Present tense

Importance of tense in English grammar 

Tense is an essential aspect of English grammar that refers to the time frame in which an action or event occurs. It provides vital information about the sequence of events, the duration of an action, and the relationship between actions or events. Proper use of tense ensures clarity and accuracy in communication, helping readers and listeners understand the intended meaning of a sentence.

There are three main tenses in English grammar: past, present, and future, and each tense has four forms. By using different tense forms, we can express a wide range of meanings and convey the time frame of an action or event accurately. Overall, tense is a critical element in effective communication, allowing us to express ourselves accurately and convey the intended meaning of our words. 

There are three main tenses in English:

Present tense:

used to describe actions or events happening now or in the present time.

Example:

“I am walking to the store.”

Past tense:

used to describe actions or events that have already happened in the past.

Example:

I walked to the store yesterday.

Future tense:

used to describe actions or events that will happen in the future.

Example:

I will walk to the store tomorrow.

In English, there are also several forms of each tense that can be used to express different aspects of the action or event, such as the progressive aspect (to describe an ongoing action), the perfect aspect (to describe a completed action), and the perfect progressive aspect (to describe an ongoing action that will be completed in the future).

Tense can be used in writing and speaking to express a range of meanings, such as to describe past experiences, future plans, or present situations. In addition, tense can also be used to convey a certain mood or attitude, such as to express certainty, possibility, or hypothetical situations.

It is important to note that different languages have different rules for tense and its use, so it is important to study the rules and patterns of the specific language you are learning or using.

What is Present tense     (वर्त्तमान काल)

Present tense is a verb form that describes actions that are happening now, ongoing actions, or general truths. It is used to describe actions that are happening at the moment of speaking, habitual actions or events that occur regularly or frequently, and facts that are always true.

There are four types of present tense:

1. Simple present tense
2. Present continuous tense
3. Present perfect tense
4. Present perfect continuous tense

1. Simple present tense (Does/Do)   ता है / ते है / ती है

The simple present tense is used to describe an action that takes place regularly or habitually, a fact, a universal truth, or a current condition. In affirmative form, it follows the structure of subject + base form of the verb + object (optional).

To form the simple present tense, we generally use the base form of the verb (i.e. the infinitive without “to”) for all subjects except for third person singular, where we add -s or -es to the verb.

Example:

• I walk to work every day.
• She walks to work every day.

Note that some verbs have irregular forms in the simple present tense, such as “to be” (am, is, are) and “to have” (have, has).

Some common uses of the simple present tense:

1. To describe habits or repeated actions: “I drink coffee every morning.”
2. To describe facts or general truths: “The sun rises in the east.”
3. To describe events that are happening right now: “He is talking to his boss.”
4. To describe future events that are part of a fixed schedule or timetable: “The concert starts at 8 pm tonight.”
5. To give instructions or directions: “First, you chop the vegetables, then you add them to the pan.”

It’s important to remember that the simple present tense is used to describe actions that happen in the present time, but it can also be used to describe habitual or repeated actions that occur regularly or frequently, even if they are not happening right now.

   Simple present tense Example:

1. The sun rises in the east.
2. He plays soccer every weekend.
3. They take a walk in the park after dinner.

• Simple present tense structures Example: 

1. Affirmative Sentences:

2. Negative Sentences

3. Negative Interrogative Sentences

4. Interrogative Sentences

• Affirmative Sentences: Affirmative sentences are statements that express a positive or true fact. In the context of tense, affirmative sentences describe actions or events that have occurred or are occurring in the present, past, or future.

• Negative Sentences: Negative sentences are statements that express a negative or false fact. In the context of tense, negative sentences describe actions or events that did not occur or are not occurring in the present, past, or future.

• Negative Interrogative Sentences: Negative interrogative sentences are questions that ask for confirmation of a negative statement. In the context of tense, negative interrogative sentences ask whether a negative action or event occurred or is occurring in the present, past, or future.

• Interrogative Sentences: Interrogative sentences are questions that ask for information or clarification. In the context of tense, interrogative sentences ask about actions or events that occurred or are occurring in the present, past, or future.

Simple present tense structure Example

• Affirmative Sentences:

Subject + Base form of the verb + (optional: object or adverb)

Example:

• I eat pizza. (Subject: I, Verb: eat, Object: pizza)
• She reads books. (Subject: She, Verb: reads, Object: books)
• They play soccer well. (Subject: They, Verb: play, Adverb: well)

Simple present tense structure Example

• Negative Sentences:

Subject + Do/Does + Not + Base form of the verb + (optional: object or adverb)

Example:

• I do not eat pizza. (Subject: I, Auxiliary verb: do, Negation: not, Verb: eat, Object: pizza)
• She does not read books. (Subject: She, Auxiliary verb: does, Negation: not, Verb: read, Object: books)
• They do not play soccer well. (Subject: They, Auxiliary verb: do, Negation: not, Verb: play, Adverb: well)

Simple present tense structure Example

• Negative Interrogative Sentences:

Do/Does + Subject + Not + Base form of the verb + (optional: object or adverb) + ?

Example:

• Do I not eat pizza? (Auxiliary verb: do, Subject: I, Negation: not, Verb: eat, Object: pizza)
• Does she not read books? (Auxiliary verb: does, Subject: she, Negation: not, Verb: read, Object: books)
• Do they not play soccer well? (Auxiliary verb: do, Subject: they, Negation: not, Verb: play, Adverb: well)

Simple present tense structureExample

• Interrogative Sentences:

Do/Does + Subject + Base form of the verb + (optional: object or adverb) + ?

Example:

• Do I eat pizza? (Auxiliary verb: do, Subject: I, Verb: eat, Object: pizza)
• Does she read books? (Auxiliary verb: does, Subject: she, Verb: read, Object: books)
• Do they play soccer well? (Auxiliary verb: do, Subject: they, Verb: play, Adverb: well)

Time expressions and their uses in the simple present tense:

Always

Example:

I always brush my teeth before going to bed.

Usually

Example:

She usually takes the bus to work.

Often

Example:

They often go to the gym in the morning.

Sometimes

Example:

We sometimes eat sushi for lunch.

Rarely

Example:

He rarely watches TV in the evening.

Every day/week/month/year

Example:

I go for a run every morning.

On weekdays/weekends

Example:

They usually stay at home on weekends.

In the morning/afternoon/evening

Example:

She drinks coffee in the morning.

At night

Example:

We watch movies at night.

Now

Example:

I am writing this answer now.

 2.Present continuous tense (Is/am/are)   रहा है / रहा हूँ / रहे है

The present continuous tense (also known as the present progressive tense) is used to describe an ongoing action that is happening in the present moment. In affirmative form, it follows the structure of subject + to be verb (am, is, are) + present participle (-ing form of the verb) + object (optional).

To form the present continuous tense, we use a form of “to be” (am, is, are) followed by the present participle of the verb (i.e. the -ing form of the verb). For example:

• I am studying for my exam.
• She is watching TV right now.

Some common uses of the present continuous tense:

1. Describe actions or events that are happening right now: “I am talking to my friend on the phone.”
2. Describe actions or events that are currently in progress but not necessarily happening right now: “He is working on a project this week.”
3. Describe future actions or events that have been planned or arranged: “We are going to the beach this weekend.”
4. Describe temporary actions or situations: “I am staying at my sister’s house while my apartment is being renovated.”

It’s important to note that the present continuous tense emphasizes the ongoing nature of an action or event, and it is often used to describe temporary or changing situations. It is also commonly used in combination with time expressions like “right now,” “at the moment,” and “currently.”

Present continuous tense Example:

1. She is studying for her exams at the moment.
2. They are playing chess right now.
3. I am currently working on a new project.

Present continuous tense structure Example

• Affirmative Sentences:

Subject + am/is/are + present participle (-ing form of the verb)

Examples:

• I am studying for my exams.
• She is working on her project.
• They are watching a movie.

Present continuous tense structure Example

•  Negative Sentences:

Subject + am/is/are + not + present participle (-ing form of the verb)

Examples:

• I am not studying for my exams.
• She is not working on her project.
• They are not watching a movie.

Present continuous tense structure Example

•  Negative Interrogative Sentences:

Am/Is/Are + not + subject + present participle (-ing form of the verb) + ?

Examples:

• Am I not studying for my exams?
• Is she not working on her project?
• Are they not watching a movie?

Present continuous tense structure Example

• Interrogative Sentences:

Am/Is/Are + subject + present participle (-ing form of the verb) + ?

Examples:

• Am I studying for my exams?
• Is she working on her project?
• Are they watching a movie?

Time expressions and their uses in the simple present tense:

• Now – It is used to emphasize that the action is happening at the present moment.

Example:

I am eating my breakfast now.

• Currently – It is used to indicate that the action is happening at the current time.

Example: She is currently studying for her exam.

• At the moment – It is used to show that the action is happening right now.

Example:

They are at the movies at the moment.

• Right now – It is similar to “now” and is used to emphasize the present moment.

Example:

He is right now playing soccer with his friends.

• Today – It is used to show that the action is happening on the same day.

Example:

We are having a party today.

• Tonight – It is used to indicate that the action is happening in the evening or at night on the same day.

Example:

They are watching a movie tonight.

• At present – It is used to show that the action is happening at the current time.

Example:

I am at present working on a project.

3.Present perfect tense (Has/Have)   चुक है / चुके है / चुकी है

The present perfect tense is used to describe a past action that has a connection to the present moment or is still relevant in the present. In affirmative form, it follows the structure of subject + have/has + past participle + object (optional).

To form the present perfect tense, we use the auxiliary verb “have” (or “has” for third person singular) followed by the past participle of the verb.

Example:

• I have studied for five hours.
• She has eaten breakfast already.

Some common uses of the present perfect tense:

1. To describe actions or events that happened at an indefinite time in the past and have a connection to the present moment: “I have visited Paris several times.”
2. To describe actions or events that started in the past and continue up to the present: “I have lived in this city for ten years.”
3. To describe experiences or changes that have happened over a period of time up to the present: “She has improved her English skills since she started studying.”
4. To describe completed actions or events that have a relevance to the present moment: “I have finished my homework, so I can watch TV now.”

It’s important to note that the present perfect tense is used to describe past actions or events that have a connection to the present moment, and it often implies that the action or event is still relevant or important in some way. Additionally, time expressions like “ever,” “never,” “already,” and “yet” are commonly used with the present perfect tense.

Present perfect tense Example:

1. He has written a book that has become a bestseller.
2. They have just arrived at the airport.
3. I have seen that movie many times before.

Present perfect tense structure Example

•   Affirmative Sentences:

Subject + have/has + past participle of the verb + object (optional)

Examples:

• I have studied for three hours.
• She has eaten breakfast already.
• They have finished their work.

Present perfect tense structure Example

•  Negative Sentences:

Subject + have/has + not + past participle of the verb + object (optional)

Examples:

• I have not studied for three hours.
• She has not eaten breakfast yet.
• They have not finished their work.

Present perfect tense structure Example

•  Negative Interrogative Sentences:

Have/Has + subject + not + past participle of the verb + object (optional)?

Examples:

• Have I not studied for three hours?
• Hasn’t she eaten breakfast yet?
• Haven’t they finished their work?

Present perfect tense structure Example

•  Interrogative Sentences:

Have/Has + subject + past participle of the verb + object (optional)?

Examples:

• Have I studied for three hours?
• Has she eaten breakfast already?
• Have they finished their work?

Time expressions and their uses in the simple present tense:

Time expressions are often used with the present perfect tense to indicate when the action or event occurred. Some common time expressions used with the present perfect tense include:

• Already: indicates that the action or event has happened before the present moment,

Example:

I have already finished my homework.

• Yet: indicates that the action or event has not happened up until the present moment,

Example:

She has not yet arrived.

• Just: indicates that the action or event happened very recently,

Example:

They have just left.

• Ever: used in questions to ask if someone has had a certain experience in their life,

Example:

Have you ever been to New York?

• Never: used to indicate that the action or event has not happened at any time up until the present,

Example:

I have never seen that movie before.

• For: used to indicate the duration of time an action has been taking place,

Example:

He has lived in this city for five years.

4.Present perfect continuous tense    (Has been/Have been) ता आ रहा है / ती आ रही है

The present perfect continuous tense is used to describe a continuous action that started in the past and is still ongoing in the present or has just finished. In affirmative form, it follows the structure of subject + have/has + been + present participle (-ing form of the verb) + object (optional).

Present perfect continuous tense structure Example

• Affirmative Sentences:

Subject + have/has + been + present participle (-ing) + object

Examples:

• I have been studying for three hours.
• She has been playing tennis since morning.
• They have been working on the project all week.

Present perfect continuous tense structure Example

•  Negative Sentences:

Subject + have/has + not + been + present participle (-ing) + object

Examples:

• I have not been studying for three hours.
• She has not been playing tennis since morning.
• They have not been working on the project all week.

Present perfect continuous tense structure Example

•  Negative Interrogative Sentences:

Have/Has + subject + not + been + present participle (-ing) + object?

Examples:

• Have I not been studying for three hours?
• Has she not been playing tennis since morning?
• Have they not been working on the project all week?

Present perfect continuous tense structure Example

• Interrogative Sentences:

Have/Has + subject + been + present participle (-ing) + object?

Examples:

• Have I been studying for three hours?
• Has she been playing tennis since morning?
• Have they been working on the project all week?

Time expressions and their uses in the simple present tense:

Time expressions can be used with the present perfect continuous tense to indicate the duration of the ongoing action. Here are some common time expressions used with the present perfect continuous tense:

• For: It is used to indicate the duration of the ongoing action.

Example:

I have been studying for three hours.

• Since: It is used to indicate the starting point of the ongoing action.

Example: She has been playing tennis since morning.

• All day/week/month/year: It is used to indicate the duration of the ongoing action over a specific time period.

Example:

They have been working on the project all week.

• Recently/lately: It is used to indicate that the ongoing action has just ended or has been happening in the recent past.

Example:

We have been watching TV for an hour recently.

• Continuously/intermittently: It is used to indicate whether the ongoing action has been happening continuously or intermittently.

Example:

He has been exercising every day this week.”