Simple tenses

Simple tenses

Simple present tense
base form or -s form

• for actions occurring at the time of the speaking

• for actions occurring regularly

• for general facts

• for constant states

College students often study late at night.

Trenton is the capital of New Jersey.

Simple past tense
base form + -ed or –d or irregular form

• for actions occurring at the time of the speaking

• for actions occurring regularly

• for general facts

• for constant states

The storm destroyed their property.

Simple future tense
will + base form

• for actions that will occur in the future

• for promises or predictions

I will exercise tomorrow.