Using Verbs Correctly – Part Two Simple Tenses Grade Seven
Tense The tense of a verb shows the time period in which an action or state of being occurs. The three simple tenses are present, past, and future. The three perfect tenses are present perfect, past perfect, and future perfect. Both the simple tenses and the perfect tenses can be made into progressive tenses.
Simple Tenses - Present The present tense shows an action or state of being that is occurring now. The present tense is formed by using the present part of the verb or adding an “s” to the present part of the verb. Ex. dance, dances Ex. swim, swims
dance, dances read, reads
Simple Tenses - Past The past tense shows an action or state of being that has already occurred. If the verb is a regular verb, the past tense is formed by adding an “ed” to the present part. If the verb is irregular, the past tense can be formed in numerous ways. Ex. baked Ex. thrown
baked thrown
Simple Tenses - Future The future tense shows an action or state of being that has not yet occurred. The future tense is formed by adding the helping verb “will” or “shall” to the present part of the verb. Ex. will ask Ex. shall score
will ask shall score