Exploring Difficulties in the Selection of Tenses while Speaking in English at the Secondary Level in Pakistan

Abstract

This study investigates the difficulties faced by secondary school students in Pakistan in selecting appropriate tenses while speaking English. Mastery of tense usage is essential for effective communication; however, many students struggle with the correct application of tenses due to a limited understanding of their contextual use. The research adopts a qualitative approach to explore this linguistic challenge in depth. The study was conducted with a purposive sample comprising four English language teachers and eight secondary-level students. Multiple data collection tools were employed, including classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, written assessments, and audio recordings of students’ spoken English. Through descriptive analysis, the findings reveal that students frequently misuse tenses, especially in spoken contexts. Common errors include incorrect use of helping verbs, confusion in verb forms, and lack of awareness about the temporal context of actions. Teachers also highlighted that students often translate directly from their first language, which contributes to incorrect tense usage. The study further identifies gaps in classroom instruction and limited speaking practice as contributing factors. These findings underscore the need for improved pedagogical strategies that emphasize contextual and practical use of tenses in speech. It is recommended that teachers integrate more interactive speaking activities and contextual grammar exercises to help students internalize tense structures more effectively. The study contributes to understanding the nature of tense-related difficulties in spoken English at the secondary level and offers practical implications for curriculum designers, educators, and language trainers aiming to enhance English language proficiency among Pakistani learners.

 Keywords: Selection of Tenses, English Speaking Skills, Functional Grammar, Secondary Students