Tenses originate from Latin tempus "time" and are a verb-based method used to indicate time. And sometimes the completeness or continuation of a state or an action concerning the speaking time.
The concept of Tense is a method that is used to refer to time, including past, present, and future. Let us dig into the whole concept and explore the types of tenses.
1. Present Tense
Present tenses are the ones that are used to refer to the ongoing activities. It is the type that is used when something is happening. For instance, I am reading a book, which means you are currently reading a book, indicating your ongoing activity.
The Present Tense is further divided into four types. This includes
SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE
It is used to express an action that often happens. It consists of a simple present verb.
For instance,
I drive home every day
Several other words associated with the simple present tense include occasionally, often, every day, every month, every week, frequently, etc.
PRESENT CONTINUOUS TENSE
It is used to express the ongoing action, that is, something that is happening at the time of speaking. It consists of the Is/Am/Are + ing verb.
For instance,
I am driving now.
PRESENT PERFECT TENSE
It is used to express a past action or the one till present action. That is the action that has been happening from the past till now. It consists of Has/ Have + past participle of the verb.
For instance,
I have driven the road
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE
It is used to express an action that has been happening for a long time and still continuing till the present.
It consists of Has/ Have + ing verb + since/for.
For instance,
I have been driving since this morning
2. Past Tense
Past Tense is used to express an action that took place at a particular time in the past.
For instance,
Jack went to the market.
That means jack went to the market earlier.
Types of Past Tense
· SIMPLE PAST TENSE
It is used to express an action that happened in the past. It consists of a Simple Past verb.
For instance,
I drove home yesterday
· PAST CONTINUOUS TENSE
It is used to express an action that occurred continuously in the past at a specific time and ended as well. It consists of the were/ was + ing verb.
For instance,
I was driving when you called.
· PAST PERFECT TENSE
It is used to express an action that occurred in the past and also completed in the past. It consists of Had + past participle verbs.
For instance,
I had already driven that road in the past
· PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE
It expresses an action that took place for a longer time in the past and was completed in the past. It consists of Had been + ing verb + since/ for.
For instance,
I had been driving for three hours before I stopped to get the vehicle checked.
3. Future Tense
As the name suggests, future tense refers to the action that will take place in the future.
For instance,
She will be performing at tomorrow's event.
Types of Future Tense
· SIMPLE FUTURE TENSE
This is used to express the action that will happen in the future. It consists of will/ be going to + simple present.
For instance,
I will drive home later.
· FUTURE CONTINUOUS TENSE
It is used to express the action that is going to happen and will continue for some time. It consists of the will be + ing verb.
For instance,
I will be driving when you call
· FUTURE PERFECT TENSE
It is used to express the action that will happen in the future. It consists of will have been + ing verb + since/ for.
For instance,
I will have driven 200 miles by tomorrow
· FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE
It is used to express the action that will happen in the future and will continue until a point. It consists of will have been + ing verb + since/ for.
For instance,
I will have been driving for 5 hours by the time I arrive.
