Tenses
Full Lesson - SSC GD English Section
Introduction
Tenses tell us the time of an action. SSC GD doesn't ask deep theory — only basic rules, error spotting, and correct usage.
Present
Current actions
Past
Completed actions
Future
Upcoming actions
Exam Focus: SSC GD focuses mostly on Simple & Continuous tenses.
Present Tense
Simple Present
Used for:
- Daily habits
- Universal truths
- General facts
Examples:
He eats food.
The sun rises in the east.
SSC Rule: He/She/It → verb + s/es | I/You/They → verb (base form)
Present Continuous
Used for:
- Actions happening right now
Examples:
She is reading.
They are playing.
Rule: am/is/are + verb + ing
Present Perfect
Used for:
- Actions completed just now
- Life experiences
Examples:
I have finished my work.
She has visited Delhi.
Rule: has/have + past participle (V3)
Present Perfect Continuous
Used for:
- Action started in past and still going
Example:
They have been studying for 2 hours.
Past Tense
Simple Past
Used for:
- Completed actions in the past
Examples:
He went to school.
I saw a movie yesterday.
Rule: Verb 2 (went, ate, wrote)
Past Continuous
Used for:
- Ongoing action in past
Examples:
They were dancing.
I was sleeping.
Rule: was/were + verb + ing
Past Perfect
Used when:
- One action happened before another action in the past
Example:
He had left before I reached.
Rule: had + V3
Future Tense
Simple Future
Used for:
- Predictions
- Future plans
Examples:
I will go tomorrow.
She will call you.
Rule: will + verb
Future Continuous
Used for:
- Ongoing action in future
Example:
I will be sleeping at 10 PM.
Future Perfect
Used for:
- Action completed before a future point
Example:
They will have completed the work by evening.
Most Important SSC GD Tense Rules (Very High Repeat)
Rule 1: He/She/It → verb + s/es
She writes. He reads.
Rule 2: Did + V1
Did never takes V2.
Wrong: Did he went?
Correct: Did he go?
Rule 3: Has/Have + V3
I have seen the movie. She has eaten food.
Rule 4: Was/Were + ing
I was reading. They were playing.
Rule 5: Time Words
Yesterday → Past | Now → Present Continuous | Tomorrow → Future
These help eliminate wrong options quickly.
Sample Questions (SSC GD Style)
Choose the correct form: She ____ to school every day.
Options: (a) go (b) goes (c) going (d) gone
View Answer
goes
Identify the tense: He is playing cricket.
Options: (a) Present Perfect (b) Present Continuous (c) Past Continuous (d) Simple Present
View Answer
Present Continuous
Choose the correct sentence:
Options: (a) He did not went. (b) He did not go. (c) He do not went. (d) He does not went.
View Answer
He did not go.
Fill in the blank: They ____ watching TV when I arrived.
Options: (a) was (b) were (c) are (d) will
View Answer
were
Correct form: I ____ finished my work.
Options: (a) has (b) have (c) am (d) had
View Answer
have
Quick Recap
Simple Present: daily habits → He plays
Present Continuous: now → He is playing
Simple Past: yesterday → He played
Past Continuous: He was playing
Simple Future: He will play
Did + V1 rule is most important
SSC GD mostly asks from:
Simple Present, Simple Past, Present/Past Continuous, Has/Have + V3
Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
SSC GD 2022 — "I ___ eaten my food." → have
SSC GD 2021 — Identify tense: He is swimming.
SSC GD 2020 — "Did he ___ the work?" → do
SSC GD 2019 — Correct form in past continuous
SSC GD 2018 — Simple present rule (go/goes)
You've completed Tenses Lesson!
Courage Tip: Master the basic tense rules, especially the 'Did + V1' rule and subject-verb agreement. Practice identifying tenses based on time words and context. Remember that SSC GD focuses on practical application rather than complex theory, so concentrate on the most frequently tested patterns.
Master Tenses for SSC GD Exam!
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