Present Tenses

The term "tense" is derived from the Latin translation of the Greek word for "time" (Lyons, 1968: 304). The etymological meaning is not much different from the definitions presented in many dictionaries and grammar references. Generally, most lexicographers and grammarians today define tense as the verb-form denoting time (of. Hornby and Parnwell, 1979; Urdong, 1968; Guntram 1985; swan, 1980; Hodges et al.,1990). Tense means the time of doing a verb. The completion time of verb is normally referred to as tense.In another words, tense is a form of verb that shows the time in which an action happened. Types of Tense:

Tense is basically divided into three types. They are present, past and future. Each type has four forms.

1.Present Tense: Present tense refers to an action that completes in the present.

2.Past Tense: Past tense refers to an action that completed in the past.

3.Future Tense: Future tense refers to an action that will be done in future.
.Classification of Present Tense.

Present tense refers to an action that completes in the present. Present tense is of four types.

1. Present Indefinite Tense: Present indefinite tense refers to an action that occurs in the present times. Sometimes, it refers habitual truth or perpetual truth.
Structure: Subject+verb(s/es) or Subject+verb(s/es)+object/complement. Example:
I read a book
I am a boy.
The sun rises in the east.

2. Present Continuous Tense: Present continuous tense refers to an action that is running or going to be continued in the near future. Structure: Subject+am/is/are+verb(ing) or, Subject+am/is/are+verb(ing)+object/complement. Example:
We are swimming in the pond.
I am writing a poem.
My brother is going to Dhaka tomorrow. (near future)

3. Present Perfect Tense: Present perfect tense refers to an action that has already been done but its effect yet lasts. Structure: Subject+have/has+PPV(Past Participle of Verb)+object/complement. Example: I have made my homework.
They have just done their duties.

4. Present Perfect Continuous Tense: Present perfect continuous tense refers to an action which began in the past and is still running. Structure: Subject+have been/has been+verb(ing). Example:
I have been reading since morning.
She has been suffering from fever for last 7 days.

Note: Since is used for definite time.

LET'S PRACTICE
Exercise