L.5.1.

c Verb Tenses
I can use verb tenses to convey various times, sequences, states, and
conditions.

when
Verb tenses help the reader know ______________ an action
is taking place. The action can take place in the
past
________________, present
__________________, future
or __________________.
Knowing if the action already happened, is happening
now, or will happen in the future conveys various times,
sequences, states, and conditions to the reader.

Verb Tenses
Past Present Future
Simple
walked walk will walk
Tense
Progressive
was/were am/are/is will be
Tense
Perfect
had have/has will have
Tense

We had taken a tour of

the White House. (past)

We are taking a tour of

the White House. (present)

We will take a tour of the

White House. (future)

© Bloomin’ Bees 2014

Verb Tenses in Mentor Texts

“Now Amber had seen Anna with her family, inching their way up the
Mountain. She wanted to be friends,” (Johnston, Amber on the Mountain,
1994, p. 5).

“But the turtle is safe in her world of weed and snaps her beak on tiny
crabs and shrimps,” (Davies, One Tiny Turtle, 2001, p. 8).

Practice
Circle the sentence that is written in present tense, meaning the
action is happening now. Then underline the present tense verbs.

1. A. The fifth graders are studying the Revolutionary War.

B. The fifth graders were studying the Revolutionary War.
C. The fifth graders will be studying the Revolutionary War.

2. A. My friend and I played tag at recess.

B. My friend and I play tag at recess.
C. My friend and I will play tag at recess.

3. A. Dave will have bowled a perfect game.

B. Dave had bowled a perfect game.
C. Dave has bowled a perfect game.

Circle the sentence that is written in past tense, meaning the action
has already happened. Then underline the past tense verbs.

1. A. The athletes will run through Central Park.

B. The athletes run through Central Park.
C. The athletes ran through Central Park.

2. A. Terri’s mom had baked ten pies for the carnival.

B. Terri’s mom has baked ten pies for the carnival.
C. Terri’s mom will have baked ten pies for the carnival.

© Bloomin’ Bees 2014