Understanding verb tenses is like learning how to use a time machine in grammar. Whether you’re writing a school essay, telling a story, or answering an exam question, using the correct tense helps your reader know when something happened. And yet, tense confusion is one of the most common grammar mistakes students make.
This article offers a simple breakdown of the three main tenses—past, present, and future—along with tips and examples to help you avoid tense trouble.
The Three Basic Tenses
- Past Tense – What already happened
Use this tense when describing events that have occurred in the past.
I studied for the test yesterday.
She went to the library last week.
- Present Tense – What is happening now
This is used for current actions, general facts, or habits.
He plays football every evening.
Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
- Future Tense – What will happen
Use this when talking about something that hasn’t happened yet but is expected to.
I will complete my homework after dinner.
They are going to visit the museum tomorrow.
Why Tenses Matter in Writing
Using the correct tense helps your writing stay clear and consistent. If you switch tenses mid-sentence or mid-paragraph without reason, your reader might get confused.
Example of Tense Shift (Incorrect):
She was walking to school and sees a dog.
Corrected:
She was walking to school and saw a dog.
or
She walks to school and sees a dog.
Choose a tense and stick to it unless there’s a reason to shift—for example, when switching from background to a current event in storytelling.
Tips to Avoid Tense Confusion
- Check the time clues. Words like yesterday, every day, and next week often signal the tense.
- Revise and read aloud. Reading your writing out loud helps you catch awkward or inconsistent tense changes.
- Practice with examples. Write short stories or diary entries focusing on just one tense.
- Use timelines. Drawing a simple timeline can help visualize what action happens when.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
-
Wrong – I am went to the market.
Right – I went to the market. -
Wrong- He studies for the test tomorrow.
Right – He will study for the test tomorrow. -
Wrong – They are played cricket yesterday.
Right- They played cricket yesterday.
Final Word
Tenses aren’t just rules—they’re tools that help you tell your story clearly. Once you learn how to use them confidently, you’ll find that your writing improves, your speaking becomes smoother, and your exam answers make more sense. So the next time you’re unsure whether something happened, is happening, or will happen, think about the timeline—and write with tense clarity.
