Types of Tenses, Definition, Examples

Today we are going to learn different types of Tenses in English grammar.

A very significant component of the grammar world is tensing, which brings clarity to the sentence formations holding significance to the events at a particular point in time. Do we often wonder why these are paramount to the language, to the verbal and written communications?
These are core for the authors to write a book, supplement to an individual’s actions, all weaving the fabric of academic excellence, thus explaining TENSES.

What are the 3 types of Tenses?

3 types of tenses are as follows

1. Present tense
2. Past Tense
3. Future Tense

1. Present tense

Present tenses are those that explain events that are happening now. Under this tense, we read four types of present tenses, which vividly explain the various aspects to analyze the present tenses in depth. These are as follows:

How many types of Present Tenses are there?

1. Present Indefinite tenses
2. Present Continuous tenses
3. Present Perfect tenses
4. Present Perfect Continuous tenses

1. Present Indefinite Tense

Definition: Present Indefinite, also known as the simple present tense, explains those actions that happen in the ordinary course of time or the activities that will occur in the future based on some established truths or narrative.

Example:

• My mother wakes me up for school.

It means that my mother helps get ready for school in the present time, suggesting action in day-to-day life. Similarly, we can have various examples referring to such activities.

2. Present Continuous Tense

Definition: Present Continuous tense refers to the present course of actions that are going on. In other words, we can say that these actions constitute those events that are still in the process of having an outcome or will happen in the near future.

Example:

• I am walking to the market to buy vegetables.

This means that my action is still going on, and I have not reached the market. In other words, we can say that buying vegetables is to be done in the near future.

3. Present Perfect Tense

Definition: Present Perfect tense refers to those series of events that have just taken place in the recent past in an indefinite time and will have an outcome on the concerned subject.

Example:

• He has been to the USA many times.

The example shows three different points to understand. First, the undetermined period, second, the event is taking place in the recent past, and third all these actions concerning one subject.

4. Present Perfect Continuous Tense

Definition: Present Perfect Continuous tense refers to an individual or a group action that started in the past and is still being carried out.

Example:

• She has been studying in the morning.

(This means that the action of studying is still be carrying on.)

2. Past Tense

Past tense helps us understand those courses of action that have already taken place or have already been carried out. Under this, we will read four types of past tenses that refines the knowledge in this sphere.

How many types of Past Tenses are there?

1. Past Indefinite Tenses
2. Past Continuous Tenses
3. Past Perfect Tenses
4. Past Perfect Continuous Tenses

Past Indefinite Tenses

Definition: Past Indefinite or straightforward past tense explains the events that happened in the past.

Example:

Ram had completed his homework for submission on time.

(This means Ram already completed his work.)

2. Past Continuous Tenses

Definition: Past Continuous or Past progressive tense tells us that past action continues to persist.

Example:

• Raman and Sita were laughing loudly.

This means the action of laughing, which suggests the action(verb) is still being carried on.

3. Past Perfect Tenses

Definition: Past Perfect tense specifies the two actions that happened previously, denoting that one course of action impliedly happened first following the other that occurred the next, also taking place in the immediate past.

To make the above definition even clear: –

Example:

• The ship had left the port by the time I reached the dock.

This example clearly illustrates the idea so imparted by the definition that the ship leaving is the first event happening before I reach the port, all taking place in the immediate past.

4. Past Perfect Continuous Tenses

Definition: Past Perfect Continuous tense means that when an action or a series of events that have happened last time still continues for some more specific period.

Example:

• The boys had been throwing stones at the puppies to shoo the puppies.

This clearly shows how throwing stones by the boys still go on from the last time.

3. Future Tense

The future tense refers to the tense in the sentence that tells us about the event or course of action that will be taking place in the near future. Under this, we have four types of future tense that help one to showcase sentences in a modified manner to make the reader clear about the hierarchy of events that will be happening.

How many types of Future Tenses are there?

1. Future Indefinite Tenses
2. Future Continuous Tenses
3. Future Perfect Tenses
4. Future Perfect Continuous Tenses

1. Future Indefinite Tenses

The Future Indefinite tense or simple future tense helps us understand the simple course of events yet to occur.

Example:

• My father will come from the tour tomorrow.

This simply means that my father is yet to come, thus mentioning that “my father will come tomorrow.”

2. Future Continuous Tenses

Future Continuous tense refers to a plan of event that will continue to take place in the future. In other words, it means that a future event will continue for a specific period.

Example:

• I will be going to the stadium to watch a cricket match.

It, put together, shows that the event of going to the stadium is yet to happen.

3. Future Perfect Tenses

The Future Perfect tense describes the tentative accomplishment of the event in the future. In other words, the event is to occur in the future at some juncture.

Example:

• We will have all arrangements made before the guest arrives.

It means the goal of keeping everything ready for the arrival of guests in the near future constitutes the future perfect tense.

4. Future Perfect Continuous Tenses

The Future Perfect Continuous tense means that an event’s action is in progress. Therefore the movement will continue to occur in the future.

Example:

• I will have read the book by the end of this month.

This example above clearly states that the action of reading will continue until the end of this month