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Grammar: Verb Tenses Flashcards

Review essential English verb tenses to understand their forms and uses. (70 cards)

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1
Q

Choose the correct verb form:

I ______ {study} for my final exams at the moment.

A

I’m studying for my final exams at the moment.

Use present continuous (am/is/are + verb-ing) to show actions happening right now or temporary actions around now.

I’m writing a message now.
He’s living in London this year.

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2
Q

Make this sentence negative:

They are taking online classes this term.

A

They aren’t taking online classes this term.

Add not after am/is/are to make present continuous negative. Use contractions unless writing formal English.

I’m not eating lunch now.
He’s not listening to music.

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3
Q

Change this sentence to a yes/no question:

The university is renovating the science building.

A

Is the university renovating the science building?

For present continuous, put am/is/are before the subject to ask a question.

Are you coming to class?
Is she working today?

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4
Q

Correct the error:

She studies for her test right now.

A

She’s studying for her test right now.

Use present continuous (am/is/are + verb-ing) to show actions happening right now or temporary actions around now.

We’re learning about history.
He’s writing an email.

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5
Q

Choose the correct verb form:

I ______ {stay} with a host family now.

A

I’m staying with a host family now.

Use present continuous (am/is/are + verb-ing) to show actions happening right now or temporary actions around now.

She’s living in New York this year.
They’re working at a café for the summer.

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6
Q

Choose the correct verb form:

Students ______ {attend} lectures regularly at my university.

A

Students attend lectures regularly at my university.

Use present simple (base form / -s in 3rd person) to talk about habits, routines, general truths, facts, and permanent situations.

She walks to school every day.
Water boils at 100°C.

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7
Q

Make this sentence negative:

Research shows that group study improves retention.

A

Research doesn’t show that group study improves retention.

Use do/does not + base verb for negatives in present simple.

She doesn’t like coffee.
We don’t understand the instructions.

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8
Q

Change to a yes/no question:

The library opens at 8 AM.

A

Does the library open at 8 AM?

Use Do/Does + subject + base verb for yes/no questions in present simple.

Does she work here?
Do you eat breakfast every day?

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9
Q

Correct the error:

She go to school by bus.

A

She goes to school by bus.

Add -s or -es to the verb for he/she/it in present simple.

He reads every morning.
It rains a lot in April.

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10
Q

Choose the correct verb forms:

Right now, she ______ {work} on her essay, but she usually ______ {write} reports.

A

Right now, she’s working on her essay, but she usually writes reports.

Use present continuous (am/is/are + verb-ing) to show actions happening right now or temporary actions around now.

Use present simple (base form / -s in 3rd person) to talk about habits, routines, general truths, facts, and permanent situations.

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11
Q

Correct the error:

He is play soccer every weekend.

A

He plays soccer every weekend.

Be careful not to use am/is/are with the present simple.

She plays tennis on Sundays.
We walk to school every day.

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12
Q

Choose the correct verb forms:

I ______ {read} a book at the moment, but I ______ {prefer} watching movies.

A

I’m reading a book at the moment, but I prefer watching movies.

Use present continuous (am/is/are + verb-ing) to show actions happening right now or temporary actions around now.

Use present simple (base form / -s in 3rd person) to talk about habits, routines, general truths, facts, and permanent situations.

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13
Q

Correct the error:

They are going to the gym every morning.

A

They go to the gym every morning.

Use present simple to talk about routines.

He goes to work by bus.
They eat breakfast at 7.

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14
Q

Choose the correct verb forms:

She ______ {study} for her test right now, but she ______ {not/like} studying at night.

A

She’s studying for her test right now, but she doesn’t like studying at night.

Use present continuous (am/is/are + verb-ing) to show actions happening right now or temporary actions around now.

Use present simple (base form / -s in 3rd person) to talk about habits, preferences, routines, general truths, facts, and permanent situations.

I’m working till 6pm.
I don’t like night work.

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15
Q

Choose the correct verb form:

She ______ {finish} her assignment last night.

A

She finished her assignment last night.

Use past simple (verb-ed or irregular past form) to talk about completed actions or situations at a specific time in the past.

He visited his friend yesterday.
They watched a movie last weekend.

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16
Q

Correct the error:

He had gone to the conference last week.

A

He went to the conference last week.

Use past simple (verb-ed or irregular past form) - not past perfect! - to talk about completed actions or situations at a specific time in the past.

I visited Paris last summer.
He bought a new car yesterday.

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17
Q

Choose the correct verb form:

The students ______ {not/ understand} the instructions in the class yesterday.

A

The students didn’t understand the instructions in class yesterday.

Use did not + base verb for negatives in past simple. Use the contraction didn’t unless writing formal English.

I didn’t like the movie.
She did not finish her work.

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18
Q

Correct the error in the sentence:

After the professor was teaching the lesson, the students asked several questions.

A

After the professor taught the lesson, the students asked several questions.

Use past simple (verb-ed or irregular past form) to talk about completed actions.

She spoke to the class yesterday.
They drove to campus last week.

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19
Q

Choose the correct verb form:

Sorry I missed your phone call. I ______ {have} dinner with my family.

A

Sorry I missed your phone call. I was having dinner with my family.

Use past continuous for interrupted past actions.

She was reading when I called.
They were playing soccer at 4 PM.

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20
Q

Correct the error:

They watched TV when the phone rang.

A

They were watching TV when the phone rang.

Use past continuous (was/were + verb-ing) for interrupted past actions.

We were studying when the alarm rang.
He was sleeping when I called.

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21
Q

Choose the correct verb form:

She ______ {not/listen} to music while studying.

A

She wasn’t listening to music while studying.

Add not after was/were for negatives in past continuous.

I was not working yesterday.
They were not watching TV.

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22
Q

Choose the correct verb form:

While he ______ {drive}, he saw an accident.

A

While he was driving, he saw an accident.

Use past continuous (was/were + verb-ing) for interrupted past actions.

I was studying when she called.
They were waiting in line when the accident happened.

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23
Q

Choose the correct verb forms:

When I ______ {arrive} at the lecture hall, the professor ______ {give} a presentation.

A

When I arrived at the lecture hall, the professor was giving a presentation.

Use past continuous for interrupted past actions.

She was taking notes when the class started.
They were discussing the topic when the bell rang.

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24
Q

Correct the error:

He was left the room before the meeting ended.

A

He left the room before the meeting ended.

Be careful not to use “to be” before action verbs like “left.”

They finished the project last week.

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25
# Choose the correct verb forms: While the students \_\_\_\_\_\_ {study}, the fire alarm suddenly \_\_\_\_\_\_ {go off}.
While the students **were studying**, the fire alarm suddenly **went off**. ## Footnote Use past continuous for interrupted past actions. *I was reading when the phone rang.* *He was walking when it started to rain.*
26
# Use the words to create a complete sentence: I / write / my essay / when / the power / go out
I **was writing** my essay when the power **went out**. ## Footnote Use **past continuous** *(was/were + verb-ing)* for interrupted past actions or to set the background for another past action. Use **past simple** *(verb-ed or irregular past form)* to talk about completed actions or situations at a specific time in the past.
27
# Choose the correct verb form: She \_\_\_\_\_\_ {research} three research papers so far.
**She's researched** three research papers so far. ## Footnote Use **present perfect** *(have/has + past participle)* to connect the past to the present, life experiences, recent actions with present results. Don't mention a time in the past - for that, use past simple. *They've visited several museums this semester.* *I've read that article before.*
28
# Correct the error: He **has finished** the assignment yesterday.
He **finished** the assignment yesterday. ## Footnote Remember not to use the present perfect (e.g. has finished) when mentioning a time period already finished (e.g. yesterday). Use the past simple for this.
29
# Choose the correct verb form: We \_\_\_\_\_\_ {not / see} the new documentary yet.
We **haven't seen** the new documentary yet. ## Footnote Add **not** after **have/has** to make present perfect negative. Use contractions unless writing very formal English. *I haven't called her back yet.* *We haven't had breakfast yet.*
30
# Choose the correct verb form: They \_\_\_\_\_\_ {start} the group project already.
**They've started** the group project already. ## Footnote Use **present perfect** with **already** to show actions completed sooner than expected. *He's already finished the report.* *We've booked the tickets already.*
31
# Choose the correct verb forms: I \_\_\_\_\_\_ {visit} France last summer, but I \_\_\_\_\_\_ {never / see} the Eiffel Tower before.
I **visited** France last summer, but **I've never seen** the Eiffel Tower before. ## Footnote Use **past simple** to talk about completed actions or situations at a specific time in the past. Use **present perfect** (have/has + past participle) for life experiences (things that have or haven’t happened at any time up to now). *She visited London in 2022.* *She's visited many countries.* *She's never been to New York.*
32
# Correct the error: He **has went** to the conference last twice so far.
He **has been** to the conference twice so far. ## Footnote Be careful with the past participle for irregular verbs, like go-went-been. *I've been to her place a few times.* *He's seen that movie already.*
33
# Choose the correct verb form: We \_\_\_\_\_\_ {not finish} the report yet, but we \_\_\_\_\_\_ {submit} the first draft last week.
We **haven't finished** the report yet, but we **submitted** the first draft last week. ## Footnote Use **present perfect** with **yet** in negative sentences to talk about something that hasn’t happened **up to now** (but you expect or hope it will happen soon). Place **yet** at the very end. Use **past simple** to talk about completed actions or situations at a specific time in the past.
34
# Choose the correct verb form: I \_\_\_\_\_\_ {practice} English since 9:00.
**I've been practicing** English since 9:00. ## Footnote Use **present perfect continuous** *(have/has been + verb-ing)* to emphasize the duration or ongoing nature of an action that started in the past and is still relevant or continuing now. *She's been working here since 2015.* *They've been waiting for the bus for 20 minutes.*
35
# Correct the error: **She's been work** on her thesis all day.
**She's been working** on her thesis all day. ## Footnote Use **present perfect continuous** *(have/has been + verb-ing)* to emphasize the duration or ongoing nature of an action that started in the past and is still relevant or continuing now. *I've been reading this book for weeks.* *He's been running since 7am.*
36
# Use the words to create a complete sentence: He / work / on the project / since / Monday
**He's been working** on the project since Monday. ## Footnote Use **present perfect continuous** *(have/has been + verb-ing)* to emphasize the duration or ongoing nature of an action that started in the past and is still relevant or continuing now. *I've been studying for the exam all week.* *They've been living here since January.*
37
# Correct the error: For how long you **have been waiting**?
How long **have you been waiting** for the bus? ## Footnote Note the form. With **How long**, always use question order: *How long + have/has + subject + been + verb-ing?* *How long have they been traveling?* *How long has she been living there?*
38
# Choose the correct verb form: By the time the lecture started, the students \_\_\_\_\_\_ {finish} their readings.
By the time the lecture started, the students **had finished** their readings. ## Footnote Use **past perfect** *(had + past participle)* to talk about an action that happened before another action or time in the past. *They’d already left when I arrived.* *By 2010 she’d learned three languages.*
39
# Correct the error: He **had went** to the library before class.
He **had gone** to the library before class. ## Footnote Use the past participle **gone** in past perfect *(go-went-gone)*.
40
# Choose the correct verb form: They \_\_\_\_\_\_ {not/submit} the assignment yet when the deadline passed.
They **hadn't submitted** the assignment yet when the deadline passed. ## Footnote Add **not** after **had** to make past perfect negative. Use the contraction *hadn’t* except for formal writing. *I hadn't finished my work before the call.* *She hadn't visited the museum before.*
41
# Use the words to create a complete sentence: I / already / leave / when / you / arrive
I **had already left** when you arrived. ## Footnote Use **past perfect** *(had + past participle)* to talk about an action that happened before another action or time in the past. *They had already started before I came.* *She had finished her homework before dinner.*
42
# Choose the correct verb form: She \_\_\_\_\_\_ {study} for hours by the time the exam began.
She **had been studying** for hours by the time the exam began. ## Footnote Use **past perfect continuous** *(had been + verb-ing)* to emphasize how long something had been happening before another point in the past. *They had been working all day before the break.* *He had been waiting for an hour when the bus arrived.*
43
# Choose the correct verb form: We \_\_\_\_\_\_ {not/work} on the report long before the meeting started.
We **hadn't been working** on the report long before the meeting started. ## Footnote Use **had not been** + verb+ing for negatives in past perfect continuous. *He had not been studying much before the test.* *They had not been practicing regularly.*
44
# Choose the correct verb form: How long \_\_\_\_\_\_ {he/work} at the university before he retired?
How long **had he been working** at the university before he retired? ## Footnote Use past perfect continuous in questions about duration before a past event. *How long had you been studying before the exam?* *How long had they been waiting before the train arrived?*
45
# Choose the correct verb form: I \_\_\_\_\_\_ {go} to the conference next week; it's in my calendar.
**I'm going** to the conference next week; it's in my calendar. ## Footnote Use future with **going to** *(am/is/are going to + base verb)* for intentions/plans *She's going to start her thesis soon.* *They're going to visit the museum tomorrow.*
46
# Choose the correct verb form: She's going to an event today, so she \_\_\_\_\_\_ {not/meet} the professor after class.
She's going to an event today, so **she's not going to meet** the professor after class. ## Footnote Use **not** after **am/is/are** to make negatives. *I am not going to join the study group.* *They are not going to participate in the conference.*
47
# Choose the correct verb form: He's nervous because he's \_\_\_\_\_\_ {give} a presentation next Monday.
He's nervous because **he's going to give** a presentation next Monday. ## Footnote Use **future with going to** *(am/is/are going to + base verb)* for intentions/plans. *I'm going to attend the lecture tomorrow.* *They're going to start the project soon.*
48
# Choose the correct verb form: Don't worry. The professor \_\_\_\_\_\_ {give} the instructions before the exam.
Don't worry. The professor **will give** the instructions before the exam. ## Footnote Use **future simple** *(will + base verb)* for spontaneous decisions, promises, and offers. *She'll help you if it gets difficult.* *I'll bring pizza for everyone.*
49
# Choose the correct verb form: We \_\_\_\_\_\_ {not/finish} the project by Friday.
We **won't finish** the project by Friday. ## Footnote Use **will not** or **won't** for negative future predictions. Use contractions except for formal writing. *I won't be late.* *They won't complete the task on time.*
50
# Choose the correct verb form: Look at those clouds! It \_\_\_\_\_\_ {rain} soon.
Look at those clouds! **It's going to rain** soon. ## Footnote Use **future with going to** *(am/is/are going to + base verb)* for predictions based on present evidence. *Be careful - you're going to fall.*
51
# Choose the correct verb form: I think the professor \_\_\_\_\_\_ {approve} our proposal when he reads it tomorrow.
I think the professor **will approve** our proposal when he reads it tomorrow. ## Footnote Use **future simple** *(will + base verb)* for predictions. *He will probably attend the conference.* *The results will be published soon.*
52
# Correct the error: She **going to** submit the report next Monday.
**She's going to** submit the report next Monday. ## Footnote Don't forget am/is/are with future with **going to**. *I'm going to write the essay.* *They're going to join us later.*
53
# Use the words to create a complete sentence: they / plan / organize / a workshop / next month
They **are planning to organize** a workshop next month. ## Footnote Use **future with going to** for planned future actions. *We are going to visit the library tomorrow.* *She is going to attend the seminar.*
54
# Choose the correct verb form: Someone's knocking on the door. I \_\_\_\_\_\_ {check} who's there.
Someone's knocking on the door. **I'll check** who's there. ## Footnote Use **future simple** *(will + base verb)* for decisions made at the moment of speaking. *I'll help you with the presentation.* *They'll announce the results soon.*
55
# Choose the correct verb form: You forgot your umbrella? Here, I \_\_\_\_\_\_ {lend} you mine.
You forgot your umbrella? Here, I'll lend you mine. ## Footnote Use **future simple** *(will + base verb)* for spontaneous decisions made at the moment of speaking. *It's hot in here. I’ll open the window.*
56
# Choose the correct verb form: This time next week, I \_\_\_\_\_\_ {give} a presentation.
This time next week, **I'll be giving** a presentation. ## Footnote Use **future continuous** *(will be + verb-ing)* to show an action that will be in progress at a specific time in the future. *She will be attending the conference at 3 PM.* *They will be working on the project tomorrow afternoon.*
57
# Correct the error: He **will working** on the report all day tomorrow.
He **will be working** on the report all day tomorrow. ## Footnote Use **future continuous** *(will be + verb-ing)* to show an action that will be in progress at a specific time in the future. *I will be studying late tonight.* *We will be traveling next month.*
58
# Choose the correct verb form: Don't call me after 10pm. I \_\_\_\_\_\_ {sleep}.
Don't call me after 10pm. **I'll be sleeping**. ## Footnote Use **future continuous** *(will be + verb-ing)* to show an action that will be in progress at a specific time in the future. *She will be having lunch at noon.* *I'll be working on Friday.*
59
# Use the words to create a complete sentence: we / study / for the exam / at / 8 PM / tomorrow
**We'll be studying** for the exam at 8 PM tomorrow. ## Footnote Use **future continuous** *(will be + verb-ing)* to show an action that will be in progress at a specific time in the future. *They will be presenting their findings at noon.* *He will be preparing the slides during the meeting.*
60
# Choose the correct verb form: At this time tomorrow, she \_\_\_\_\_\_ {travel} to New York.
At this time tomorrow, **she'll be traveling** to New York. ## Footnote Use **future continuous** *(will be + verb-ing)* to show an action that will be in progress at a specific time in the future. *I'll be attending a workshop next week.* *They'll be working late tonight.*
61
# Choose the correct verb form: By next month, the researchers \_\_\_\_\_\_ {publish} their findings.
By next month, the researchers **will have published** their findings. ## Footnote Use **future perfect** *(will have + past participle)* to talk about something that will be completed before a specific time in the future. *She will have finished her thesis by June.* *They will have submitted the report before the deadline.*
62
# Correct the error: He **will have been completed** his degree by next year.
He **will have completed** his degree by next year. ## Footnote Use **will have + past participle** to talk about something that will be completed before a specific time in the future. *I will have read all the chapters by Friday.* *They will have built the new lab by September.*
63
# Choose the correct verb form: We \_\_\_\_\_\_ {not/finish} the experiment before the professor arrives.
We **will not have finished** the experiment before the professor arrives. ## Footnote Add **not** after **will** to make future perfect negative. *She will not have completed the assignment by tomorrow.* *They will not have graduated by then.*
64
# Use the words to create a complete sentence: the students / complete / the project / by / the end of the semester
The students **will have completed** the project by the end of the semester. ## Footnote Use **future perfect** *(will have + past participle)* to talk about something that will be completed before a specific time in the future. *He will have written the essay by next week.* *We will have learned all the material by the test date.*
65
# Choose the correct verb form: By the time you arrive, I \_\_\_\_\_\_ {finish} my presentation.
By the time you arrive, **I'll have finished** my presentation. ## Footnote Use **future perfect** *(will have + past participle)* to talk about something that will be completed before a specific time in the future. *She will have left when the meeting starts.* *They will have eaten before the class begins.*
66
# Choose the correct verb form: By next year, he \_\_\_\_\_\_ {work} at the university for a decade.
By next year, **he'll have been working** at the university for a decade. ## Footnote Use **future perfect continuous** *(will have been + verb-ing)* to emphasize how long something will have been happening up to a point in the future. *She will have been studying here for four years by May.* *They will have been living in the city for ten years by then.*
67
# Correct the error: We **will have be studying** for four hours by the time the exam begins.
**We'll have been studying** for four hours by the time the exam begins. ## Footnote Use the past particle (in this case, *been*) after **will have** in future perfect continuous. *He will have been working all day by 6 PM.* *They will have been waiting for two hours.*
68
# Choose the correct verb form: She \_\_\_\_\_\_ {not/research} the topic for a long time when the conference takes place.
She **won't have been researching** the topic for a long time when the conference takes place. ## Footnote Use *will + not have + past participle* for negatives in the **future perfect continuous**. Use contractions unless writing formally. *I will not have been living here for a year when I graduate.* *They will not have been teaching for very long.*
69
# Use the words to create a complete sentence: by / next month / I / study / for TOEFL / for six months
By next month, **I'll have been studying** for TOEFL for six months. ## Footnote Use **future perfect continuous** *(will have been + verb-ing)* to emphasize how long something will have been happening up to a point in the future. *She will have been working on her thesis for a year by July.* *We will have been developing the project for months.*
70
# Choose the correct verb form: They \_\_\_\_\_\_ {live} in Toronto for four years when they move to L.A.
**They'll have been living** in Toronto for four years when they move to L.A. ## Footnote Use **future perfect continuous** *(will have been + verb-ing)* to emphasize how long something will have been happening up to a point in the future. *By 2030 we’ll have been living here for twenty years.* *Next month she’ll have been working here for ten years.*
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