English Tenses – Graphic Comparison

Legend

moment in time	action that takes place once, never or several times actions that happen one after another actions that suddenly take place
period of time	action that started before a certain moment and lasts beyond that moment actions taking place at the same time
Result	action taking place before a certain moment in time puts emphasis on the result
Course / Duration	action taking place before a certain moment in time puts emphasis on the course or duration of the action