All Ears English Podcast

AEE 2394: How to Know Which Past Tense to Use in English

46 snips
Apr 21, 2025
Explore the intriguing differences between various English past tenses, including simple past and present perfect. Discover how context shapes your verb choices and impacts storytelling clarity. The hosts share their thoughts on a surprisingly good low-rated movie, emphasizing the joy of authentic conversation over strict grammar. They also address listener questions, breaking down complex usages with practical examples. Learn the nuances that can elevate your English communication skills and improve your narrative delivery!
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ANECDOTE

Aubrey's Movie Experience

  • Aubrey shares going to many movies with her kids due to buying an unlimited popcorn bucket.
  • They watched Snow White and all surprisingly loved it despite poor reviews.
INSIGHT

English Verb Tense Flexibility

  • English speakers often switch verb tenses within sentences naturally.
  • This flexibility reflects real speech rather than strict textbook grammar rules.
ADVICE

Tense Choice When It Doesn't Matter

  • When it doesn't matter to your story, you can choose any past tense form.
  • Native speakers often use simple past, present perfect, or present perfect continuous interchangeably in such cases.
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