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Using the correct verb tense and making sure your verbs agree with their subjects is essential for clear, accurate writing. In the SET Stage 1, questions may test whether you can identify the correct tense or spot an error in subject-verb agreement. In Stage 2, consistent and accurate tense use throughout your extended writing demonstrates control and maturity. This lesson covers the verb tenses and agreement rules you need for the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test.
Verb tense tells the reader when an action happens — in the past, present, or future.
| Tense | When It Happens | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Past | Already happened | She walked to school. |
| Present | Happening now | She walks to school. |
| Future | Will happen later | She will walk to school. |
Used for completed actions: "The team won the match."
Most verbs form the simple past by adding -ed: walked, played, cleaned.
Irregular verbs do not follow this pattern. You must learn them:
| Present | Simple Past | Past Participle |
|---|---|---|
| go | went | gone |
| write | wrote | written |
| swim | swam | swum |
| take | took | taken |
| begin | began | begun |
| speak | spoke | spoken |
| break | broke | broken |
| choose | chose | chosen |
| fly | flew | flown |
| give | gave | given |
Shows an action that was ongoing in the past: "She was reading when the phone rang."
Formed with was/were + verb-ing.
Shows an action that happened before another past action: "By the time we arrived, the show had started."
Formed with had + past participle.
Used for facts, habits, and routines: "Water boils at 100 degrees." "I play tennis every Saturday."
Shows an action happening right now: "She is writing a letter."
Formed with am/is/are + verb-ing.
Shows an action that started in the past and is still relevant now: "I have finished my homework."
Formed with have/has + past participle.
Uses will + verb: "I will visit my grandparents tomorrow."
Uses am/is/are going to + verb: "We are going to watch a film tonight."
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