TENSES SIMPLIFIED
Tense means Time. The tense of a verb tells us about the time of an action. Has the action taken place in the past? Has it taken place in the present? Or will it take place in the future? There are three tenses – Past, Present, Future.
According to the state of the action each tense is sub-divided into 4 forms, Indefinite (simple), continuous, perfect and perfect continuous. If the action is being continued, the continuous form is used. If the action is completed, the perfect form is used.
PRESENT TENSE
1. SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE (Present indefinite)
The simple present tense is used to express habits
and properties
Examples:
1. I rise early daily
2. She writes with her left hand
2. PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE:
The present continuous tense is used for an action
continued at the time of speaking.
Examples :
1. I am writing a letter.
2. They are learning English.
“Be” form + “ING” form
3. PRESENT PERFECT TENSE :
The present perfect tense is used for an action just completed .
Examples :
1. The train has left just now
2. We have done our home work
(‘have’ form +past participle )
4. PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE:
The present perfect continuous tense is used for an action begun in the past and continued up to the present moment.
Examples :
1. She has been singing since 6 pm
2. I have been working here for 3 years
( ‘have’ form +been + ing form )