Choose the Perfect Tense

Start with the forms table, especially the irregular participles. Then use the time clue sheet before reading The Big Recital.

Use time clues like since, by the time and by next June to write 12 verbs in the right perfect tense. A perfect tense shows that an action is finished before a certain time in the present, past or future. The directions on the page read: Use the time clue in each sentence. Write the verb in parentheses in the correct perfect tense on the line. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 6th Grade verbs, and the page works the same whether it lands on a kitchen table or a center rotation. At home, most families go through it together and talk the answers out loud, and that talking is where most of the learning happens with perfect tenses. In class it runs well as independent work while you pull a small group. Print one copy or thirty, whichever the day needs.

Since, for and so far signal present perfect, before or by the time in the past signal past perfect, and by a future time signals future perfect. Choose the Perfect Tense lists these clues.

The past participle of swim is swum, so the perfect forms are has swum, had swum and will have swum.

It shows an action that will have kept going up to a future time, as in By Saturday, Amara will have been preparing for this recital for three months.