5 Tenses = 90% of English

English with Lucy2 minutes read

English communication primarily relies on five grammar tenses, including the present simple, past simple, and future simple, with the present simple often used for general truths and habits. A free PDF is available for download detailing these tenses and providing examples for better understanding.

Insights

  • 90% to 95% of English communication uses just five grammar tenses, emphasizing the importance of mastering these core structures for effective language use.
  • Understanding the distinct purposes of each verb tense, such as the present simple for general truths and habits, and the past simple for completed actions, is essential for accurate and meaningful English communication.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What are the most common English grammar tenses?

    Present simple, past simple, future simple.

  • How many verb tenses are there in English?

    12

  • What is the present perfect simple tense used for?

    Past actions with a connection to the present.

  • When is the present continuous tense used?

    Actions happening now.

  • What are the key uses of the past simple tense?

    Completed actions in the past.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"Mastering English: Five Key Grammar Tenses"

  • 90% to 95% of all written and spoken English is done in just five grammar tenses.
  • A free PDF is available for download containing detailed information and examples of the five grammar tenses.
  • There are technically three verb tenses (present, past, future) with four aspects each, totaling 12 verb tenses.
  • The present simple, past simple, and future simple are the most commonly used verb tenses in English communication.
  • The present simple is used for general truths, habits, and permanent situations, while the past simple is for completed actions in the past.
  • The future simple is used for actions that will happen in the future, and the present perfect simple for past actions with a connection to the present.
  • The present continuous is used for actions happening now, and the present perfect continuous for ongoing actions from the past to the present.
  • Each verb tense has specific uses, with the present simple being common for facts, statements, and routine actions, while the past simple is used for completed actions in the past.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.