dfpSlots['houseslot_a'] = googletag.defineSlot('/2863368/houseslot', [300, 250], 'ad_houseslot_a').defineSizeMapping(mapping_houseslot_a).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'mid').setTargeting('hp', 'right').setCategoryExclusion('house').addService(googletag.pubads()); { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, pbjs.setConfig(pbjsCfg); There are three main tenses: ... used to describe ongoing past events, often in relation to the occurrence of another event “She was writing a paper for her class when her pencil broke. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654208' }}, { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971081', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, var pbjs = pbjs || {}; ga('set', 'dimension3', "default"); { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_btmslot_300x250' }}, First of all, "tense" is often confused with "mood." { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, When describing the background of your study. Verb patterns: verb + infinitive or verb + -. var pbHdSlots = [ PRESENT SIMPLE. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654157' }}, A few stories, often those of an experimental literary style, use an even more unusual tense: future tense. When to use which tense? initAdSlotRefresher(); { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_Billboard' }}, The three basic tenses are past, present and future. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195466', size: [728, 90] }}, ), Future: other expressions to talk about the future, Future: present continuous to talk about the future (, Future: present simple to talk aboutthe future (, Modality: other modal words and expressions. The adverbs never, always, seldom, often, frequently, occasionally, once, twice, thrice etc., can also be used with the simple past tense. "One of its uses is in questions: Questions are indicated by inverting the subject and was/were. The different moods include the indicative, the subjunctive (rare in English), the conditional, and the imperative. To help you choose the right resume tense, use the following guidelines: Use past tense for past jobs. This future perfect tense quiz tests you on the affirmative, which are positive statements. When you’re writing in the past tense, especially the third person, it can get confusing which character is which. Of course though again you may need to make use of other tenses, as you may want to refer to past and future situations, events, or views as well. 'increment': 1, Not very often, I mean, maybe once a month or so. speaking: I was never late until today! { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_rightslot' }}, "sign-up": "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/auth/signup?rid=READER_ID", A few stories, often those of an experimental literary style, use an even more unusual tense: future tense. }, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387233' }}, googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_tc", "resp"); { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971080', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654157' }}, ), something is happening at the same time of speaking or around it, an action happened in the middle of another action, someone was doing sth. These verbs that take up different forms to indicate the time of an action, event or condition by changing its form are called as tenses. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654174' }}, storage: { Verb Tenses. ga('send', 'pageview'); Add ${headword} to one of your lists below, or create a new one. Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English, 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? For example, This person goes to the library often. The different tenses are identified by their associated verb forms. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654156' }}, What we believe or think, likely to happen in future, is expressed in this tense. Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_l", "en"); ESL students should read this guide on the use of time expressions with various tenses in English, including explanations and examples. The passé composé is the most common French past tense, often used in conjunction with the imperfect.It is extremely important to understand the distinctions between past tenses in order to use them correctly and thus express past events accurately. ), main clause in type III of the if clauses. We flew to Cleveland three weeks ago. Question: Were you studyingwhen she called? var btScript = document.createElement('script'); Often he would go for a swim, then he would come and talk to us. Future tense: This tense is rarely seen in resumes, but students could use it when applying for educational internships. 'min': 8.50, This table breaks down each tense by frequency in all three text types: googletag.pubads().setTargeting("sfr", "cdo_dict_british-grammar"); Tenses are usually manifested by the use of specific forms of verbs, particularly in their conjugation patterns. iasLog("criterion : cdo_dc = british-grammar"); (exceed) " He often eats alone. Interesting! { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_rightslot' }}, Science, Tech, Math Science Math Social Sciences Computer Science Animals & Nature Humanities History & Culture Visual Arts Literature English Geography Philosophy Issues Languages English as a Second Language Spanish French German … Negative: You were not studyingwhen she called. },{ Negatives are made with not. (For example, narration and time shifts are often tricky in present tense, which works best with action and real-time experiences. "noPingback": true, iasLog("exclusion label : wprod"); { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_Billboard' }}, The present perfect is a verb tense which is used to show that an action has taken place once or many times before now. priceGranularity: customGranularity, NOTE: 'ago' follows the number of days, weeks, etc. Past Tense 2. Often is an adverb meaning ‘many times on different occasions’. It is used to express the actions which are supposed to be undertaken in future and we have no control over them. { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971063', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776130', position: 'btf' }}, 2. The verbs 'be', 'have ... (she / visit) her grandma very often? { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387232' }}, { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_leftslot_160x600' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195467', size: [320, 100] }}, ga('set', 'dimension2', "entry"); For actions happening now, we use . Use 'in' with specific years or months with past, present, and future tenses. "sign-out": "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/auth/signout?rid=READER_ID" 'cap': true The following table illustrates the proper use of verb tenses: Simple Present : Simple Past: Simple Future: I read nearly every day. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, In grammar, tense is a category that expresses time reference. main clause in type II of the Conditional sentences, sth. Here the tense is past simple. With present tense, the action takes place in the moment, now. She seldom stepped out of her home. userIds: [{ I met him once. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '446382' }}, For actions happening regularly, often or never, we use . If you already know how to use the Present Tense, then the Past Tense will be easy. 2. For example: “She cooks in her kitchen.” You can also use the present simple tense to describe something that takes place regularly. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776160', position: 'atf' }}, Tense in Wuvulu-Aua may also be implied by using time adverbials and aspectual markings. name: "unifiedId", { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_topslot' }}, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, Tense Signal words Use Form Examples affirmative Examples negative Examples … The cost of immediacy is that present tense is more limiting.) { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a9690ab01717182962182bb50ce0007', pos: 'cdo_btmslot_mobile_flex' }}, She graduated in 1976. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654208' }}, Like many other short adverbs, we use it in front position, in mid position (between the subject and the main verb, or after the modal verb or first auxiliary verb, or after be as a main verb) or in end position: I often see Christine when I’m in town. head out (V) – set out or go in a particular direction { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387232' }}, With past tense, however, the action has already taken place. if(refreshConfig.enabled == true) { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346693' }}, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, What are signal words? Feb 18, … dfpSlots['btmslot_a'] = googletag.defineSlot('/23202586/cdo_btmslot', [[300, 250], 'fluid'], 'ad_btmslot_a').defineSizeMapping(mapping_btmslot_a).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'btm').setTargeting('hp', 'center').addService(googletag.pubads()); Look! The present-perfect construction has within it two tenses: a primary present-tense, and a secondary past-tense (the perfect). I regularly leave my keys in … params: { One reason authors have used present tense more often in the last century is that it feels most film-like. The adverbs never, always, seldom, often, frequently, occasionally, once, twice, thrice etc., can also be used with the simple past tense. In some cases, realis mood is used to convey present tense — often to indicate a state of being. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '194852', size: [300, 250] }}, 'max': 8, We will eat after he gets here.. Key words: always, usually, often, sometimes, seldom, rarely, never, every day, on Sundays, etc. Always remember what action is described. When the singular form of the subject or a singular pronoun is used, the verb is used in the simple present tense by adding a ‘-s’ to it. window.ga=window.ga||function(){(ga.q=ga.q||[]).push(arguments)};ga.l=+new Date; const customGranularity = { This is because you will be writing about general facts and truths and giving your opinions, which are commonly done using the present tense. Photographers often placed finished daguerreotypes in a custom velvet case with glass over the image. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776156', position: 'atf' }}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_leftslot' }}, { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971063', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, Past continuous tense. } iasLog("criterion : cdo_l = en"); {code: 'ad_rightslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_rightslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_rightslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, }, 'max': 36, 'pa pdd chac-sb tc-bd bw hbr-20 hbss lpt-25' : 'hdn'">, Adverbs and adverb phrases: typical errors, Adjectives and adjective phrases: typical errors, Conjunctions: causes, reasons, results and purpose, Relative clauses referring to a whole sentence, Relative clauses: defining and non-defining, Nationalities, languages, countries and regions, types of English (formal, informal, etc. On this site, the difference between the two terms is maintained but the term progressive is used here for simplicity's sake. { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}]; Use Past Tense… To describe your ... "Previous research showed that children confuse the source of their memories more often than adults (Lindsey et al., 1991)." var mapping_leftslot = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([1063, 0], [[120, 600], [160, 600], [300, 600]]).addSize([963, 0], [[120, 600], [160, 600]]).addSize([0, 0], []).build(); I work in a bank. expires: 60 "authorizationFallbackResponse": { Signal Words and English Tenses. var mapping_houseslot_a = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([963, 0], [300, 250]).addSize([0, 0], []).build(); It's possible to place an adverb of frequency such as 'usually' between the auxiliary and main verb. "authorization": "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/auth/info?rid=READER_ID&url=CANONICAL_URL&ref=DOCUMENT_REFERRER&type=&v1=&v2=&v3=&v4=british-grammar&_=RANDOM", iasLog("setting page_url: - https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/often"); { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654156' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [300, 250] }}, "sign-in": "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/auth/signin?rid=READER_ID", Maggie is old now and she quite often forgets things. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [160, 600] }}, googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_pt", "entry"); (Well ... *some* grammar nerds say that the future isn't actually a tense in English due to the way it's constructed ... but ignore that for now.) We did not list signal words in the future tenses as there are no definite ones. The future tense describes things that have yet to happen (e.g., later, tomorrow, next week, next year, three years from now). Example: 63% of the children demonstrated an elevated level of at least one risk factor, indicating that children with obesity are at an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '446382' }}, {code: 'ad_btmslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_btmslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_btmslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250], [320, 50], [300, 50]] } }, expires: 365 {code: 'ad_rightslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_rightslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_rightslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, In general, the Past Tense is used to talk about something that started and finished at a definite time in the past. The Present Perfect Continuous uses two auxiliary verbs together with a main verb.. The difference is simply that “Perfekt” (the two-word-past-tense) is used in informal contexts (speaking and informal writing), and “Präteritum” (the one-word-past tense… Ex: "I jump over the fallen tree trunk, narrowly escaping a nasty tumble." { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971065', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, The present simple tense is the one you’ll use the most often. Statement: You were studyingwhen she called. googletag.enableServices(); When Not to Use the Past Perfect . }; Listen! Are "would often" and "often + past tense" },{ dfpSlots['topslot_b'] = googletag.defineSlot('/23202586/cdo_topslot', [[728, 90]], 'ad_topslot_b').defineSizeMapping(mapping_topslot_b).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'top').setTargeting('hp', 'center').addService(googletag.pubads()); bidders: '*', 'min': 31, I love that Indian restaurant on Mill Street. This is the most natural way to describe something that has just happened. Multi-word tense constructions often involve auxiliary verbs or clitics. This page will explain the most important uses of the present perfect tense. On her back, Jenny (carry) her school bag. People make choices because they can't have everything they want. The Simple Past Tense, often just called the Past Tense, is easy to use in English. { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_rightslot' }}]}, She seldom stepped out of her home. name: "identityLink", Read More. pbjs.que = pbjs.que || []; { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346698' }}, In fact, “shall” is rarely (not often) used these days, because it sounds a little formal. "error": true, }] { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971065', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, Listen to all | All sentences (with pause) Used with verbs: " This situation arises often. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387232' }}, },{ {code: 'ad_btmslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_btmslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_btmslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, {code: 'ad_rightslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_rightslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_rightslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, You only need to remember “will.”. Click here to read about this, or follow the links on this page. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776140', position: 'atf' }}, There are 12 types of verb tenses total, based on the time an action occurs. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776160', position: 'atf' }}, The present tense is used to describe things that are happening right now, or things that are continuous. You have to remember that in more complex structures it is important to look at the action in the sentence rather than spotting a signal word. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_ei", "often"); Learn how to use each verb tense in a sentence with these examples. The most common are probably ever, never, already, yet, still, and just. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_pc", "dictionary"); The following table is for beginners. Table of English tenses. There are two types of tense that are most often used in fiction: 1. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195465', size: [300, 250] }}, Sieh dir das Bild von Jenny an und ergänze die sentences (Simple Present oder Present Progressive). }; { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11653860' }}, 2. { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a9690ab01717182962182bb50ce0007', pos: 'cdo_topslot_mobile_flex' }}, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, Simple present (a fact or habit; with time clauses when time is future); He studies grammar every day. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162050', zoneId: '776336', position: 'btf' }}, (For example, narration and time shifts are often tricky in present tense, which works best with action and real-time experiences. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [160, 600] }}, The past subjunctive tenses are used quite similarly to the present subjunctive tense to indicate feelings about past events, or to set up a discussion of a hypothetical state of affairs. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162050', zoneId: '776358', position: 'atf' }}, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '446381' }}, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_HDX' }}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_rightslot' }}]}, Typical adverbs of Simple Present Tense. Books: The Hunger Games, The Handmaid's Tale, The Night Circus. The present tense is used to describe things that are happening right now, or things that are continuous. EnglishClub: Learn English: Grammar: Verbs: Tense: Tenses: Present Perfect Continuous Tense Present Perfect Continuous. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195467', size: [300, 250] }}, also stative (non-progressive) verbs: know, understand, believe, feel, think,** remember, forget, want, (arises, occurs, happens) " I often wonder what would have happened. var pbDesktopSlots = [ { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, pid: '94' : Our collective understanding of biology is growing by leaps and bounds because sauce for the goose is so often sauce for the gander. The "simple past tense" is often used to describe situations that have occurred in the past. 'min': 0, {code: 'ad_topslot_b', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[728, 90]] } }, name: "pubCommonId", spontaneously at the time of speaking, you haven't made a decision before, when you have already decided to do sth. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [120, 600] }}, {code: 'ad_topslot_b', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[728, 90]] } }, Certain time adverbs ("time words") are especially common with the present perfect tense. { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_rightslot' }}]}, { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_rightslot_flex' }}, {code: 'ad_btmslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_btmslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_btmslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346698' }}, type: "cookie", 2. 1. (visit, call) " He often appears out of nowhere. var pbTabletSlots = [ expires: 365 { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346693' }}, { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654149' }}, name: "criteo" iasLog("criterion : cdo_tc = resp"); }], The past continuous is formed using was/were + present participle. that might have happened in the past (It's too late now. Home. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_Billboard' }}, We use much/a lot with a negative to mean not often: We don't go out much/a lot. { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_leftslot' }}, The past is used to describe things that have already happened (e.g., earlier in the day, yesterday, last week, three years ago ). Present Tense 3. { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}]; var mapping_rightslot = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([746, 0], [[300, 250]]).addSize([0, 0], []).build(); 1. "We are getting together" expresses a plan that is about to happen. var mapping_btmslot_a = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([746, 0], [[300, 250], 'fluid']).addSize([0, 0], [[300, 250], [320, 50], [300, 50], 'fluid']).build(); dfpSlots['rightslot'] = googletag.defineSlot('/23202586/cdo_rightslot', [[300, 250]], 'ad_rightslot').defineSizeMapping(mapping_rightslot).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'mid').setTargeting('hp', 'right').addService(googletag.pubads()); { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195467', size: [320, 50] }}, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346688' }}, Like many other short adverbs, we use it in front position, in mid position (between the subject and the main verb, or after the modal verb or first auxiliary verb, or after be as a main verb) or in end position: I often … Often is an adverb meaning ‘many times on different occasions’. We can emphasise often with very or quite: I very often meet him as he’s coming out of work. googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest(); neither small nor large in size, amount, degree, or strength, Home improvements: the language of making and repairing things in your home, Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English. The formation of the perfect subjunctive takes the subjunctive form of the auxiliary verb avere or essere (according to the same rules in the first section), plus the past participle of the main verb. { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_topslot' }}, Complete List of Past Continuous Forms partner: "uarus31" name: "pbjs-unifiedid", : As often as not, it is started by some seemingly innocent remark that sparks an unexpected powder keg lurking in the mind of the listener. Something happens because it normally happens. To describe a fact, law or finding that is no longer considered valid and relevant. She must do her shopping in the same places as me. ga('create', 'UA-31379-3',{cookieDomain:'dictionary.cambridge.org',siteSpeedSampleRate: 10}); iasLog("exclusion label : mcp"); With Present Simple Tense we often use time expressions such as always, often, sometimes, usually, seldom, on Saturdays, rarely, never, every day, etc. An aspect he… am / is / are + verb + ing // I am going, he is playing. Perhaps writers think they can get their book adapted into a movie easier if they use present tense, or perhaps they just want to mimic the action and suspense found in film, but whether film is the inspiration or the goal, its increasing use owes much to film. { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_btmslot' }}]}]; bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776140', position: 'atf' }}, (goes, attends) " I need to visit them more often. This page contains examples of the future tense and has an interactive and printable exercise worksheet. will already have happened before a certain time in the future, Conditional Progressive or Conditional Continuous, Conditional Perfect Progressive or Conditional Perfect Continuous, with the following verbs (to love, to hate, to think, etc. at a certain time (in the past) - you do not know whether it was finished or not, you say that sth. Tenses are subdivided into "aspects." 1. name: "_pubcid", }); var mapping_topslot_a = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([746, 0], []).addSize([0, 550], [[300, 250]]).addSize([0, 0], [[300, 50], [320, 50], [320, 100]]).build(); Perfect continuous tenses focus on how long an action or continues from one point to the next. { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_topslot_728x90' }}, Tenses can be broadly classified into three broad categories: 1. if(pl_p) iasLog("exclusion label : resp"); Key words: always, usually, often, sometimes, seldom, rarely, never, every day, on Sundays, etc. An action will be in progress at a certain time in the future. The present simple tense is the one you’ll use the most often. {code: 'ad_topslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/23202586/cdo_topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 50], [320, 50], [320, 100]] } }, syncDelay: 3000 }, Perfect tenses focus on an action or a state that begins at one point in time and continues to the next. My grammar book says "often" is generally used with present tense and with "would" and "used to" but I have seen that it is used with simple past tense too. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, With past tense, however, the action has already taken place. var dfpSlots = {}; Books: The Hunger Games, The Handmaid's Tale, The Night Circus. var pbMobileLrSlots = [ N: He does not speak. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195467', size: [300, 50] }}, Ever means "at any time. in the future. googletag.cmd.push(function() { The following table is for beginners. Signal words help you to choose the correct tense.