Today is our topic of discussion – Definition of Tense and Categories

Definition of Tense and Categories

 

 

Definition of tense

The word “Tense’ has been originated from a Latin word ‘Tempus’ which means ‘Time’. Notice the below given examples:

We played cricket yesterday.

We are playing cricket today.

We shall play cricket tomorrow.

In the above mentioned sentences, three different tenses have been mentioned. In the first sentence, played indicates past-tense. This is an example of past-tense.

In the second sentence, are playing indicate present tense. This is an example of present tense

In the third sentence, shall play indicate future tense. This is an example of future tense.

So. It can be told that tense is a form of a verb that is used to show the time of an action. Tense is the concept of time which may be present, past or future.

Classification of tense

The concept of Tense can be differentiated into three main categories:

 

 

 

Past tense:

Past-tense indicates incidents which happened in past or which are already done.
Like in the first example, we have noticed an incident (cricket) which was already completed (played) on the previous day which refers to past incident once again. Thus, We played cricket yesterday. – is an example of past-tense.

Present tense:

Present tense indicates incidents which usually happen or is happening right now.

Like in the second example, we have noticed an incident (cricket) which is currently going on (are playing) and it obviously indicates present tense.

Thus. We are playing cricket today. – is an example of present tense.

 

 

Future tense:

Future tense indicates incidents which will occur in future.

Like in the third example, we have noticed an incident (cricket) which will be played (shall play) on the next day (tomorrow). All of these indicate future incident or future tense. Thus. We shall play cricket tomorrow. – is an example of future tense.