What are 6 types of tenses

The term “6 types of tenses” is a simplified way of grouping tenses, usually taught to beginners for easier understanding. It combines basic present, past, and future forms with their continuous versions.

The 6 Common Types of Tenses

Present Tense (2 types)

1. Simple Present
   Used for habits, facts, and general truths
   Example: She reads every day.
2. Present Continuous
   Used for actions happening now
   Example: She is reading a book.

Past Tense (2 types)

1. Simple Past
   Used for completed actions in the past
   Example: She read a book yesterday.
2. Past Continuous
   Used for actions that were ongoing in the past
   Example: She was reading at 8 PM.

Future Tense (2 types)

1. Simple Future
   Used for actions that will happen
   Example: She will read tomorrow.
2. “Going To” Future (Near Future / Plan)
   Used for planned or expected actions
   Example: She is going to read tonight.

Quick Summary:

Tense	Type
Present	Simple, Continuous
Past	Simple, Continuous
Future	Will, Going to

Pro Tip:

This 6-type model is a basic learning shortcut.
For advanced grammar, you should learn all 12 tenses, which include perfect and perfect continuous forms.