Present, Past and Past Participle Verbs

She surfs every weekend.

She surfed last Saturday.

She has surfed in Los Angeles and San Diego.

Understanding how verbs change depending on tense is key to improving your English. Most verbs have three main forms: 

1. Present (base form) 
2. Past (past simple) 
3. Past participle often used with have/has/had (perfect tense) or be (passive tense) 

These forms are used in different types of sentences and tenses, especially when forming the present perfect and past perfect. 

You’ll need all three verb forms when using different tenses: 

Some verbs are regular, like the example above, but many are irregular, and must be learned individually. 

Let’s look at a few useful examples. 

To choose 

Last night I chose what movie we watched; today you choose the movie. 

Which movie have you chosen? 

• “Chose” is the past simple of choose. 
• “Chosen” is the past participle. 

To freeze 

The river is starting to freeze. Do you remember when it froze last year? 

I don’t remember it being frozen at this time of year. 

• “Freeze” is the present form. 
• “Froze” is the past simple. 
• “Frozen” is the past participle. 

To hide 

He’s hidden my keys, and I can’t find them 

Did he tell you where he hid them? 

I’m going to tell him not to hide my things! 

• “Hidden” is the past participle. 
• “Hid” is the past simple. 
• “Hide” is the present tense. 

To fly 

Have you ever flown in a helicopter? 

I flew in one last year. 

One day, I’d love to fly one myself. 

• “Flown” is the past participle. 
• “Flew” is the past simple. 
• “Fly” is the present tense.