Verb contrasts
Choose the tense or future form that matches the meaning, not just the time word.
Present simple or present continuous?
Ask whether the situation is regular or happening around now.
| Choose | Use for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present simple | Habits, routines and general facts | I walk to work every day. |
| Present continuous | Actions happening now or temporary situations | I’m walking to work today. |
| Present simple | Most state verbs, such as know and want | I know the answer. |
| Present continuous | Arranged future events | We’re meeting Sam on Friday. |
Some verbs can change meaning: I think it is good (opinion), but I’m thinking about it (mental activity).
Past simple or past continuous?
The past simple gives the event; the past continuous often gives the background or an action in progress.
| Choose | Use for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Past simple | A completed past event | The phone rang. |
| Past continuous | An action in progress at a past moment | I was cooking when it rang. |
| Both together | Ongoing background + shorter event | She was reading when the lights went out. |
| Past simple sequence | Events one after another | He opened the door and walked in. |
Past simple or present perfect?
The key distinction is a finished past time versus a present connection without a finished time.
| Choose | Use for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Past simple | A finished event at a definite past time | I visited Rome in 2022. |
| Present perfect | An experience without a stated finished time | I’ve visited Rome. |
| Present perfect | A recent result that matters now | I’ve lost my keys. |
| Present perfect | A state continuing until now | She has lived here for five years. |
Do not combine the present perfect with a finished past-time expression: I went yesterday, not I have gone yesterday.
Will, going to or present continuous?
All three can refer to the future; the context explains why you chose a form.
| Choose | Typical use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Will | Decision made as you speak; offer or promise | I’ll carry that for you. |
| Going to | Earlier intention or prediction from present evidence | Look at those clouds. It’s going to rain. |
| Present continuous | Personal arrangement already organised | We’re meeting the tutor at six. |
| Present simple | Timetabled event | The train leaves at seven. |
These are useful tendencies, not absolute rules; context can make more than one form natural.