The present continuous is used to describe a temporary state or action going on now.

I am working on my grammar right now.
I am studying English at this moment.

The simple present is used to describe a general state or action that is repeated habitually.

I live in a tall apartment building.
I wake up at 6:00 every morning.

The future is used for action in the future. (formed in two ways)

I will go home by bus today.
I am going to apply for that position.

The simple past is used to describe action at a definite time in the past.

I went to work yesterday.

The past continuous is used for an on-going action in the past, or during a period of time in the past.

I was eating dinner at 8:00 last night.

The present perfect is used for action begun in the past and continued until the present. (For other uses of the present perfect, see the explanations under the Past Tense Verbs Section.)

I have worked for him since 1981.
I have had three promotions during that time.

The present perfect continuous is used for an action begun in the past that continues to go now. (It emphasizes the on-going action.)

I have been practicing my English for three hours already.

The past perfect is used for comparing 2 completed actions in the past. One event occurred before the other.

It had never occurred to her before she went to the meeting.

Continue to Five Basic Verb Forms.

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