Tenses Meaning in English
word · lemma: tense
ˈtɛns
TEN-siz
tˈɛnsɪz
TEN-siz
Definition
Tenses are the forms of verbs that show when an action happens (past, present, or future). They help us know the time of an event in a sentence.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used when talking about grammar, especially in language learning. Always plural when discussing the full set ('English has twelve tenses'). Don't confuse with 'tense' meaning nervous or tight.
Spanish: tiempos verbalesPortuguese (BR): tempos verbaisPortuguese (PT): tempos verbaisChinese (Simplified): 时态Chinese (Traditional): 時態Hindi: काल (क्रिया का)Arabic: الأزمنة (النحوية)Bengali: কাল (ব্যাকরণিক) - Tense (গ্রামার)Russian: времена (глаголов)Japanese: 時制Vietnamese: thì (ngữ pháp)Korean: 시제Turkish: zaman (dilbilgisi)Urdu: زمان (گرامر)Indonesian: waktu (tata bahasa)
Example Sentences
English has twelve tenses.
basic
We study verb tenses in class.
basic
Past, present, and future are different tenses.
basic
Some languages don't use as many tenses as English does.
natural
I always get confused by the perfect tenses.
natural
Changing tenses can really change the meaning of a sentence.
natural