Take Three Tenses

Reprint of the original, first published in 1882.

This Book Covers The Following Topics: What are “Tenses”? AGREEMENT between SUBJECT and VERB TWENTY-FOUR Auxiliary Verbs REGULAR AND IRREGULAR VERBS PRESENT TENSE Present Indefinite Tense Present Continuous/Progressive Tense Present Perfect Tense Present Perfect Continuous/Progressive Tense PAST TENSE Past Indefinite Tense Past Continuous/Progressive Tense Past Perfect Tense Past Perfect Continuous/Progressive Tense FUTURE TENSE Future Indefinite Tense Future Continuous/Progressive Tense Future Perfect Tense Future Perfect Continuous/Progressive Tense Useful Notes Exercises Sample This: Tenses could be defined as “any of the form of a verb that may be used to show the time of the action or an event or state expressed by the verb”. THERE ARE THREE KINDS OF TENSES: The Past Tense – The form of a verb that usually expresses an action that happened in the past [Action happened before present] The Present Tense – The form of a verb that usually expresses an action that happens at this time [Action happens in present] The Future Tense – The form of a verb that usually expresses an action that will happen in future [Action will happen after present] EACH OF THESE THREE KINDS OF SENTENCES HAS FOUR TYPES OF FORMS: Indefinite or Simple Form Continuous or Progressive Form Perfect Form Perfect Continuous or Perfect Progressive Form EACH OF THESE FOUR TYPES OF FORMS HAS FOUR KINDS OF STATEMENTS: Affirmative Statement -- Used to Show ‘Agreement’ Negative Statement -- Used to Show ‘Disagreement’ Interrogative Statement -- Used to Ask ‘Question’ Interrogative-Negative Statement -- Used to Ask ‘Question’ and Show ‘Disagreement’ Present Indefinite Tense Expresses – Permanent situation [in the past, present and future] Example: Our family lives in Seattle. General truth (fact or statement) Example: Clean water is fundamental to public health. Example: Many barrages have no utility and cause floods. Habitual action [actions that occur regularly] Example: She listens to music every day. ‘Future meaning’ (timetable, planned event, etc.) Example: My shop closes at 9 pm. Example: The train arrives at 7:30 pm. Traditions, rituals, customs Example: Indians celebrate the festival of light in the month of Oct-Nov. Commands and Instructions [Imperative Sentences] [Note: In imperatives, subject ‘you’ remains hidden] Example: Condemn perpetrators of terrorism. Example: Promote values of humanity and tolerance. Example: Tell us about the exact nature of your work. Used in if-clause of present and future real conditional sentences Example: If I go there, I meet him. Example: If things don't work out, we won't be panicked. Headlines in news reporting [Use of simple present tense instead of the simple past tense is common in news headlines] Example: Flight skids on landing at the airport. Example: Thunderstorm brings relief to residents. (A). AFFIRMATIVE PATTERN – subject + first form of main verb + other words Singular Verb is used with the subject ‘He and She’ + All Singular Subjects. Plural Verb is used with the subject ‘I, We, You and They’ + All Plural Subjects. Examples: He/She talks. I/We/You/They talk. We seek opportunities to chart out our own course. The lean margin of victory or defeat gives an impression of a tough contest. Nowadays, voters value development over other issues. They want civic amenities and employment opportunities. (B). NEGATIVE PATTERN – subject + auxiliary verb ‘do/does’ + not + first form of main verb + other words Auxiliary Verb ‘Does’ is used with the subject ‘He and She’ + All Singular Subjects. Auxiliary Verb ‘Do’ is used with the subject ‘I, We, You and They’ + All Plural Subjects. Examples: He/She does not talk. I/We/You/They do not talk. Most buses do not cater to interior parts of the villages. He does not know what to say.

'Within the pages of this poetry collection, The Three Tenses guides you through the past, present, and future across ten themes. Each theme remains constant, reflecting how time alters perspectives and focuses on progress. While each topic may appear as an inconspicuous thread, these verses weave together cherished memories of yesterday, the vibrant impact of present memories, and whispers of hope for tomorrow, bridging the gaps in lost time. Joining these threads reveals a unique crochet that never quite matches that of your sibling. The Three Tenses offers an experience akin to the Time Turner from the Harry Potter world, inviting readers to toast to different phases of time and find common ground in the present. In a busy world where we often compete for a better tomorrow, let us pause, take a break, and concentrate on our personal growth and lessons, starting from a daily greeting to witnessing miracles.