present tense

/ˈprɛz.ənt tɛns/
current time verbal form

She speaks in the present tense about her daily routine.

The sentence uses the present tense to describe habitual actions.


formal

A verb tense used to describe actions happening now or habitual actions.

I work at a tech company.

This sentence uses the present tense to describe a current job.

The sun rises in the east.

This sentence uses the present tense for a general truth.

The present tense can also express future actions with a fixed schedule.

Collocations

present tenseused with action verbs to indicate current or habitual actions

Related Phrases

simple presentphrase
a basic form of the present tense used for facts and habits
present continuousphrase
a form of the present tense used for actions happening right now

Pro Tip

Common Mistakes

Avoid using the present tense for past events unless it's a historical present for storytelling.

Gold Rule

Subject-Verb Agreement

In the present tense, singular subjects take '-s' or '-es' endings (e.g., 'she walks'), while plural subjects do not (e.g., 'they walk').

Word Origin

From Middle English 'present' (from Old French 'présent') + 'tense' (from Latin 'tempus' meaning 'time').

Usage Notes

The present tense is commonly used in English for everyday speech and writing. It can also express future actions when combined with time expressions like 'next week' or 'tomorrow'.

Word Breakdown

present
current or immediate
root
+
tense
a form of a verb that shows time
root
English Dictionary