Tenses

for an action that began in the past and that has continued up to the
present or still continues. (unfinished past)

We’ve lived in the same house for 25 years. (For is used with a
period of time.)
We have known each other since 1995. (Since is used with a point in
time.)

for an activity which has a result in the present (often with just, recently,
already or yet). (indefinite past)

I’ve lost my key. (I haven’t got it now.)
I’ve just had lunch. (I’m not hungry now.)
I’ve seen John recently.
I’ve already done the washing up. (The dishes are clean.)
He hasn’t arrived yet. (He is not there now.)

to express a past experience (often with the adverbs ever, never or before).
(indefinite past)
Have you ever been to Australia?
I have never had a car.
I haven’t tried sushi before.

a past situation or habit.
When I was a child, we lived in a small house by the sea. Every day I
walked for miles on the beach with my dog.

This use is often expressed with used to or would.
When I was a child, we used to live in a small house …
Every day I would walk for miles …

actions that follow each other in a story.
Mary walked into the room and stopped. She heard a noise from
behind the curtain. She threw the curtain open, and then she saw …

a finished action in the past.
I went to Manchester last week.

behaviour at the moment of speaking with the verb be.
I can’t understand why she’s being so selfish. She isn’t usually like that.

an annoying habit (with always) (too often, more often than normal)
You’re always losing your keys!

a trend or a change.
Summers are getting hotter due to climate change.

a temporary situation.
Peter is a student, but he’s working as a waiter during the holidays.

an activity or situation that is true now but is not necessarily happening at the
moment of speaking (around now).
I’m doing a French evening class this year.

an activity that is happening now.
Don’t turn the TV off. I’m watching a football match.

fact that is true for a long time / a permanent situation.
He works in a bank.

a fact that is always true.
Some birds fly south in winter.

an action that happens again and again (a habit / a routine).
I go to work by bus.