Introduction
In English, there are different tenses that indicate the time of an action or event. The correct use of tenses is essential to convey the intended meaning accurately. In this blog post, we will explore the various uses of tenses and provide examples to help you better understand how to use them in your writing. Whether you're a student or a professional writer, understanding the uses of tenses can significantly improve your writing skills. Join us as we delve into the world of tenses and learn how to use them effectively.
Uses of Tenses
Present, Past, and Future Tenses
Each of the six tenses has its own uses.Present Tense
The present tense is used to express an action or a state of being that is occurring now, to show habitual or customary action, to convey a general truth, to create a literary present, to make historical events seem current, and to express future time.
- OCCURRING NOW
Detective Dane solves another mystery. [Present tense is used to show that the action happens now.] - HABITUAL ACTION
Doug Dane works as a detective. [Present tense is used to show that the action occurs on a regular basis.] - GENERAL TRUTH
In Dane’s town, criminals never win. [Present tense is used to show that something is always true.] - LITERARY PRESENT
In this chapter, Dane finds a new clue. [Present tense is used to summarize the plot or subject matter of a literary work.] - HISTORICAL PRESENT
In 1861, the Pinkerton National Detective Agency stops a plot to kill President-elect Lincoln and saves his life. [Present tense is used to make a historical event seem current.] - FUTURE TIME
The new book comes out tomorrow. [Present tense is used, but the word tomorrow indicates that the action will occur in the future.]
Past Tense
The past tense is used to express an action or a state of being that occurred in the past and does not continue into the present.
EXAMPLE
- Last year Detective Dane solved many mysteries.
Future Tense
The future tense is used to express an action or a state of being that will occur. The future tense is formed with the helping verb will or shall and the base form of the verb.
EXAMPLES
- Detective Dane will solve many more mysteries.
- Detective Dane shall work for many years to come.
Present Perfect, Past Perfect, and Future Perfect Tenses
Present Perfect
The present perfect tense expresses an action or a state of being that occurred at some indefinite time in the past and may be continuing into the present. The present perfect tense is formed with the helping verb have or has and the past participle of a verb.
EXAMPLE
- The report has undergone many changes. [Has undergone shows an action that occurred at an indefinite time in the past.]
Past Perfect
The past perfect tense expresses an action or a state of being that ended before some other past action or state of being. The past perfect tense is formed with the helping verb had and the past participle of a verb.
EXAMPLE
- Had the computer network crashed before the lightning struck? [Had crashed shows that the network’s action ended before another past action occurred.]
Future Perfect Tense
The future perfect tense expresses an action or a state of being that will end before some other future action or state of being. The future perfect tense is formed with the helping verbs will have or shall have and the past participle of a verb.
EXAMPLE
- By Friday, the council will have determined their next course of action. [Will have determined shows that the council’s action will end before a specific future time.]