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7 Dec 2025

138

3 pages

Comprehensive Tenses Notes for English Language OCR A Level

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Annabelle Wardle @annabellewardle_

Understanding English tenses doesn't have to be overwhelming! This guide breaks down the essential verb forms you'll need... Show more

# Tenses

Tenses

## Simple verb forms

### past

*   used to talk about single actions, repeated actions and states
*   just use the past v

Simple Verb Forms - The Building Blocks

Simple tenses are your bread and butter - they're straightforward and handle most of your everyday communication needs. You'll use these constantly in both speaking and writing.

Past simple covers actions that happened and finished in the past. Just use the basic past form of the verb "I went to Rome last year" or "She studied for three hours." No fancy additions needed!

Present simple describes habits, routines, or permanent states. Again, keep it basic with the present form "I go to work by bus" or "He plays football every Tuesday."

Future simple talks about upcoming actions or plans. Add "will" (or the contraction "'ll") before your verb "I'll go with you" or "The train will arrive at 6pm."

Quick tip Simple tenses are called "simple" because they don't need extra helping verbs - just the main verb doing all the work!

# Tenses

Tenses

## Simple verb forms

### past

*   used to talk about single actions, repeated actions and states
*   just use the past v

Continuous and Perfect Forms - Adding Detail

Continuous forms show actions that are ongoing or incomplete - think of them as capturing a moment in progress. Past uses "was/were + -ing" ("she was telling me a story"), present uses "am/is/are + -ing" ("they aren't helping"), and future uses "will be + -ing" ("It'll be getting dark soon").

Perfect forms connect two different points in time, showing relationships between past and present events. They follow a pattern had/has/will have + past participle.

Past perfect links an earlier past to a later past "We hadn't thought about it." Present perfect connects past actions to now "She's finished her homework." Future perfect shows completion by a future time "I'll have finished exams by June."

Remember Perfect tenses aren't about being "perfect" - they're about completed actions or experiences!

# Tenses

Tenses

## Simple verb forms

### past

*   used to talk about single actions, repeated actions and states
*   just use the past v

Perfect Continuous - The Ultimate Combo

Perfect continuous forms are the multitaskers of the tense world - they combine the time-connecting power of perfect tenses with the ongoing action of continuous forms.

The pattern stays consistent across all three have/had/will have + been + -ing. Past perfect continuous "She'd been feeling much better." Present perfect continuous "We've been waiting for ages." Future perfect continuous "By the end of the day we will have been working for 14 hours."

These forms emphasise both duration and the connection between different time periods. They're particularly useful when you want to show how long something has been happening or will continue to happen.

Pro tip Perfect continuous tenses often appear in complex sentences and sophisticated writing - mastering them will definitely impress your examiners!

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Where can I download the Knowunity app?

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Stefan S

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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

English Language

138

7 Dec 2025

3 pages

Comprehensive Tenses Notes for English Language OCR A Level

user profile picture

Annabelle Wardle

@annabellewardle_

Understanding English tenses doesn't have to be overwhelming! This guide breaks down the essential verb forms you'll need to master for your GCSEs and beyond, showing you exactly when and how to use each one.

# Tenses

Tenses

## Simple verb forms

### past

*   used to talk about single actions, repeated actions and states
*   just use the past v

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

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Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Simple Verb Forms - The Building Blocks

Simple tenses are your bread and butter - they're straightforward and handle most of your everyday communication needs. You'll use these constantly in both speaking and writing.

Past simple covers actions that happened and finished in the past. Just use the basic past form of the verb: "I went to Rome last year" or "She studied for three hours." No fancy additions needed!

Present simple describes habits, routines, or permanent states. Again, keep it basic with the present form: "I go to work by bus" or "He plays football every Tuesday."

Future simple talks about upcoming actions or plans. Add "will" (or the contraction "'ll") before your verb: "I'll go with you" or "The train will arrive at 6pm."

Quick tip: Simple tenses are called "simple" because they don't need extra helping verbs - just the main verb doing all the work!

# Tenses

Tenses

## Simple verb forms

### past

*   used to talk about single actions, repeated actions and states
*   just use the past v

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Continuous and Perfect Forms - Adding Detail

Continuous forms show actions that are ongoing or incomplete - think of them as capturing a moment in progress. Past uses "was/were + -ing" ("she was telling me a story"), present uses "am/is/are + -ing" ("they aren't helping"), and future uses "will be + -ing" ("It'll be getting dark soon").

Perfect forms connect two different points in time, showing relationships between past and present events. They follow a pattern: had/has/will have + past participle.

Past perfect links an earlier past to a later past: "We hadn't thought about it." Present perfect connects past actions to now: "She's finished her homework." Future perfect shows completion by a future time: "I'll have finished exams by June."

Remember: Perfect tenses aren't about being "perfect" - they're about completed actions or experiences!

# Tenses

Tenses

## Simple verb forms

### past

*   used to talk about single actions, repeated actions and states
*   just use the past v

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Perfect Continuous - The Ultimate Combo

Perfect continuous forms are the multitaskers of the tense world - they combine the time-connecting power of perfect tenses with the ongoing action of continuous forms.

The pattern stays consistent across all three: have/had/will have + been + -ing. Past perfect continuous: "She'd been feeling much better." Present perfect continuous: "We've been waiting for ages." Future perfect continuous: "By the end of the day we will have been working for 14 hours."

These forms emphasise both duration and the connection between different time periods. They're particularly useful when you want to show how long something has been happening or will continue to happen.

Pro tip: Perfect continuous tenses often appear in complex sentences and sophisticated writing - mastering them will definitely impress your examiners!

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Similar content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user