litumi
C1 · Advanced15 min

The Perfect Tenses — forms & uses

Syllabus topic 6: The Perfect Tenses — forms & uses

The Perfect Tenses — forms & uses. Perfect forms locate a situation before a present, past or future reference point.

How it works

Perfect forms locate a situation before a present, past or future reference point. Simple forms highlight completion or states; continuous forms highlight activity and duration. Perfect infinitives and gerunds also express anteriority. Future perfect with by differs from continuous activity at a future time.

Examples in context

Notice how each form fits its sentence. Read the context before choosing a form.

  • By June, I will have been working here for a decade.
  • She regretted having declined the invitation.
  • He appears to have misread the instructions.
  • I had known him for years before we worked together.
  • By the time you return, the repairs will have been completed.

Your progress

Ready to move on?

Mark this lesson as studied when you have finished the explanation.

My plan

Let's practice

Try it yourself

Your answers and place are saved on this device.
Question 1 of 50% complete

By June, I will have been ___ here for a decade.

Keep learning

Choose your next small step

Continue this topic or practice every English skill at the same level.

Can't find the English topic you need? Request a lesson or test.

All C1 grammar lessons