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Past Perfect Simple
"Peter had worked on another project the year before, but he had to shelve it, too, due to lack of fund." A finished past action that happened before another past action. Auxiliary Verb + Main Verb denoting an ACTIVITY. -
Past Simple
"Peter worked on the same project two years ago, but he had to shelve it." An action that started and finished at a specific time in the past. -
Period: to
Present Perfect Continuous
"Peter has been working on the project since January." An action that started in the past and has continued up to the present. Auxiliary Verb + Main Verb denoting an ACTIVITY. -
Period: to
Present Perfect Simple
"He has been in charge of the project since 2016." An action that started in the past and has continued up to the present. Auxiliary Verb + Main Verb denoting a STATE. -
Present Time
We are here and now. -
Present Simple
"He works at the office downtown." A situation that is more or less permanent/stable. Main Verb denoting a STATE. -
Present Continuous
"I would not disturb Peter if I were you. He is working in his office right now." An action that is happening at the moment of speaking. Auxiliary Verb + Main Verb denoting an ACTIVITY. -
Future - "Going to"
"He's going to recruit more people next year." A future Intention.
Usually the decision about the future plans has already been made. -
Future - "Will"
"I think the project won't take Peter long this time; he's better prepared. I'm sure he will finished it in two years." Prediction. "Will" preceded by the phrase "I'm sure."
