When to Use Each Tense in English?

The choice of tense in English depends on when an action takes place: past, present, or future, and how it relates to the timeline.

Understanding English Tenses

Here's a breakdown of when to use some of the most common English tenses:

Tense	Function	Example
Present Simple	Facts, generalizations, and truths that are not affected by time.	The sun rises in the east.
Past Simple	Events completed in the past.	I visited Paris last year.
Future Simple	Events to be completed in the future.	I will go to the store tomorrow.

The following provides more detail on when to use specific tenses.

Facts and General Truths: Use the present simple to describe things that are generally true or are facts. According to Scribbr, this tense describes truths that are not affected by time.
- Example: Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
Habits and Routines: Use the present simple to describe actions that you do regularly.
- Example: I drink coffee every morning.
Scheduled Events: Use the present simple to talk about scheduled events in the near future, often with timetables or schedules.
- Example: The train leaves at 10:00 AM.

Completed Actions in the Past: Use the past simple to describe actions that started and finished at a specific time in the past. Scribbr notes its use for completed past events.
- Example: I saw a movie yesterday.
Series of Completed Actions: Use the past simple to describe a sequence of events in the past.
- Example: I woke up, brushed my teeth, and ate breakfast.

Predictions: Use the future simple to make predictions about what you think will happen. Scribbr indicates that the future simple is for events to be completed in the future.
- Example: It will rain tomorrow.
Spontaneous Decisions: Use the future simple to express decisions you make at the moment of speaking.
- Example: I will answer the phone.
Offers and Promises: Use the future simple to make offers or promises.
- Example: I will help you with your homework.