represent a widespread truth. Past tense expresses an action or situation that was started and finished in the past. Most past tense verbs end in -ed. The irregular verbs have special past tense forms which must be memorized. Future tense expresses an action or situation that will occur in the future.

Simple Present Tense The simple present tense is mostly used to describe facts and habits. Often, the actions continue into the present. Simple Past The simple past tense is used to describe a completed activity that happened in the past. Often, it is used to set the scene for another action. Simple Future The simple future tense is used for an action that will occur in the future.

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