Mastering English Progressive and Perfect Verb Tenses
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Mastering Progressive Tenses (Tiempos Progresivos)
A Progressive tense (tiempo progresivo) is a form of the verb that shows that the action is in progress. In other words, it means that the action continues.
The Past Progressive
The Past Progressive (pasado progresivo) is a form of the verb that shows that the action was in progress at some time in the past.
Example: Lisa was dancing yesterday at 8 o'clock.
The Present Progressive
The Present Progressive (presente progresivo) is a form of the verb that shows that the action is in progress in the present.
Example: Lisa is dancing now.
The Future Progressive
The Future Progressive (futuro progresivo) is a form of the verb that shows that the action will be in progress at some time in the future.
Example: Lisa will be dancing tomorrow at 8 o'clock.
Understanding Perfect Tenses
The term PERFECT means "complete, finished" (similar to the composed tenses in Spanish).
A Perfect tense is a form of the verb that shows that the action has been completed. It does not mean that the action is "perfect" (i.e., 100% flawless). It simply means that the action is finished relative to a point in time.
The Past Perfect
The Past Perfect (pasado perfecto) is a form of the verb that shows that the action had been completed before some other time in the past.
Example: Lisa had danced before coming.
The Present Perfect
The Present Perfect (presente perfecto) is a form of the verb that shows that the action was completed before or up to the present moment.
Example: Lisa has already danced.
The Future Perfect
The Future Perfect (futuro perfecto) is a form of the verb that shows that the action will be completed before some time in the future.
Example: Lisa will have danced by tomorrow at 9 o'clock.
Perfect Progressive (Continuous) Tenses
A Perfect Progressive tense is a form of the verb that shows that the action began, continued, and was completed over a period of time leading up to a specific point.
The Past Perfect Progressive
The Past Perfect Progressive (pasado perfecto progresivo) is a form of the verb that shows that the action began in the past and continued until some other time in the past.
Example: Lisa had been dancing for 2 hours before getting tired.
The Present Perfect Progressive
The Present Perfect Progressive (presente perfecto progresivo) is a form of the verb that shows that the action began in the past and continues until the present.
Example: Lisa has been dancing for 3 hours without stopping.
The Future Perfect Progressive
The Future Perfect Progressive (futuro perfecto progresivo) is a form of a verb that shows that the action will continue until some time in the future, emphasizing duration.
Example: By tomorrow morning, Lisa will have been dancing for 12 hours!