Using coffee to help explain tenses seemed so apppropriate for this page!
PAST
1. Past Simple
Usage: Actions completed at a specific time in the past.
Example: I drank coffee with my breakfast this morning.
2. Past Continuous
Usage: Actions that were ongoing in the past.
Example: I was drinking coffee when the phone rang.
3. Past Perfect
Usage: Actions completed before another action in the past.
Example: I had drunk my coffee before I left for work.
4. Past Perfect Continuous
Usage: Focuses on the duration of an action before another event in the past.
Example: I had been drinking coffee for an hour when my friend arrived.
PRESENT
5. Present Simple
Usage: Regular actions or general truths.
Example: I drink coffee every morning.
6. Present Continuous
Usage: Actions happening right now or temporary situations.
Example: I am drinking coffee right now.
7. Present Perfect
Usage: Actions that happened at an unspecified time or have relevance to the present.
Example: I have drunk my coffee already today.
8. Present Perfect Continuous
Usage: Actions that started in the past and continue into the present.
Example: I have been drinking coffee since I woke up.
FUTURE
9. Future Simple
Usage: Actions that will happen in the future.
Example: I will drink coffee tomorrow morning.
10. Future Continuous
Usage: Actions that will be ongoing in the future.
Example: I will be drinking coffee while you read this guide.
11. Future Perfect
Usage: Actions that will be completed before another event in the future.
Example: I will have drunk my coffee by the time you arrive.
12. Future Perfect Continuous
Usage: Focuses on the duration of an action up to a future point.
Example: By noon, I will have been drinking coffee for three hours.