Tenses
When it happened, and whether it is finished
Core — you cannot speak without these
- Present SimpleHabits, facts and schedules.S + V1 (he/she/it + V1-s) | do/does + not + V1Open →
- Present ContinuousWhat is happening right now, or temporarily.S + am/is/are + VingOpen →
- Present PerfectA result that matters now; experience without a date.S + have/has + V3Open →
- Past SimpleA finished action at a definite past moment.S + V2 | did + not + V1Open →
- Past ContinuousAn action in progress at a given past moment.S + was/were + VingOpen →
- Future SimpleDecisions, promises and predictions.S + will + V1Open →
Extended — refine what you can already say another way
- Present Perfect ContinuousHow long something has been going on, and still is.S + have/has + been + VingOpen →
- Past PerfectWhat happened before another past event.S + had + V3Open →
- Past Perfect ContinuousHow long something ran up to a past moment.S + had + been + VingOpen →
- Future ContinuousAn action in progress at a future moment.S + will + be + VingOpen →
- Future PerfectSomething finished by a future deadline.S + will + have + V3Open →
- Future Perfect ContinuousHow long something will have run by a future point.S + will + have + been + VingOpen →
Action or state
Which verbs the Continuous is available for
Word order
Statements, questions, negatives
- SVO word orderThe default word order, and where adverbials go.S + V + O (+ Adverbial of time/place)Open →
- Question word orderInversion in questions, and where the Wh-word sits.Wh-word + Aux/Modal + S + V (+ O)Open →
- NegationSaying no with not, and when do-support is needed.S + Aux/Modal + not + V | S + don't/doesn't/didn't + V1Open →
Articles
a, an, the — and when none
- Indefinite article a/anFirst mention of a countable singular noun.a + [consonant sound] | an + [vowel sound]Open →
- Definite article theA thing both sides already have in mind.the + noun (known / unique / repeated mention / superlative)Open →
- Zero articleWhen no article belongs there at all.∅ + uncountable/plural noun (general) | ∅ + most proper nounsOpen →
Modal verbs
Possibility, obligation, advice
Core — you cannot speak without these
Extended — refine what you can already say another way