What is the difference between simple, perfect, continuous, and perfect continuous of the past, present, and future? Please give examples or sites if you can.
1 Answer
The difference is in describing an action as being done, completed, in the process of being done, or in the process of being done but not as of now.
Explanation:
The various tenses described are best illustrated with examples using the same verb and sentence for clarity. The sentences below will all deal with the same subject and predicate: Rupert is the subject , write is the verb, and a long essay is the object.
Past:
Simple: Rupert wrote a long essay.
Perfect: Rupert had written a long essay.
Continuous: Rupert was writing a long essay.
Perfect Continuous: Rupert had been writing a long essay.
Present:
Simple: Rupert writes a long essay.
Perfect: Rupert has written a long essay.
Continuous: Rupert is writing a long essay.
Perfect Continuous: Rupert has been writing a long essay.
Future:
Simple: Rupert will write a long essay.
Perfect: Rupert will have written a long essay.
Continuous: Rupert will be writing a long essay.
Perfect Continuous: Rupert will have been writing a long essay.
