Present Tenses (El Presente)
In English, we split the present depending on whether an action is a regular routine or happening right now.
A. Present Simple
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Why we use it: To talk about habits, daily routines, permanent facts, or general truths.
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The Concept: Think of this as something that is true all the time, not just at this exact second.
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Examples:
💡 Tip for Spanish Speakers: In Spanish, you can drop the subject pronoun ("Trabajo"). In English, you must always include the pronoun ("I work").
B. Present Continuous
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Why we use it: To describe an action that is in progress right now at the moment of speaking, or a temporary situation.
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Structure: Subject + am / is / are + Verb (-ing)
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Examples:
2. Past Tenses (El Pasado)
We choose past tenses based on whether the action was completed or in progress at a specific time.
A. Past Simple
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Why we use it: To talk about actions that started and finished at a specific time in the past.
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Colombian Spanish Equivalent: Matches Pretérito Indefinido (comí, viajé, hablamos).
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Examples:
B. Past Continuous
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Why we use it: To set the scene or talk about an action that was in progress in the past, often interrupted by a shorter action (in Past Simple).
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Spanish Equivalent: Matches Estaba + gerundio (estaba comiendo) or Pretérito Imperfecto (comía).
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Examples:
C. Past Perfect (B2–C1 Level)
3. Present Perfect Tenses (El Pretérito Perfecto)
English treats the Present Perfect as a bridge connecting past actions directly to the present moment.
A. Present Perfect Simple
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Why we use it: For life experiences (without specifying when), or actions that started in the past and continue up to the present.
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Structure: Subject + have / has + Past Participle
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Examples:
B. Present Perfect Continuous (B2–C1 Level)
4. Future Tenses (El Futuro)
In English, we choose the future tense based on how decided or planned the action is.
A. Future with "Be Going To"
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Why we use it: For pre-made plans, intentions, or predictions based on current visual evidence.
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Spanish Equivalent: Direct translation of "ir a + verbo"
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Examples:
B. Future with "Will"
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Why we use it: For spontaneous decisions made at the exact moment of speaking, offers to help, promises, or general opinions about the future.
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Examples: