by Dr. Radut

How to use the 12 Tenses of the Verb 'To Make' with Examples

The verb "to make" is indeed a versatile tool in English, offering a myriad of ways to express actions across different tenses. Let's delve into the narrative of sandwich-making across various temporal contexts:

Present tense: 

  • - I make a sandwich for lunch every day.
  • - He makes sandwiches with extra cheese.

Past tense:

  • - I made a sandwich for lunch yesterday.
  • - She made a delicious sandwich with fresh vegetables last week.

Present continuous tense:

  • - I am making a sandwich for lunch right now.
  • - We are making sandwiches for the picnic this afternoon.

Past continuous tense:

  • - I was making a sandwich for lunch when the phone rang.
  • - They were making sandwiches for the party when the power went out.

Present perfect tense:

  • - I have made a sandwich for lunch every day this week.
  • - She has made sandwiches for the entire family since morning.

Past perfect tense:

  • - I had made a sandwich for lunch before my friend arrived.
  • - He had made sandwiches for everyone by the time the movie started.

Present perfect continuous tense:

  • - I have been making a sandwich for lunch every day this week.
  • - They have been making sandwiches for the charity event since early morning.

Past perfect continuous tense:

  • - I had been making a sandwich for lunch for half an hour when the phone rang.
  • - She had been making sandwiches for the school fundraiser all morning before her shift started.

Future tense (simple):

  • - I will make a sandwich for lunch tomorrow.
  • - He will make sandwiches for the road trip next weekend.

Future tense (continuous):

  • - I will be making a sandwich for lunch when you arrive.
  • - We will be making sandwiches for the party when the guests arrive.

Future perfect tense:

  • - I will have made a sandwich for lunch by the time you arrive.
  • - She will have made sandwiches for everyone by the end of the meeting.

Future perfect continuous tense:

  • - I will have been making a sandwich for lunch for an hour by the time you arrive.
  • - They will have been making sandwiches for the event for three hours by the time it starts.

This article offers a comprehensive overview of the 12 tenses of the verb "to make," showcasing its versatility in expressing actions across different time frames. Whether you're narrating a story, describing routine activities, or planning for the future, mastering these tenses will enrich your English communication skills.