1. Events can happen in the
Verb Tenses
Verb tenses tell us when things happen.
Events can happen in the
Present
Past
Future

2. Present verbs
An action verb that describes an action that is happening now is called a present tense verb.
The bird flies through the sky.
Flies is a present tense verb because it is happening right now.

3. Many present tense verbs end with s, but some end with es, or ies.
cries
sleeps
splashes

4. The Present
This is when an event is actually happening.
I am walking across to buy some sweets from the shop.
I am shouting to my brother in the playground.
I am running down the lane with the dog.

5. Past Verbs
Verbs which tell about actions which happened some time ago are past tense verbs.
The dog wanted a bone.
Wanted is a past tense verb because the action has already happened.

6. Many past tense verbs end with ed, but some end with d, or ied.
clapped
tried
played

7. The Past
This is when an event has already happened.
I walked across to buy some sweets from the shop.
I shouted to my brother in the playground.
I ran down the lane with the dog.

8. Future Verbs
Verbs which tell about actions which are going to happen are future tense verbs.
We will awaken at six a.m.
Will awaken is a future tense verb because the action has not yet happened.

9. Future tense verbs
Future tense verbs use special words to talk about things that will happen: will, going to, shall, aim to, etc.
will enjoy
going to start
shall

10. The Future
This is when an event has not taken place yet.
I will walk across to buy some sweets from the shop.
I will shout to my brother in the playground.
I will run down the lane with the dog.

11. Look at each of these sentences and decide what tense it has been written in.
Past
We went for a walk.
Future
George will rush into school today.
Past
City beat United 6-0 last week.

12. Future Present Future Lucy will be driving me to school today.
I am smelling my supper cooking in the kitchen.
Present
Shelley will be coming for lunch on Sunday.
Future

13. Can you make the following sentences into the present, the past and the future tense?
I like going to Manchester with my Mum.
I like going to Manchester with my Mum. PRESENT
I liked going to Manchester with my Mum. PAST
I will like going to Manchester with my Mum. FUTURE

14. I will laugh at the clown in the circus.
I am laughing at the clown in the circus. PRESENT
I laughed at the clown in the circus. PAST
I will laugh at the clown in the circus. FUTURE
I swam in the pool on Wednesday.
I am swimming in the pool on Wednesday. PRESENT
I swam in the pool on Wednesday. PAST
I will swim in the pool on Wednesday. FUTURE

15. Remember!
Whenever you are writing you should try to stay in the same tense all the way through.

16. On Line Activity
Present and Past Tense Matching Game