12 Tense Formula Chart – Print & Study
English grammar can be a tricky jungle—especially when it comes to verb tenses. That’s where this 12 Tense Formula Chart comes in handy! It’s a simple, printable reference tool that breaks down each of the 12 English verb tenses with clear formulas, examples, and visual support.
Whether you’re a student preparing for exams like the TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge, or you’re just someone trying to speak English confidently, this chart is a powerful addition to your learning toolbox.
Why Do You Need a 12 Tense Formula Chart?
Mastering all 12 verb tenses in English is crucial for fluent communication. The more confidently you can express time and action, the more natural your English becomes.
Here’s what this chart gives you:
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✅ A clear and organized overview of all 12 tenses
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✅ Easy-to-remember formulas and example sentences
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✅ A printable layout for home, school, or office
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✅ A study-friendly design to save time and boost retention
️ The 12 English Tenses with Formulas & Examples
Here’s a breakdown of each tense, including affirmative, negative, and interrogative structures—plus an example for each one.
1. Present Simple
Formulas:
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Affirmative: Subject + V1
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Negative: Subject + do/does not + V1
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Interrogative: Do/Does + subject + V1?
Example:
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She plays tennis every Sunday.
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She doesn’t play tennis.
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Does she play tennis?
2. Present Continuous
Formulas:
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Affirmative: Subject + am/is/are + V-ing
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Negative: Subject + am/is/are + not + V-ing
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Interrogative: Am/Is/Are + subject + V-ing?
Example:
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I am studying grammar.
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I am not studying grammar.
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Are you studying grammar?
3. Present Perfect
Formulas:
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Affirmative: Subject + have/has + V3
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Negative: Subject + have/has not + V3
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Interrogative: Have/Has + subject + V3?
Example:
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They have finished the project.
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They haven’t finished the project.
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Have they finished the project?
4. Present Perfect Continuous
Formulas:
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Affirmative: Subject + have/has + been + V-ing
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Negative: Subject + have/has not + been + V-ing
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Interrogative: Have/Has + subject + been + V-ing?
Example:
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He has been reading for an hour.
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He hasn’t been reading.
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Has he been reading?
5. Past Simple
Formulas:
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Affirmative: Subject + V2
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Negative: Subject + did not + V1
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Interrogative: Did + subject + V1?
Example:
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I visited London last year.
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I didn’t visit London.
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Did you visit London?
6. Past Continuous
Formulas:
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Affirmative: Subject + was/were + V-ing
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Negative: Subject + was/were + not + V-ing
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Interrogative: Was/Were + subject + V-ing?
Example:
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She was watching TV.
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She wasn’t watching TV.
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Was she watching TV?
7. Past Perfect
Formulas:
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Affirmative: Subject + had + V3
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Negative: Subject + had not + V3
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Interrogative: Had + subject + V3?
Example:
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They had left before we arrived.
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They hadn’t left.
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Had they left?
8. Past Perfect Continuous
Formulas:
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Affirmative: Subject + had + been + V-ing
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Negative: Subject + had not + been + V-ing
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Interrogative: Had + subject + been + V-ing?
Example:
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He had been working all day.
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He hadn’t been working.
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Had he been working?
9. Future Simple
Formulas:
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Affirmative: Subject + will + V1
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Negative: Subject + will not + V1
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Interrogative: Will + subject + V1?
Example:
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I will call you tomorrow.
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I won’t call you.
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Will you call me?
10. Future Continuous
Formulas:
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Affirmative: Subject + will be + V-ing
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Negative: Subject + will not be + V-ing
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Interrogative: Will + subject + be + V-ing?
Example:
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She will be sleeping at 10 PM.
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She won’t be sleeping.
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Will she be sleeping?
11. Future Perfect
Formulas:
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Affirmative: Subject + will have + V3
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Negative: Subject + will not have + V3
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Interrogative: Will + subject + have + V3?
Example:
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We will have completed the task.
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We won’t have completed it.
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Will we have completed the task?
12. Future Perfect Continuous
Formulas:
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Affirmative: Subject + will have been + V-ing
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Negative: Subject + will not have been + V-ing
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Interrogative: Will + subject + have been + V-ing?
Example:
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By 2025, she will have been teaching for 10 years.
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She won’t have been teaching.
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Will she have been teaching?
️ Ready to Download the Printable PDF?
Download 12 Tense Formula Chart PDF ← (Click here to access it on Google Drive)
✏️ Study Tips to Remember the Tenses Faster
Use these smart strategies to memorize all 12 tenses more easily:
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Flashcards: Use one for each tense with a formula and example.
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️ Practice Speaking: Say full sentences out loud using each tense.
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Listen to English Content: Pay attention to verbs in songs, podcasts, and TV shows.
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♂️ Teach a Friend: Teaching helps reinforce what you’ve learned.
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Daily Practice: Try 10–15 minutes a day—it adds up fast!
❓FAQs
How many tenses are there in English?
There are 12 main verb tenses in English divided across past, present, and future.
What’s the best way to learn all the tenses?
Using a visual chart, practicing daily, and making your own sentences are key to fast learning.
Can I use this chart for exams like TOEFL or IELTS?
Absolutely! It’s a handy reference for speaking and writing tasks in any English proficiency test.
Final Thoughts
Learning verb tenses doesn’t have to be boring or confusing. With the right tools—like this 12 Tense Formula Chart—you’ll feel more confident and fluent in no time.
Print it.
Study it.
️ Use it every day.
Level up your grammar, one tense at a time.