Even if you are able to read this in the right sense, it is because of the use of the right tenses. Tenses are the additions to sentences that make them seem grammatically correct and understandable. How tenses are a big part of the English language, we all can relate.
If you wish to convey your message to someone, it should be grammatically understandable. It happens only when the right tenses are followed.
What is Tense in Grammar?
If we define what is tense in grammar, it is the time of a verb’s action and its state of being. For instance, if something happened at the current moment, it would be counted in the present tense. Or something that is about to happen would be future tense.
Simply put, tenses are known to be the time frame of the verbs used. The tenses are further classified into three forms. Present, past and future. To put the right form of time in the sentence, we use a particular type of tense. If something is about to occur, we would use future tense or if something has already happened, we would use past tense.
When Should You Start Learning the Tenses in English?
Tenses should be taught at an early age to the kids. Since they start gathering a deep understanding of the language English, it would be better to start filling them with the right formation of sentences. This is a crucial factor to be concerned about while choosing the best play school in Noida.
The kids should understand how to put together the sentences in the right form in their early education. Education systems are planned and infuse different topics according to the mental growth of the students. So, as the education system seems fit, the kids are taught tenses.
If the parents wish to start teaching their kids at home, they should probably hit tenses in their syllabus when they enter their higher classes. They can grab the concept of tenses only when they are able enough to understand how the sentences are formed correctly.
Why Are Tenses Important?
To convey your message, to receive others’ messages, and most importantly, to be grammatically correct, tenses are important. They are the most important part of the English language. To make people understand what you mean, you will have to use the right
Tenses to help in describing what event took place and when. The sentences are incomplete until the receiver understands when the event occurred. Tenses are crucial in making sense of what you mean to say to the other person. Also, tenses bring clarity to your sentences.
Types of Tenses in English Grammar
English grammar tenses are hard to understand because of the diversification it supports. Tenses have different types, forms, and sub-types which can make anyone confused. To master the tenses and use them with the utmost perfection, the person should understand all the sub-classifications of the tenses.
Here are some extensions of tenses.
Types of Tenses
Tenses are classified into different types. Let’s dive deep into the understanding of 3 types of tenses.
1. Past
As it is already clear, past tense is the verb form for what has already happened. When we form a sentence describing a past event, we use past tense. For instance, we use “was” and “were” instead of “is” or “will” to explain the timeframe of the event.
2. Present
Present tense is the most practiced tense used today. When we talk to someone about our daily routine or summarise the whole day in the end, we use the present tense. For instance, we use “is”, “are” or “am” instead of past or future forms. This is to describe that the activity happens in the present.
3. Future
Future tense is used to convey an event that is going to or expected to happen in the future. We usually use “will” or “would” to specify the future time frame in the sentence. For instance, we say this event will be held next week which clearly specifies that the event is going to take place in the future.
12 Tenses in English
Tenses are further classified into sub-types. There are a total of 12 sub-types of tenses.
1. Present Simple Tense
Present simple tense can be explained as what happens at the moment. For example- he drives a car or he cuts the fruits. These sentences show that the person does a job.
2. Present Continuous Tense
Present continuous tense specifies the activity that is going on in the present. For example- he is driving a car or he is cutting the fruits. These sentences show that the person is doing a job.
3. Present Perfect Tense
Present perfect tense is the type that shows the activity has already happened at the moment. For example- he has driven a car or he has cut the fruits. These sentences show that the person has done the job in the present.
4. Present Perfect Continuous Tense
Present perfect continuous tense denotes that the activity is going on for some time. For example- he has been driving a car or he has been cutting the fruits. This shows that the person is continuously doing the job for the past some time.
5. Past Simple Tense
Past simple tense explains the activity that happened in the past. For example, he drove a car. This sentence clearly explains that the activity happened in the past.
6. Past Continuous Tense
Past continuous tense is the type of tense that explains the activity that was going on in the past. For example- he was driving a car. This sentence clears the past timeframe of the activity.
7. Past Perfect Tense
Past perfect tense explains the activity that happened in the past and was told in the past. For example- the boy had driven a car.
8. Past Perfect Continuous Tense
Past perfect continuous tense clarifies that the timeframe of the activity was past but was happening in continuity. For example- the boy had been driving the car since morning.
9. Future Simple Tense
Future simple tense is the type of tense that explains that the activity is going to happen shortly. For example- the boy will drive a car.
10. Future Continuous Tense
Future continuous tense explains the activity that will be happening in the future but in continuity. For example- the boy will be driving a car.
11. Future Perfect Tense
Future perfect tense explains that the activity will be completed in the future. For example- the boy will have driven the car.
12. Future Perfect Continuous Tense
Future perfect continuous tense is the type that explains that the activity will take place from a particular time to the future. For example- he will have to drive a car at 6 am tomorrow.
12 types of tenses might seem a bit confusing right now. Perhaps, taking the procedure slowly and separating them will be a great help.
English Tenses’ Rules Table With Examples
English tenses rules are different for different tenses. Let’s get a clear vision of the same with this detailed English tenses table.
This extensively explained English grammar tenses table will help you hold the best understanding of the grammar tenses.
Tips to Master English Tenses
When we talk about tenses in English, most people claim to have learned with difficulties. Others are just so confused about the tenses still. Tenses are complex and difficult to understand is all we have always heard. We beg to differ.
There are some easy tricks to learning English tenses. Let’s understand a few tips that can help you master English tenses.
1. Separate Them
You cannot learn anything if clustered. It creates confusion. So, if you are at a stage where tenses seem to be the most difficult task, separate them. Trying to understand tenses with different levels will help you understand them better. Start learning them step by step. Dig in the present tense first and then proceed with the others.
2. Focus on a Single Tense
If you have started learning the present tense, do not rush on others. Take your time and start practising the first one. It will help you learn the tenses easily. Experts suggest starting with the past tense and then moving ahead. This will keep you far from any confusion or mix-ups.
3. Learn the Grammar
Learning tenses and using them are two different things. You can learn tenses easily but you should know and practise how to use them in sentences. When you start to learn the tenses, you should also start relating them to your daily routine. This will help you keep a note of every tense.
4. Write Tenses
You might feel that writing down tenses can be a waste of time. However, tenses are best learnt by writing them. The tenses involve some important tenses rules and structuring. Noting them down will help you understand the tenses in the best possible way.
5. Talk Around
Once you have learnt the tenses, you should definitely start talking around. You can talk to your partners or anyone around you to test if you have understood the tenses. This step is the final follow up which can help give you the right analysis of your understanding of tenses.
