Advanced English Tests
IELTS Grammar

Grammar Lessons

9 bite-sized lessons on the grammar examiners notice most. Learn the rule, spot the mistake, then prove it — about five minutes each.

  • Step 1

    Learn the rules

  • Step 2

    Spot the mistake

  • Step 3

    Quick check

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Lesson 1 of 9 · Foundation

Tenses

When things happen~6 min

Why it matters for IELTS

Using the right tense signals when something happens and is one of the fastest ways to raise your IELTS Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.

All 12 tenses at a glance

Every tense is a time (present, past or future) plus a form. Pick a time to see its four tenses.

  1. 1

    Simple Present

    Habits or facts

    Subject+V1 (s/es)+Object

    He plays football.

  2. 2

    Present Continuous

    Happening right now

    Subject+is/am/are+V1-ing+Object

    He is playing football.

  3. 3

    Present Perfect

    Just finished or has a result

    Subject+have/has+V3+Object

    He has played football.

  4. 4

    Present Perfect Continuous

    Started in the past and still going

    Subject+have/has+been+V1-ing+Object

    He has been playing football for two hours.

V1base verb (play, go)V2past form (played, went)V3past participle (played, gone)the other moment it's measured against

Key rules for IELTS

  1. 1

    Use the present simple for facts, habits, and routines (e.g. “The government spends billions on education every year”).