Mixed tenses exercises are a great way to practice using different tenses in English. They can be used to practice grammar, vocabulary, and even speaking. Here are some tips on how to use mixed tenses exercises to improve your English skills.
1. Choose the right exercise
There are many different mixed tenses exercises available online and in textbooks. It is important to choose the right exercise for your level and needs. If you are a beginner, it is probably best to start with an exercise that only uses a few tenses. As you become more confident, you can choose exercises that use more tenses.
2. Read the instructions carefully
Before you start the exercise, make sure you understand the instructions. Some exercises will ask you to choose the correct verb form, while others will ask you to put the verbs into the correct order. If you are not sure what to do, ask a friend or teacher for help.
3. Take your time
Mixed tenses exercises can be tricky, so don’t worry if you can’t do them all correctly at first. Just take your time and focus on getting the tenses right. With practice, you will be able to do them more quickly and easily.
4. Check your answers
Once you have finished the exercise, check your answers to see how well you did. If you made any mistakes, try to find out where you went wrong and how you can avoid making the same mistake in the future.
5. Practice regularly
The more you practice mixed tenses exercises, the better you will become at using different tenses in English. So make sure to do them regularly, either on your own or with a tutor or friend.
1. Put the verbs into the correct tense (simple past or past perfect simple).
I saw/ had seen her yesterday.
When I arrived home, I realised/ had realised that I left/ had left my key at the office.
I went/ had gone out when the phone rang/ had rung.
By the time we arrived/ had arrived, the play began/ had begun.
I regretted/ had regretted not having taken her advice when it was/ had been too late.
2. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first one, using the word given. Use between two and five words, including the word given.
I’m sorry I left my key at the office.
I regret leaving my key at the office.
The play began when we arrived.
We arrived when the play began.
I realised that I had left my key at the office.
I realised that I left my key at the office.
It was too late when I regretted not taking her advice.
I regretted not taking her advice when it was too late.
I saw her yesterday.
I had seen her the day before.
3. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first one, using the word given. Use between two and five words, including the word given.
I went out when the phone rang.
The phone rang when I went out.
By the time we arrived, the play had begun.
When we arrived, the play had already begun.
I realised that I had left my key at the office.
I realised that I left my key at the office.
It was too late when I regretted not taking her advice.
I regretted not taking her advice when it was too late.
I saw her yesterday.
I had seen her the day before.
4. Change the verbs in brackets into the correct form (simple past or past perfect simple).
I felt awful when I (realise) that I (leave) my key at home.
The meeting (begin) when everybody (arrive).
I (regret) not taking her advice when it (be) too late.
I (see) her yesterday when I (go) out for a walk.
By the time we (arrive) at the party, most of the guests (leave).
5. Change the verbs in brackets into the correct form (simple past or past perfect simple).
I felt awful when I (realised) that I (had left) my key at home.
The meeting (began) when everybody (had arrived).
I (regretted) not taking her advice when it (was) too late.
I (saw) her yesterday when I (went) out for a walk.
By the time we (arrived) at the party, most of the guests (had left).
