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CHAPTER I

TENSES

A. Definition of Tenses
In learning English grammar, tenses play a fundamental role in expressing the
time and nature of an action or event. Understanding tenses is essential for constructing
grammatically correct sentences and for communicating ideas clearly in both spoken and
written English. Through the use of tenses, speakers and writers are able to indicate when
an action happens, whether in the past, present, or future, and to describe the continuity,
completion, or repetition of that action.
Tenses in English indicate the time and aspect of an action, event, or state. They
show when something happens (time) and how it happens (aspect). There are twelve main
tenses in English, divided into three primary time frames: Present, Past, and Future, each
with five aspects: Simple, Continuous (Progressive), Perfect, Perfect Continuous, and
Past Perfect Progressive.
However, many learners find tenses challenging due to differences between the
grammatical systems of English and their native language. Therefore, this section aims to
provide a clear and systematic explanation of each tense, supported by examples and
contextual exercises to strengthen understanding and practical application.
By the end of this topic, students are expected to be able to:
1. Identify and explain the function of each English tense.
2. Use the appropriate tense in various communicative contexts.
3. Recognize time expressions that commonly accompany each tense.
4. Apply tenses correctly in academic writing and everyday conversation.
In summary, tenses are not merely grammatical rules to memorize, but essential
tools for expressing time, meaning, and intention precisely in communication. A solid
understanding of tenses serves as the foundation for mastering more advanced grammar
topics and developing overall language proficiency.
B. Overview of Tenses
Tense can appear in two main forms: verbal sentences (sentences with verbs as
predicates) and nominal sentences (sentences with “to be” as predicates). Understanding
both forms is important because English distinguishes between actions (verbal sentences)
and conditions or identities (nominal sentences). The following explanations and tables
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summarize the 16 English tenses in both verbal and nominal forms.
Time Tenses Verbal Nominal
(+) S + V(s/es) (+) S + am/is/are + ANA
(-) S + do/does + not + V1 (-) S + am/is/are + not + ANA
(?) Do/does + S + V1? (?) Am/is/are + S + ANA?
Simple 1. She studies English. 1. She is a teacher.
Present 2. I study English. 2. You are teacher.
3. She doesn’t study English. 3. I am teacher.
4. I don’t study English.
(+) S + am/is/are + Ving (+) S + am/is/are + being + ANA
Progressive
(-) S + am/is/are not + Ving (-) S + am/is/are not + being +

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