Common Verb Mistakes: Incorrect Verb Tenses

Using the wrong verb tense to express time is a common mistake in English. Here are some examples:

Past Simple vs. Present Perfect

• Past Simple: Used for completed actions in the past.
  • Example: I ate breakfast this morning.
• Present Perfect: Used for actions that started in the past and continue to the present, or for past actions that are relevant to the present.
  • Example: I have eaten breakfast every morning this week.

Past Continuous vs. Past Simple

• Past Continuous: Used for actions that were ongoing at a specific time in the past.
  • Example: I was watching TV when the phone rang.
• Past Simple: Used for completed actions in the past.
  • Example: I watched TV last night.

Will vs. Going To

• Will: Used for future plans or predictions.
  • Example: I will go to the store tomorrow.
• Going to: Used for future plans that have already been decided.
  • Example: I am going to eat dinner at 7 PM.

Present Continuous vs. Present Simple

• Present Continuous: Used for actions happening now or in the near future.
  • Example: I am studying right now.
• Present Simple: Used for habits, routines, and general truths.
  • Example: I study every day.

Practice Exercises:

1. I (eat/have eaten) breakfast every morning.
2. She (was watching/watched) TV when the doorbell rang.
3. I (will/am going to) go to the beach tomorrow.
4. He (studies/is studying) English right now.
5. We (lived/have lived) in this city for five years.

Answers:

1. have eaten
2. was watching
3. will
4. is studying
5. have lived