In standard usage, verb tenses in English generally align with the same time reference in real situations, with only rare exceptions.

The simple present can be used to express future events in certain contexts, such as scheduled timetables.

The past continuous tense is restricted exclusively to actions that occurred at a fixed, specific moment in the past.

The present perfect tense is only appropriate when referring to a single completed action in the past.

Time reference in English is determined mainly by adverbs, while verb tense forms play only a supporting role.