Education

Use Of Tenses In English

Tenses can be defined as the aspect of a verb that shows the time of action expressed by the verb in a sentence. The verb is changed (i.e. conjugated) to tell us what time an action takes place in a sentence. Time of action can be split into present (what you are doing now), past (what you did or have done) and the future (what you are going to do, plan to do or hope to do).

The present tense: This is used to tell what action takes place at the time of speaking. Present tense has different aspects ready to be used in our day-to-day conversation, depending on what time we wish to refer to our action. Now, you can follow the following:

Types of present tense

The simple present tense: This is an important aspect of tenses which is usually applied when we want to express our action concerning the following:

1. Habitual action: This refers to those activities we do oftentimes in life and they appear as though they are habits. Consider the examples below:

a. We eat rice. b. He does not fetch water. c. Adamu speaks fluently. d. Okon walks always. e. Does Jacob visit his parents on weekends?

2. Facts or universal truth: These are constant situations in life. They cannot changed or be transformed naturally. They are always the same every time. Scientifically, their result will always be the same anywhere and anytime. It can also be called general truth. Consider the following examples below:

     a. Mr Okoro’s cat likes rats. B. Plants have green leaves. c. Oil floats on water. d. Lagos is in Nigeria.  

3. Future tenses: It is used to express our future intentions. This may be far or near future. Examples are:

    a. The bus departs tonight at 8:00 pm. b. Our uncle travels next week to London. c. The president returns at 12 noon today.

4. Now (i. e. non continuous tense): It expresses the instant moment in our conversation. Examples are:

    a. I need your assistance now, please. b. Jumbo is at home now. c. Has the blogger posted fresh information?

To be continued