Tense Notes, Quizzes & Revision
📘 Revision Notes • 📝 Quizzes • 📄 Past Papers available in app
Notes: Tense
Topic: topic_name_replace | Subject: subject_replace | Target age: age_replace
What is tense?
Tense is the grammar tool we use to show when an action happens — in the past, now (present), or in the future. Choosing the correct tense helps your listener or reader understand time clearly (for example, when telling a story, giving instructions, or writing exams such as KCPE/KCSE).
Main tenses (simple overview)
Use for habits, facts, routines.
Form: Subject + base verb (add -s for he/she/it)
Example: I walk to school. — She eats breakfast at 7am.
Use for completed actions in the past.
Form: Subject + past form (regular: verb + -ed; irregular: change form)
Example: We visited Mombasa last term. — He bought a new book.
Use for actions that will happen.
Form: Subject + will + base verb
Example: They will travel to Kisumu tomorrow. — I will help you with homework.
Simple vs Continuous vs Perfect (quick guide)
- Simple: typical action (I study every day).
- Continuous (progressive): action in progress (I am studying now).
- Perfect: connects past to present (I have finished my exercise).
Form: Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing
Example: She is cooking lunch now.
Form: Subject + have/has + past participle
Example: I have visited Nairobi twice.
How to form negatives and questions (simple)
Present Simple: negative = do/does + not + base verb. Question = Do/Does + subject + base verb?
Example: She does not (doesn't) play chess. / Does she play chess?
Past Simple: negative = did + not + base verb. Question = Did + subject + base verb?
Example: They did not (didn't) watch the match. / Did they watch the match?
Future Simple: negative = will not (won't) + base verb. Question = Will + subject + base verb?
Example: I will not (won't) go. / Will you come?
Common irregular verbs (useful for exams and writing)
Some verbs change form in the past. Learn a few common ones:
- go — went — gone
- eat — ate — eaten
- write — wrote — written
- see — saw — seen
- buy — bought — bought
Exercises (fill in the correct tense)
- I _______ (go) to school every day.
- She _______ (cook) ugali yesterday.
- We _______ (play) football at the moment.
- They _______ (visit) their grandmother next Sunday.
- He _______ (eat) lunch already.
Answers
- go / goes — "I go to school every day."
- cooked — "She cooked ugali yesterday."
- is/are/am playing — "We are playing football at the moment."
- will visit — "They will visit their grandmother next Sunday."
- has eaten — "He has eaten lunch already."
Tips for learners (Kenyan context)
- Read exam questions carefully — time words (yesterday, now, tomorrow, already, yet) show which tense to use.
- Practice speaking about daily routines (present), stories (past), and plans (future) — use local topics like school, markets, and holidays.
- Memorise common irregular verbs and practise their past forms.
- When unsure, check the subject and time word: Subject + time → choose past/present/future.