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Common mistake Grammar

Verb tense

Verb tense mistakes: past, present perfect and present

The wrong verb tense or verb form for the time being described, including a missing "be" or "have" before -ing / -ed (for example "people moving ... is", "companies cutting space" with no "are"), or a past form after "will" (for example "will forced"). In short: For a finished time (yesterday, last year, in 2020), use the past: I went.

This guide is for writers moving from B1 to B2 or from B2 to C1.

The rule for verb tense mistakes

For a finished time (yesterday, last year, in 2020), use the past: I went. For a time that runs up to now (for, since, so far), use have + verb: I have lived here since 2020.

Pattern: Finished time (yesterday, last year, in 2020): past simple. Time up to now (for, since, so far): present perfect.

Used correctly: a correct tense where the time needs care (for example a past event in the past simple, "since 2020" with the present perfect).

Use this when the time of the action is clear. The verb form must match that time.

Verb tense mistakes: wrong and right examples

  • Wrong Yesterday I go to the market.

    Right Yesterday I went to the market.

  • Wrong I am here since Monday.

    Right I have been here since Monday.

More right sentences

  • I saw him yesterday.
  • I have lived here since 2020.
  • Last year we went to Spain.

Traps to avoid with verb tense mistakes

  • Never mix present perfect with a finished time: not "I have seen him yesterday".
  • Keep one tense inside a story. Do not jump between past and present.

Skills that train verb tense mistakes

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