Introduction

English Language has three types of tenses which are as follows :

• Present Tense

Example: Sita sings well.

• Past Tense

Example: Sita sang well.

• Future Tense

Example: Sita will sing well.

The use of verbs depends on number, tense and person. Each tense has its own form of verb and uses. Each time has four tenses.

Thus, present tense is divided into

• Simple Present

• Present Continuous

• Present Perfect

• Present Perfect continuous

Rules

Present Tense

The action which takes place in the present is called present tense. The verb in the sentence should refer to the tense.

For example:

• I eat.

• She sings.

• They run.

Simple Present Tense V1

The verb simply expresses the action done in the present time, without indicating the state of action. It does not state anything about the completeness or incompleteness of the action. Hence the verb is said to be a simple present tense.

Example:

• I went to Chennai.

• He drinks the juice.

• They work hard.

Present Continuous Tense - V2 + ing (gerund)

The verb shows that the action is still going on or continuing such that the action is incomplete, unfinished, incomplete, or continuous. Hence the verb is said to be in the Present Continuous Tense.

Example:

• I am eating.

• He is doing his homework.

• They are playing in the park.

Present Perfect Tense – Has/Have + V3 (Past Participle)

The verb shows that the action is complete, finished, or perfect. Hence the verb is said to be in the Present Perfect Tense.

Example:

• I have slept.

• She has cut her finger.

• They have lost their way.

Present Perfect Continuous Tense – Has/Have been + V3 (Past Participle)

The verb shows that the action is going on continuously up to the past time. Hence the verb is said to be in the Present Perfect Continuous Tense.

Example:

• I have been playing.

• She has been cooking.

• We have been discussing it.

Conclusion

Hence, the time is indicated by the tenses. Here, the action is done in the present time. Thus, in English language tenses are the indicator of time.