Tense errors are the most frequently penalised grammar mistake in IELTS Speaking. At Band 4, students often use present tense for past events or mix tenses inconsistently.
The four tenses you must control:
| Tense | Use | Example | |---|---|---| | Simple past | Completed past events | "I studied at university in 2019." | | Present perfect | Past events with present relevance | "I have lived here for five years." | | Present simple | Facts, habits, general truths | "I work as a teacher." | | Future forms | Plans, predictions, possibilities | "I'm planning to travel next year." |
The present perfect vs. simple past rule:
- Use present perfect when the time is not specified or when the event is still relevant now
- Use simple past when you give a specific time in the past
"I have visited Paris." (no specific time — present perfect) ✓ "I visited Paris in 2018." (specific time — simple past) ✓ "I have visited Paris in 2018." ✗ (specific time + present perfect = wrong)
Band 4 tense errors
Yesterday I go to the market and I buy some vegetables. I have gone there every week since I am a child.
Why this works: Errors: 'go' should be 'went', 'buy' should be 'bought', 'I am' should be 'I was a child'.
Band 6 correct tenses
Yesterday I went to the local market and bought some fresh vegetables. I have been going there every week since I was a child — it is something of a family tradition.
Why this works: Simple past for yesterday's events. Present perfect for ongoing habit. Past simple for childhood reference.
tradition
a custom passed down through generations
Example: It is something of a family tradition.
relevant
connected to the current situation
Example: This experience is still very relevant today.
The present perfect (have/has + past participle) is used for experiences, recent events, and situations that started in the past and continue now.
- →I have visited several countries in Asia. (experience — no specific time)
- →I have been working as a teacher for three years. (ongoing situation)
- →She has just finished her degree. (recent event)
- →I have lived in this city since 2015. (started in past, continues now)
- Use simple past for completed events with a specific time.
- Use present perfect for experiences and situations that are still relevant.
- Never use present perfect with a specific past time (yesterday, in 2018, last year).
- Use 'used to' for past habits that no longer continue.
Answer these questions using the correct tense: 1) Tell me about a memorable trip you have taken. 2) How long have you been studying English? 3) What did you do last weekend? 4) What are your plans for the future?