Grammar

Verb tenses quick cheat sheet

Cheat sheet

Use this cheat sheet as a quick reference. If you want, in the chat you can write a sentence and ask Spark: “Correct me and tell me which tense I’m using and why.”

Section

Present

Routines, facts, actions in progress

Section

Past

Completed actions or actions in progress in the past

Section

Future

Intentions, plans, predictions

Section

Perfect

Link a moment to the present or to another event

Present

Routines, facts, actions in progress

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Present Simple

Habits, facts, routines

Example

I work from home.

Lavoro da casa.

Used for repeated actions or general truths.

Present Continuous

Action happening now / temporary

Example

I’m working right now.

Sto lavorando proprio ora.

Used for what is happening right now or for temporary periods.

Past

Completed actions or actions in progress in the past

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Past Simple

Finished action in the past

Example

I visited London last year.

Ho visitato Londra l’anno scorso.

Often paired with a specific time: yesterday, last week, in 2020…

Past Continuous

Action in progress in the past

Example

I was cooking when you called.

Stavo cucinando quando hai chiamato.

Often used for background actions or to show an interruption.

Future

Intentions, plans, predictions

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Future (will)

Spontaneous decisions / predictions

Example

I’ll help you.

Ti aiuterò.

Often used for promises, offers, predictions.

Be going to

Plans / predictions with evidence

Example

I’m going to start a new course.

Sto per iniziare un nuovo corso.

A decision already made or clear evidence: Look at the sky…

Present Continuous (future)

Fixed plans / arrangements

Example

I’m meeting John tomorrow.

Domani vedo John.

A definite appointment or timetable.

Future Continuous

Action in progress in the future

Example

This time tomorrow, I’ll be flying to Rome.

Domani a quest’ora starò volando verso Roma.

To describe an action that will be “in progress” at a future time.

Perfect

Link a moment to the present or to another event

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Present Perfect

Experiences / results up to now

Example

I’ve finished my homework.

Ho finito i compiti.

Connects the past to the present (result now).

Present Perfect Continuous

Duration up to now

Example

I’ve been studying for two hours.

Sto studiando da due ore.

Emphasize the duration / continuity of an action.

Past Perfect

Past before the past

Example

I had left before the meeting started.

Ero già andato via prima che iniziasse la riunione.

One action happens before another action in the past.

Past Perfect Continuous

Duration before a past event

Example

I had been working all day, so I was tired.

Avevo lavorato tutto il giorno, quindi ero stanco.

Duration / continuity up to a specific point in the past.