HBSE 12th Class English Grammar Tenses

Haryana State Board HBSE 12th Class English Solutions Grammar Tenses Exercise Questions and Answers.

Haryana Board 12th Class English Grammar Tenses

What is a Tense?
The word ‘tense’ has been derived from the Latin word ‘Tempus’ which means ‘time’. Therefore, a tense is a form of the verb which indicates the time of an action or its state.

Kinds of Tenses
There are three main tenses corresponding to the three divisions of time. These are :
(a) The Present Tense (वर्तमान काल)
(b) The Past Tense (भूतकाल)
(c) The Future Tense (भविष्य काल)

Each of these three main tenses has four forms :

  1. Simple or Indefinite
  2. Continuous or Progressive
  3. Perfect
  4. Perfect Continuous

This can be shown diagrammatically as follows :
HBSE 12th Class English Tenses 1

Thus there are twelve forms of tenses.

1. The Simple Present (Or The Present Indefinite) Form: The Simple Present Tense is formed by using the 1st form of the verb. When the tense is used for the third person singular, we add ‘s’ or ‘es’ to the first form, e.g. (हिंदी में अनुवाद करने पर वाक्य के अंत में ता है, ती है, ता हूँ, ते है की आवाज आती है।)
A cow eats grass.
Cows eat grass. The negative and interrogative sentences are formed by using ‘do’ or does, e.g.
A cow eats grass but it does not eat meat.
Do lions eat grass? No, they don’t eat grass.

Chart of the Present Indefinite Tense
HBSE 12th Class English Tenses 2

Uses of the Simple Present Tense :
(a) To describe a habitual action: Manohar gets up early in the morning. Then he goes for a long walk.
(b) To express a general, universal or scientific truth: The sun rises in the east. The truth fears no examination.
(c) To express a fact which is true at the time of speaking: Ravina lives in Mumbai. The Express train does not stop at this station.
(d) To express the past events in a more vivid way. This use of the present tense is called Historical present. Hemu and Akbar face each other on the battlefield. Akbar shoots an arrow. Hemu falls off his elephant. His army runs away in confusion. Akbar wins the battle.
(e) In describing running commentaries: Anil passes the ball to Shubham and he hits it into the goal.

Forms of 70 be:
HBSE 12th Class English Tenses 4

Forms of Have:
HBSE 12th Class English Tenses 8
Note: Just as we have does’ as singular from ‘do’, similarly we have ‘has’ from have’. Has’ appears to be the short form of ‘haves’.

HBSE 12th Class English Grammar Tenses

Exercise 1

Put the verbs in the brackets into Simple Present Tense :
1. The Price of these Jeans (to be) reasonable. [H.B.S.E. March 2018 (Set-A)]
2. We often (find) new pools appearing all over.
3. You (think) they are kind, Jack?
4. Five of these prizes (award) every year.
5. I (not think) we can go that far.
6. Time and tide (wait/waits) for none. [H.B.S.E. March 2019 (Set-B)]
7. If Senor Columbus (wish) to speak, he will be heard.
8. Maoris (live) in wooden houses.
9. How many mangoes Krishna (want)?
10. They will not site a man unless he (hurt) them.
Answer:
1. is
2. find
3. think
4. are awarded
5. not think
6. wait
7. wishes
8. live
9. wants
10. hurts.

2. The Present Continuous Tense
Form: This tense is formed by using the forms of the auxiliary ‘be’ and the ‘ing form of the verb. The negative sentences are formed by adding ‘not to the auxiliary. The interrogative is formed by placing the helping verb before the subject : (वाक्य का हिंदी अनुवाद करने पर रहा है, रही है, रहे हैं की आवाज आती है।)
Is he playing? No, he is not playing. He is resting.

Chart of Present Continuous Tense :

Person Form of the Sentence Singular Number Plural Number
First Affirmative
Negative
Interrogative
I am playing.
I am not playing.
Am I playing?
We are playing

We are not playing.
Are we playing?

Second Affirmative
Negative
Interrogative
You are playing.
You are not playing.
Are you playing?
You are playing.
You are not playing.
Are you playing?
Third Affirmative
Negative
Interrogative
He is playing.
She is not playing.
Is Raju playing?
They are playing
They are not playing.
Are they playing?

Uses of the Present Continuous Tense :
(a) It shows what is happening now, at the time of writing or speaking. Rahim is studying in his room, but his brother Karim is playing in the garden.

(b) To express an action which may not be actually going on at the time of speaking, but is going on in general :
He is writing a book on Chemistry. They are building a new bridge on the river.

(c) To express an action which is likely to happen in near future: My brother is coming next week. I am going to Delhi tomorrow.

(d) To express repeated happenings: He is always losing his things. His son is always bringing strange friends home.

The following verbs are not normally used in the continuous form :
(a) Verbs of senses: see, hear, smell, notice, feel, watch, etc.

(b) Verbs of emotion: want, wish, desire, refuse, forgive, care, like, hate, dislike, etc.

(c) Verbs of thinking: think, feel, realize, understand, mean, suppose, believe, expect, forget, remember, recollect, etc.

(d) Verbs of possession: own, owe, belong, possess.

(e) Such verbs as seem, signify, appear, contain, consist, concern, cost, matter, etc.

However, the above verbs can be used in the continuous form, when they have different meanings, or when they show the deliberate uses of senses, e.g. I am seeing the officer tomorrow. (to meet) Sita is smelling the contents of the bottle to judge what it contains. (to smell deliberately) The judge is hearing the case. (proceedings of a legal case)

Exercise 2
Put the verbs in the brackets into Present Continuous Tense.

1. Sid flew downstairs and said, “Aunty, Tom (die).”
2. Look! they (go) down. [H.B.S.E. 2017 (Set-C)]
3. As a witness of this desire of mine, I (make) this request.
4. The conductor (walk) on the footpath.
5. Swami (solve) a simple sum.
6. The young penguin (feed) by the mother penguin.
7. Who (sit) there cross-legged?
8. Tom (paint) with exertion.
9. Susan (bring) fifty girls home.
10. Lt. Brown (lead) the patrolling.
Answer:
1. is dying
2. are going
3. am making
4. is walking
5. is solving
6. is being fed
7. is sitting
8. is painting
9. is bringing
10. is leading

3. The Present Perfect Tense
Form: This tense is formed by using has/have + IIIrd form of the verb. In negative, ‘not’ is added after has/have. In interrogative sentences, has/have is placed before the subject. (वाक्य का हिंदी अनुवाद करने पर चुका है, चुकी है, चुके हैं, की आवाज आती है।)
He has done his homework.
I have not taken lunch.
Have you met Dinesh?

Chart of the Present Perfect Tense :
HBSE 12th Class English Tenses 9

Uses of the Present Perfect Tense :
(a) To express an action which has just been completed: Have you written a letter? Yes, I have just completed it.

(b) To express an action which began in the past and has continued upto the present. For this use of the tense for and since can be used to denote the length of time. For is used to show the length of time and since to show the point of time. I have lived in this house for ten years.

(c) To express an action which happened in the past at an indefinite time. We either don’t know its time or we do not mention it. I have seen the Taj Mahal. I have met the author of this book.

(d) But if the past time is mentioned, we don’t use this tense. Then it is better to use Simple Past Tense. I have taken my lunch. I took it an hour ago.

Exercise 3
Put the verbs in the brackets into Present Perfect Tense :
1. We (consider) all this before. [H.B.S.E: 2017 (Set-A)]
2. We have looked into the saliva of mad dogs that (just-die).
3. Many an accident (has/have) recently taken place. [H.B.S.E. 2019 (Set-C)]
4. As I have grown older, this attachment also (grow).
5. I (miss) him from my bus route of late.
6. What that bird (get) under its tail?
7. Mihir Sen (show) remarkable courage.
8. Neither of the two boys (has/have) done it. [H.B.S.E. 2019 (Set-A)]
9. The conductor (win) his victory.
10. My hostess (keep) her promise.
Answer:
1. have considered
2. has just died
3. have
4. has grown
5. have missed
6. has got
7. has showed
8. has
9. has won
10. has kept.

HBSE 12th Class English Grammar Tenses

4. The Present Perfect Continuous Tense
Form: This tense is formed by using has/have + been + Ist form of the verb + ing. The negative is formed by placing not after has/have and in interrogatives has/have is placed before the subject. (वाक्य का हिंदी अनुवाद करने पर से रहा है, से रही है, से रहा था की आवाज आती है।)
Have you been living in this city for a long time? No, I have not been living here since long.
I have been living here only for five years.

Chart of the Present Perfect Continuous Tense :

Person Form of the Sentence Singular Number Plural Number
First Affirmative
Negative
Interrogative
I have been waiting.
I have not been waiting.
Have I been waiting?
We have been waiting.
We have not been waiting.
Have we been waiting?
Person Form of the Sentence Singular Number Plural Number
Second Affirmative
Negative
Interrogative
You have been waiting
You have not been waiting.
Have you been waiting?
You have been waiting.
You have not been waiting.
Have you been waiting?
Third Affirmative

Negative
Interrogative

He has been waiting.
Mohan has been waiting.
He has not been waiting.
Has she been waiting?
They have been waiting.
Mohan and Sohan have been
waiting.
They have not been waiting.
Have the giris been waiting?

Uses of the Present Perfect Continuous Tense :
(a) To express an action which began in the past but it still continuing: It has been raining since morning. We have been waiting for Mohan to come.

(b) To express an action, which has just finished, but whose effect or result still continues: I am tired; I have been watering the plants since morning. I am late because I have been washing my car.

Exercise 4
Put the verbs in the brackets into Present Perfect Continuous Tense :
1. Aunt Jane is surprised at the way they (live).
2. The Maoris (use) hot water for years.
3. Ram (cry) since morning. [H.B.S.E. 2017 (Set-A)]
4. They (quarrel) since morning.
5. The conductor (work) for an hour. [H.B.S.E. 2017 (Set-D)]
6. He (plays) the piano for many years.
7. Tom (cry) since morning.
8. Uncle Podger (try) to hang the picture since afternoon.
9. I (watch) the moods of the Ganga since my childhood.
10. Girls (enjoy) tea for an hour.
Answer:
1. have been living
2. have been using
3. has been crying
4. have been quarreling
5. has been working
6. has been playing
7. has been crying
8. has been trying
9. have been watching
10. have been enjoying.

5. The Simple Past Tense Form :
The Simple Past Tense is formed by using the IInd form of the verb. The negatives are formed by using did not + Ist form of the verb and the interrogatives by placing ‘did’ before the subject and using the Ist form of the verb. (वाक्य का हिंदी अनुवाद करने पर आ, ई, ऐ की आवाज आती है।)
Did you go to the theatre last night?
No, I did not go to the theatre. I went to the club.

Chart of the Simple Past (Past Indefinite) Tense :
HBSE 12th Class English Tenses 11

Uses of the Simple Past Tense :
(a) The Simple Past Tense is used to express an action completed in the definite past. I came to this city in 1985. At that time it was a calm area.
businessman set up a factory here and the place became very noisy
(b) To express a past habit: When I was at Jaipur, I always got up at five in the morning and went for a walk.
(c) To express an action which continued for some time in the past. But we now refer to the completed action. He waded through the water to bring her hat. He climbed the stairs slowly.

Exercise 5
Put the verbs in the brackets into Past Indefinite Tense :
1. Three persons got out and (disappear) into the night. [H.B.S.E. 2017 (Set-D)]
2. The director as well as the dancers (was/were) honoured. [H.B.S.E. 2019 (Set-B)]
3. The lady (not go) up the stairs.
4. Alfred Nobel (be) born on 21st October 1833. [H.B.S.E. 2017 (Set-C)]
5. He (not carry away) by his success.
6. More men than one (was/were) absent today. [H.B.S.E. 2019 (Set-A)]
7. Mr Hudson assured me that it (can do) no harm.
8. Did this mean all his work (be) wasted?
9. No student and no teacher (was/were) present. [H.B.S.E. 2019 (Set-C)]
10. When Nehru (write) his will? [H.B.S.E. 2017 (Set-B)]
Answer:
1. disappeared
2. were
3. did not go
4. was
5. was not carried away
6. were
7. could do
8. was
9. was
10. did Nehru write.

6. The Past Continuous Tense
Form: This tense is formed by was/were + Ist form of the verb + ing. The negative is formed by adding not to was/were. In interrogative sentences was/were is placed before the subject.
(हिंदी अनुवाद करने पर वाक्य के अंत में रहा था, रही थी, रहे थे की आवाज आती है।) The teacher came into the classroom and found that Mukesh was sleeping. “Were you sleeping ?” asked the teacher.
“No, Sir, I was reading a book, I was not sleeping,” replied Mukesh.

Chart of the Past Continuous Tense:
HBSE 12th Class English Tenses 13

Uses of the Past Continuous Tense :
(a) This tense is used to express an action which was continuing at some point of time in the past. The fire was burning when we came in.
He was taking lunch when I went to see him.
(b) To express actions which were happening repeatedly in the past: He was always asking me for help.
(c) To express two or more actions happening simultaneously in the past: While she was writing, he was looking out of the window. While others were watching the television, Prem was studying in his room.

Exercise 6
Put the verbs in the brackets into Past Continuous Tense :
1. We saw that she (float) on the water of the river. [H.B.S.E. 2017 (Set-D)]
2. As he could see, she (cry) silently.
3. Jonas knew what they (go) to do.
4. Tom (paint) with his exertions by this time.
5. Curious eyes watched her to see if she (cry).
6. The dog (blink) his eyes when I saw it.
7. Prof. Ambrik Singh saw that the girl (weep).
8. The Maoris (sing) hymns when we reached there.
9. The old penguin (move) slowly.
10. Lt. Martis (carry) a gun when I saw him.
Answer:
1. was floating
2. was crying
3. were going
4. was painting
5. was crying
6. was blinking
7. was weeping
8. were singing
9. was moving
10. was carrying.

7. The Past Perfect Tense
Form: The Past Perfect Tense is formed by using had + IIIrd form of the verb. The negative is formed by adding not to had. The interrogative is formed by placing had before the subject. The robber had robbed her before the police came. But they had not touched her diamond ring.
Had she hidden it somewhere?

Chart of the Past Perfect Tense :
HBSE 12th Class English Tenses 14

Uses of the Past Perfect Tense :
(a) When two actions happened in the past, the past perfect tense shows which action was completed before the other action started: The thieves had run away when the police arrived.
(b) To express an action completed before a certain point of time in the past: I had completed my work at 10 p.m.
(c) To express an impossible condition of the past: If he had worked hard, he would have passed.

Exercise 7
Put the verbs in the brackets into Past Perfect Tense :
1. Susan realised what she ……………. (do) and began to cry.
Answer:
had done

2. Loisel possessed eighteen thousand francs which his father ……………. (leave) him.
Answer:
had left

3. The patient ………… (die) before the doctor arrived.
Answer:
had died

4. They …………… (know) each other for forty years.
Answer:
had known

5. Miss Beam was all that I …………. (expect).
Answer:
had expected

6. It was an old car which Professor Ambrik Singh recently ………….. (purchase).
Answer:
had purchased

7. Swami ………….. (solve) the sum before father scolded him.
Answer:
had solved

8. Susan ………….. (reach) the school before the bell rang.
Answer:
had reached

9. He thanked me for what I ………….. (do). [H.B.S.E. 2017 (Set-B)]
Answer:
had done

10. The enemy …………… (flee) before we opened fire.
Answer:
had fled.

8. The Past Perfect Continuous Tense
Form: This tense is formed by using had + been + Ist form of the verb + ing. The negative is formed by putting not between had and been. In interrogative sentences, had is put before the subject. The fire had been burning for four hours before the fire brigade arrived. Had it been burning since morning? No, it had not been burning since morning.

HBSE 12th Class English Grammar Tenses

Chart of the Past Perfect Continuous Tense :

Person Form of the Sentence Singular Number Plural Number
First Affirmative
Negative
Interrogative
I had been  Playing
I had not been playing.
Had I been playing?
We had been playing.
We had not been playing.
Had we been playing?
Second Affirmative
Negative
Interrogative
You had been playing.
You had not been playing.
Had you been playing?
You had been playing.
You had not been playing.
Had you been playing?
Third Affirmative
Negative
Interrogative
He had been playing.
She had not been playing.
Had Gurpreet been playing?
They had been playing.
The girls had not been
playing.
Had the boys been playing?

Uses of the Past Perfect Continuous Tense :
This tense is used to express the continuity of an action at a given point in the past. In other words, the action started before a given point in the past. It was continuing at that time and probably continued after that also. He had been waiting for me when I reached there. The match had been going on for two hours when I reached the stadium.

Exercise 8

Put the verbs in the brackets into Past Perfect Continuous Tense :
1. They (talk) about the treasure hunt for two hours.
2. This was the opportunity he (wait) for.
3. The conductor (pull) the bell for a long time when the bus stopped.
4. Pasteur (carry on) with his experiments since long.
5. Nobel (work) on the chemical composition of the explosives for a long time.
Answer:
1. had been talking
2. had been waiting
3. had been pulling
4. had been carrying on
5. had been working.

9. The Simple Future (Future Indefinite) Tense
Form: The Simple Future Tense is formed by using shall/will + infinitive without ‘to’ Ist form of the verb. The negative is formed by putting ‘not’ after shall/will. In interrogative sentences, shall/will is placed before the subject. I shall/will play. Will Mohinder visit us tomorrow? No, he will not visit us. He is going to Agra.

Chart of the Simple Future (Future Indefinite) Tense :

Person Form of the Sentence Singular Number Plural Number
First Affirmative
Negative:
Interrogative
I shall play.
I shall not play.
Shall I play?
We shall play.
We shall not play.
Shall we play?
Second Affirmative
Negative
Interrogative
You will play.
You will not play.
Will you play?
You will play.
You will not play.
Will you play?
Third Affirmative
Negative
Interrogative
He will play.
She will play.
The boy will play.
He will not play.
Will he play?
They will play.
The boys will play.
They will not play.
Will they play?

Uses of the Simple Future Tense :
(a) To show future: He will go to Mumbai next week.
(b) To express the speaker’s opinions or assumptions about the future: I think he will not come back. We hope that Akhil will get First Division.
(c) Sometimes, the simple future tense is used to express habitual actions or general truths. He will always tell lies. A dog’s tail will remain crooked.
(d) Generally, shall is used with first person (I, we) and will is used with 2nd and 3rd persons. But will can be used with Ist person in order to express intention or promise. Shall can be used with promise, prohibition, etc. (see the chapter on Modal Auxiliaries): I will always help you in your need (promise). We will fight to the finish (determination). You shall not enter my room with muddy feet (prohibition).

Other ways of expressing the future :
Apart from shall/will, there are several other ways of expressing the future time in English. Some of these are:
(a) The Simple Present Tense: This tense can be used for a planned future action, particularly when it concerns a journey. We leave Jind at six, arrive Chandigarh at eleven and take a plane for Kullu at twelve.

(b) The Present Continuous Tense: It is used to express definite future arrangements. Usually, it is used to express an action which will take place in near future. He is leaving at the end of this week. My uncle is coming tomorrow.

(c) Going to + Ist form of the verb: This form is used to express the speaker’s intention or his certainty about an event. I am going to build a new house (intention). It is going to rain (certainty about an action).

Exercise 9

Put the verbs in the brackets into Future Indefinite Tense :
1. He …………… (die) of sunstroke if he keeps on like this.
Answer:
will die

2. …………… (tell) you after wards.
Answer:
shall tell

3. I ………….. (do) certainly nothing of this kind.
Answer:
shall do

4. If you go on the top, you ……………. (have) pneumonia.
Answer:
will have

5. Give me my ship and I ………….. (bring) enough.
Answer:
shall bring

6. If God smiles, Spain ………….. (become) wealthy and victorious.
Answer:
will become

7. That chain I ………………………. (not break).
Answer:
shall not break

8. When the poison reaches his heart, he . ………. (die).
Answer:
will die

9. Roux …………… (conduct) a new experiment.
Answer:
will conduct

10. He …………… (visit) us next week. [H.B.S.E. 2017 (Set-B)]
Answer:
will visit.

10. The Future Continuous Tense
Form: This tense is formed by using shall/will + present participle (Ist form + ing). The negative is formed by putting ‘not’ after shall/will. In interrogative sentences, will/shall is placed before the subject.
Will you be playing a match tomorrow? No, I shall not be playing. I shall be sitting in a train this time tomorrow.

Chart of the Future Continuous Tense :

Person Form of the Sentence Singular Number Plural Number
First Affirmative
Negative:
Interrogative
I shall play.
I shall not play.
Shall I play?
We shall play.
We shall not play.
Shall we play?
Second Affirmative
Negative
Interrogative
You will play.
You will not play.
Will you play?
You will play.
You will not play.
Will you play?
Third Affirmative
Negative
Interrogative
He will play.
She will play.
The boy will play.
He will not play.
Will he play?
They will play.
The boys will play.
They will not play.
Will they play?

Uses of the Future Continuous Tense :
(a) To express an action which is expected to take place in the normal course. It is less definite than the present continuous. We are seeing the manager tomorrow (definite arrangement). We shall be seeing the manager tomorrow (less definite).

(b) To express an action that will be in progress at a given point of time in future: When you reach Shimla, it will be snowing there. At this time tomorrow, I shall be traveling in a train.

(c) In the interrogative, the Future Continuous implies a polite request or query. Will you be coming with me?

Exercise 10

Put the verbs in the brackets into Future Continuous Tense :
1. He ……………. (wait) for you when you reach there.
Answer:
will be waiting

2. The conductor ………….. (wait) for an opportunity when you reach there.
Answer:
will be waiting

3. Alfred …………… (draw up) his will by next week.
Answer:
will be drawing up

4. The author …………… (meet) an Arab diver at this hour tomorrow.
Answer:
will be meeting

5. The divers ……………. (chew) their food slowly when you see us.
Answer:
will be chewing.

HBSE 12th Class English Grammar Tenses

11. The Future Perfect Tense Form :
This tense is formed with shall/will + have + past participle (III form of the verb). The negative is formed by putting ‘not’ after shall/will. In the interrogative sentences, shall/will is placed before the subject. He will have done this work. Will he have started the next work also?
No, he will not have started the next work. He will have gone home.

Chart of the Future Perfect Tense :

Person Form of the Sentence Singular Number Plural Number
First Affirmative
Negative
Interrogative
I shall have played.
I shall not have played.
Shall I have played?
We shall have played.
We shall not have played.
Shall we have played?
Second Affirmative
Negative
Interrogative
You will have played.
You will not have played.
Will you have played?
You will have played.
You will not have played.
Will you have played?
Third Affirmative
Negative
Interrogative
He will have played.
She will have played.
Mohan will not have played.
Will the boy have played?
They will have played.
They will not have played
Will the boys have played?

Uses of the Future Perfect Tense :
(a) To express an action which is expected to be completed by a given future time: I shall have solved the sum by that time. By the time the doctor arrives, the patient will have died.

(b) To express the speaker’s belief or guess about an action: Subodh will have reached Delhi by now. (Perhaps Subodh has reached Delhi by now.) You will have read about Akbar the Great.

Exercise 11

Put the verbs in the brackets into Future Perfect Tense :
1. Dr. Raman (save) the life of Gopal before you reach there.
2. Swami (solve) the sum before the night falls.
3. The Maoris (decorate) the church by the time the priest returns.
4. The journalist (visit) the front before the war breaks out.
5. Tom (go) to the school before Aunt Polly comes.
Answer:
1. will have saved
2. will have solved
3. will have decorated
4. will have visited
5. will have gone.

12. The Future Perfect Continuous Tense
Form: The Future Perfect Continuous Tense is formed with shall/will + have been + present participle (Ist form + ing). The negative is formed by putting ‘not’ after shall/will. In interrogative sentences, will/ shall is put before the subject. Will the gardener have been watering the plants in the evening? No, he will not have been watering the plants. He will have been trimming the plants.

Chart of the Future Perfect Continuous Tense :

Person Form of the Sentence Singular Number Plural Number
First Affirmative
Negative
Interrogative
I shall have been playing.
I shall not have been playing.
Shall I have been playing?
We shall have been playing.
We shall not have been playing.
Shall we have been playing?
Second Affirmative
Negative
Interrogative
You will have been playing.
You will not have been playing.
Will you have been playing ?
You will have been playing.
You will not have been playing.
Will you have been playing?
Third Affirmative
Negative
Interrogative
He will have been playing.
She will not have been playing.
Will Mohan have been playing?
They will have been playing.
They will not have been playing.
Will the boys have been playing?

Uses of the Future Perfect Continuous Tense :
This tense is used to express an action which will begin before a certain time in the future, will be continuing at that certain point of time and will continue even after that. When you reach the ground, the match will have been going on for one hour. (The match will begin, one hour before you reach, will still be in progress at the time of your reaching there and will continue even after your arrival.)

Exercise 12

Put the verbs in the brackets into Future Perfect Continuous Tense :
1. Hari ……………. (show) them maps for an hour when the teacher arrives.
Answer:
will have been showing

2. The divers …………. (dive) since morning when they get a warning.
Answer:
will have been diving

3. Swami …………… (think) about the mangoes for half an hour before he gets these.
Answer:
will have been thinking

4. The child ……………. (cry) since morning when the mother picks it up.
Answer:
will have been crying

5. Dr. Raman …………… (examine) his patients for a long time when you reach there.
Answer:
will have been examining.

Conjugation of Verbs Or Three Forms of Verbs
HBSE 12th Class English Tenses 15

HBSE 12th Class English Tenses 16

HBSE 12th Class English Tenses 17

HBSE 12th Class English Tenses 18

HBSE 12th Class English Tenses 19

HBSE 12th Class English Tenses 20

HBSE 12th Class English Tenses 21

HBSE 12th Class English Tenses 22

HBSE 12th Class English Tenses 23

HBSE 12th Class English Tenses 24

HBSE 12th Class English Tenses 25

HBSE 12th Class English Tenses 26

HBSE 12th Class English Tenses 27

Exercises For Practice (Solved)

Exercise 1
Use the correct form of the Verb given in brackets.
1. Snakes (not make) holes. They (live) in the holes made by other creatures.
2. Four miles (is/are) not a long distance. [H.B.S.E. March, 2019 (Set-B)]
3. I or he (am/is) to be rewarded. [H.B.S.E. March, 2019 (Set-C)]
4. I(not hear) from him since he (go) to Delhi.
5. Our teacher (speak) so quickly that most of the students (not understand) him.
6. In Tamilnadu men usually (wear) lungis.
7. Run fast! The train ……………… (leave). [H.B.S.E. March 2020 (Set-C)]
8. I cannot answer the telephone because I (make) an omelette.
9. She always …………………… (find) faults in others. [H.B.S.E. March, 2020 (Set-A)]
10. You (love) her? No, I (like) her manners but I (not love) her.
11. You (know) why water (boil) when we (heat) it?
12. Who (make) so much noise in the next room ?
13. I usually (celebrate) Diwali with pomp and show, but this year I (not celebrate) it as my mother-in-law has died.
14. This story is about a man who (sell) his land and (go) to the country of Bashkirs.
15. What evidence (is/are) these acts ? [H.B.S.E. March, 2019 (Set-A)]
Answers :
1. do not make, live;
2. is;
3. is;
4. have not heard, went;
5. speaks, do not understand;
6. wear;
7. is leaving;
8. I am making;
9. finds;
10. Do you love; like, do not love;
11. Do you know, boils, heat;
12. is making;
13. celebrate, I am not celebrating;
14. sells, goes;
15. are.

HBSE 12th Class English Grammar Tenses

Exercise 2

Use the correct form of the Verb given in brackets.
1. I cannot go out as it (rain).
2. He generally (wear) white clothes, but today he (wear) a red shirt.
3. Milk (cost) Thirty rupees a kilo.
4. Rain (fall) from the clouds.
5. Crime never (pay).
6. The workers (repair) the road at present.
7. People (wear) new clothes at Diwali.
8. When I (reach) his house, he (have) his breakfast.
9. I usually (drink) coffee but now I (drink) tea.
10. We (have) our lunch at the Bulbul Restaurant this afternoon.
11. As it is good weather, children (play) in the garden.
12. The doctor (examine) the patient in the next room.
13. Do not make a noise. The baby (sleep) in the cradle.
14. I (hear) a noise from the next home. Vijay is beating his wife again.
15. Water ……….. (to boils) at 100°. [H.B.S.E. March, 2018 (Set-C)]
Answers:
1. is raining;
2. wears is wearing;
3. costs;
4. falls;
5. pays;
6. are repairing;
7. wear;
8. reached, was having;
9. drink, am drinking;
10. are having;
11. are playing;
12. is examining;
13. is sleeping;
14. hear;
15. boils.

Exercise 3
Use the correct form of the Verb given in brackets.
1. He (take) meal and is playing in the garden now.
2. Please give me your pen. I (forget) mine at home.
3. I (ring) the bell for five minutes, but nobody (come) to answer.
4. This woman (visit) the shop five times but so far she (not purchase) anything.
5. He …………… (be) a teacher since 1988. [H.B.S.E. 2020 (Set-A)]
6. I (wait) for you for the last one hour.
7. I ……………… (dig) in the garden since morning. [H.B.S.E. 2020 (Set-B)]
8. You cannot meet Rajesh. He (just go) out.
9. Geeta went to Delhi six months ago, but I (not hear) from her so far.
10. He …………….. (not come) back yet. [H.B.S.E. 2020 (Set-D)]
11. India and Pakistan (fight) three wars.
12. You cannot go out till you (complete) your homework.
13. I (help) him five time in the past, but he (not improve).
14. He already (write) five letters and is still writing.
15. The clock …………….. (just strike) twelve. [H.B.S.E. 2020 (Set-B)]
Answers:
1. has taken;
2. have forgotten;
3. have been ringing, come;
4. has visited, has not purchased;
5. has been;
6. have been waiting;
7. have been digging;
8. has just gone;
9. have not heard;
10. has not come;
11. have fought;
12. have completed;
13. have helped, has not improved;
14. written;
15. has just strike.

Exercise 4
Use the correct form of the Verb given in brackets.
1. A liar is a person who habitually (tell) lies. [H.B.S.E. 2017 (Set-C)]
2. He (play) for two hours and still (not stop).
3. The burglars (try) to get into the house for two hours.
4. You cannot meet him. He (write) a letter.
5. He generally (go) to college in a car, but today he (go) on a cycle.
6. I (smell) something burning.
7. I (not met) the minister so far but I (meet) him tomorrow.
8. There is no use of calling the doctor; the patient already (die).
9. The hungry child (cry) for ten minutes.
10. Mohan (like) to swim in the river.
11. He (wear) that coat for fifteen years and it (wear out) at the elbows.
12. I never (see) such a beautiful girl.
13. Everybody (admire) a smart boy.
14. It is high time the Govt. (take) strong measures to curb the menace of terrorism.
15. I want to go to the theatre; I not (see) a good play for a long time.
Answers:
1. tells;
2. has been playing, has still not stopped;
3. have been trying;
4. is writing;
5. goes, is going;
6. smell;
7. have not met, am meeting;
8. has already died;
9. has been crying;
10. likes;
11. has been wearing, has worn out;
12. have never seen;
13. admires;
14. is taking;
15. have not seen.

HBSE 12th Class English Grammar Tenses

Exercise 5
Use the correct form of the Verb given in brackets.
1. I (meet) the author of this book. I (meet) him last month.
2. I (see) the Taj Mahal. I (see) it ten years ago.
3. When I was on my way to the college, my scooter suddenly (break) down. I (get) it repaired but it (make) me late by one hour.
4. You (see) the film that is showing at the Kundan Theatre? Yes, I (see) it last week.
5. There (be) a very good programme on the T.V. last night. You (see) it ?
6. I (start) writing articles at the age of 20 and by now I (write) 400.
7. You (meet) Mohan lately? I (ring) his room several times but (get) no answer.
8. Sudha (go) to the market two hours ago, but she (not return) yet.
9. My uncle (just arrive) from Kolkata.
10. He (suffer) from typhoid since Sunday.
Answers:
1. have met, met;
2. have seen, saw;
3. broke, got, made;
4. Have you seen, saw;
5. was, Did you see;
6. started, have written;
7. Have you met, rang, got;
8. went, has not returned;
9. has just arrived;
10. has been suffering.

Exercise 6
Use the correct form of the Verb given in brackets.
1. We (lit) the fire at 6 a.m. and it (burn) brightly when we came back at 9 a.m.
2. When I (enter) the room, everybody (be) busy. But Mohan (look) out of the window.
3. Last Saturday, i ……………. (stay) at home. [H.B.S.E. March 2020 (Set-A, D)]
4. She (have) a bath when doorbell (ring). She hurriedly (put) on her clothes and (come) out. It was a detective. He (ask) her what she (doing) at the time.
5. I suddenly (find) that I (travel) in the wrong direction.
6. When I (enter) the room, I (find) that everything (be) scattered on the floor. My son (search) for his lost pen.
7. He (sit) at the bank, fishing. Suddenly he (see) something floating. He (jump) into the lake and (find) that it was a dead body.
8. When I (enter) the classroom. I found that the lecture had begun and the teacher (write) on the blackboard.
9. I (leave) the party early because I (not enjoy) myself.
10. The officer (play) golf when he (hear) the news of strike in the factory.
Answers:
1. lit was burning;
2. entered, was, was looking;
3. stayed;
4. was having, rang, put, came, asked, was she doing;
5. found, was traveling;
6. entered, found, was, was searching;
7. was sitting, saw, jumped, found;
8. entered, was writing;
9. left, was not enjoying;
10. was playing, heard.

Exercise 7
Use the correct form of the Verb given in brackets.
1. He (sit) down after he (deliver) the speech.
2. The teacher (say) that we could go home if we (complete) our work.
3. After he (see off) his wife at the airport, he (come) home.
4. When he (come) home, he (find) that thieves (break into) his home in his absence.
5. He (find) that they (take) his electronic typewriter.
6. A woman brought a small child and said that he (swallow) a safety pin.
7. He (return) the book to me and (say) that he (enjoy) it very much.
8. When the doctor came he (find) that the patient (died).
9. By the time the fire engine (arrive) most of the huts (be destroy).
10. I ran very fast but I was disappointed to find that the train (leave).
Answers:
1. sat, had delivered.
2. said, had completed.
3. had seen off, came
4. came, found, had broken into.
5. found, had taken.
6. had swallowed
7. returned, said, had enjoyed.
8. found, had died.
9. arrived, had been destroyed.
10. had left.

Exercise 8
Use the correct form of the Verb given in brackets.
1. At 9 p.m. last night, I (watch) the television.
2. The players (enter) the stage carrying torches.
3. It started to rain while we tennis. (to play) [H.B.S.E. March 2018 (Set-C)]
4. He (cross) the room and (sit) in the chair.
5. It ……………… (happen) in the year 1924. [H.B.S.E. March 2020 (Set-)]
6. When he came in we (take) dinner.
7. Last year I (attend) a conference at Chennai.
8. An accident (take) place at the crossroads last evening.
9. When Mohan (be) five years old, his father (die).
10. When I was walking along the road, the wind (blow) off my hat.
11. I (think) hard and (find) a solution.
12. After walking for four kilometers I (realize) that I (go) in the wrong direction.
13. I (break) my leg when I was dancing.
14. Hitler (get) a great number of Jews killed.
15. The doctor (examine) the patients when I went to see him.
Answers:
1. was watching.
2. entered.
3. were playing
4. crossed sat.
5. happened.
6. were taking.
7. attended,
8. took place,
9. was, died.
10. blew off.
11. thought found.
12. realized, was going.
13. broke.
14. got.
15. was examining.

HBSE 12th Class English Grammar Tenses

Exercise 9
Use the correct form of the Verb given in brackets.
1. When I (reach) the cinema hall I found that I (have) no money for the tickets.
2. Mohan (read) quietly when a stranger (rush) in.
3. I(walk) along the Mall when I (come) across a man with a long beard.
4. I(go) to the Dentist but he (be) out.
5. I (pick) up the receiver and (dial) a number. The bell (ring) but nobody (seem) to be there.
6. When we went out early this morning the sun (shine).
7. He (slip) and injured his leg when he (get) down the bus.
8. I (see) a man’s hat floating down the river when I (fish).
9. It (rain) heavily when he (wake) up.
10. He (remember) that his friend (come) for lunch in the afternoon.
Answers:
1. reached, had.
2. was reading, rushed.
3. was walking, came.
4. went, was
5. picked up, dialled, was ringing, seemed.
6. was shining.
7. slipped, was getting down.
8. saw, fishing.
9. was raining, woke.
10. remembers, was coming.

Exercise 10
Use the correct form of the Verb given in brackets.
1. The woman told the doctor that her son just (break) his leg.
2. The accident (occur) at 10.30 a.m. this morning.
3. When I reached the house I (find) that thieves (break) into it.
4. I found that they (take) away a lot of money.
5. The thieves (run) away before I reached the house.
6. The match (begin) before we reached the stadium.
7. The thieves (run) away before the police (arrive).
8. When I reached the cinema hall, the picture already (begin).
9. He (leave) just for his office.
10. We ……………… (have) our dinner before she left.
11. When I (reach) the bus stop, the bus (leave).
12. He went home after we (see) the film.
13. He (become) happy when he (know) that he (pass).
14. If he (work) hard, he would have won the prize.
15. I (thank) her for what she (do) for me. [H.B.S.E. March, 2020 (Set-C)]
Answers:
1. had just broken.
2. occurred.
3. found, had broken
4. had taken.
5. had run
6. had begun.
7. had run, arrived.
8 had already begun.
9. has left.
10. had.
11. reached, had left.
12. had seen.
13. became, knows, had passed.
14. had worked.
15. thanked, had done for me.

Exercise 11
Use the correct form of the Verb given in brackets.
1. I wonder if I (get) tickets in advance.
2. I (know) the results in a week’s time.
3. If you work hard, you (pass).
4. Perhaps he (arrive) in time for lunch.
5. At this time tomorrow, I (travel) in a train.
6. By six p.m. tomorrow, I (do) this work.
7. I(to Finish) this novel by this time tomorrow. [H.B.S.E. March, 2018 (Set-D)]
8. There is going to be a bus strike. Everyone (look) for taxis and rickshaws next week.
9. What ……………. (happen) if you fail. [H.B.S.E. March, 2020 (Set-B)]
10. He has lost of weight since he (join) the Health Club.
Answers:
1. shall get;
2. shall know;
3. will pass;
4. will arrive;
5. shall be travelling;
6. shall have done;
7. shall have finished;
8. will be looking;
9. will happen;
10. joined.

Exercise 12
Use the correct form of the Verb given in brackets.
1. If you walk fast, you (catch) the train.
2. When you reach there he (read) a book.
3. By evening 1 (read) half the book.
4. At 7 p.m. he (ring) for two hours.
5. I (return) your book tomorrow.
6. I (help) you in your difficulty.
7. You (know) your result next week.
8. A number of tourists (arrive) Shimla next summer.
9. The train (leave) by the time you reach the station.
10. As you sow, so you (reap).
11. The gardener (water) the plants before the sun rises.
12. The sun (rise) before we reach the top.
13. I (do) the washing tomorrow morning.
14. If he is clever enough, he (get) his answer.
15. When she (peel) the potatoes, she (cut) her finger.
Answers:
1. will catch.
2. will be reading.
3. will have read.
4. will have been ringing
5. will return
6. will help.
7. shall know
8. will arrive.
9. will have left.
10. shall you reap
11. waters
12. had arisen
13. will do
14. will get
15. was peeling, cut.

Exercises For Practice (Unsolved)

Exercise 1
Use the correct form of the Verb given in brackets.
1. Bad students never (work) hard.
2. He just decided that he (undertake) the job.
3. I could not get his scooter because he (sell) it.
4. I(do) the last question when the bell (ring).
5. I shall not go to his house unless he (invite) me.
6. There (to go) the bell. [H.B.S.E. March, 2018 (Set-B)]
7. The meeting (start) after the President (arrive).
8. He (finish) his studies before the war broke out.
9. If father (give) me one lakh rupees I (buy) that car.
10. I (live) here for the last two years.
11. Ever since I (leave) my town, I (live) in Delhi.
12. She (finish) her homework when her sister (see) her yesterday.
13. Mohan (go) to market in the morning but he (not return) yet.
14. They (buy) a house in Delhi two years ago.
15. Mumps (to be) not common among adults. [H.B.S.E. March, 2018 (Set-A)]

Exercise 2
Use the correct form of the Verb given in brackets.
1. My servant (leave) me two weeks ago.
2. Either Mohan or I (to go). [H.B.S.E. March, 2018 (Set-A)]
3. The teacher (teach) the lesson before I (come) to the school yesterday.
4. I(live) here for the last five years.
5. Indians (become) politically conscious before they (get) their freedom.
6. He (become) an officer if he (pass) the I.A.S.
7. Wood always (float) on water.
8. They (return) to Delhi when the plane (develop) engine trouble.
9. The police (catch) the thief last night.
10. The sun (shine) when we went out.
11. If I (go) to meet him in the morning, I certainly (meet) him.
12. If he (go) into that field the bull (chase) him.
13. Baba started weeping when he (to come) out of the court. [H.B.S.E. March, 2018 (Set-D)]
14. We (attend) a function tomorrow evening. We (come) back by ten.
15. I (make) a doll. I (expect) to finish it soon.

HBSE 12th Class English Grammar Tenses

Exercise 3
Use the correct form of the Verb given in brackets.
1. I (know) already that he (say) no to my proposal.
2. Although the work (seem) difficult I could finish it in time.
3. He (live) in this city for the last five years.
4. Here (to be) two apples. [H.B.S.E. March 2018 (Set-D)]
5. It is decided that we (attend) the college function tomorrow.
6. He was so proud that no one (like) him.
7. How often you (go) to the cinema?
8. He (meet) with an accident and now is in hospital.
9. He is your younger brother; you (help) him.
10. The mayor as well as his brothers (to be) going to prison. [H.B.S.E. March 2018 (Set-B)]
11. We (leave) the city before he came.
12. If I (be) a ghost I (frighten) all the people I dislike.
13. She normally (wear) spectacles but today she is not wearing them.
14. The robbers (rob) the traveller of all his money and (bind) his hands and legs with a rope.
15. He (play) since morning.

Exercise 4
Use the correct form of the Verb given in brackets:
1. I (see) him (complete) his work.
2. They (to burn) Panchkula yesterday. [H.B.S.E. March, 2018 (Set-B)]
3. The boys (decorate) the school for the minister’s visit. The minister (arrive) here tomorrow.
4. He (write) the letter, put it in an envelope and (go) out to post it.
5. I never (forget) what you just (tell) me.
6. I(work) since morning and now I am tired.
7. He usually (read) the newspaper at breakfast.
8. We (stop) playing as it (begin) to rain heavily.
9. Although the work (be) tough I (finish) it within time.
10. When they visited the hospital, Mohan (get) discharged.
11. She (read) the newspaper when her brother (come) home.
12. Either my brothers or my father (to be) responsible.[H.B.S.E. March, 2018 (Set-C)]
13. You (think) differently from this when you (be) older.
14. No sooner had he left the room than it (begin) to rain.
15. If you (tell) the truth, the teacher would not have punished you.

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