6. Narrative Tenses

Narrative tenses

Narrative tenses are basically verb tenses used to talk about the past. 

[Subject + 2nd form of verb + object]

It is used:

To talk about past events and to tell stories

They are common in written stories, especially when describing actions.

Used to talk about recent actions, historical events and biographical information.

Types of narrative tenses

The most common form that is often used is past simple. Here are a few examples of usage of three types of narrative tenses. 

Past simple: 

One morning, she went for a walk in a park and came across a small pond. 

Past continuous: 

While she was walking past the home, she heard horrifying voices coming from it. 

Past perfect: 

The USA had tried to peacefully negotiate a statement between Poland and Germany before tensions rose further. 

Used to 

We use used to for a past habit that we no longer do.  

For example:

I used to go to school.

I used to be a vegan in university but now I love eating meat.

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• Using would

• Past perfect 

Will need a more detailed explanation (two events)

The use of had organise the two past 

Often uses already 

It is use for

1. It was used to talk about past events and to tell stories

2. They are common in written stories, especially when describing actions.

3. Used to talk about recent actions, historical events and biographical information.