Page 68 - Carvaan Grammar-5

Hence the verb is said to be in the simple past tense .

In sentence (3), the verb ‘will danced ’ simply shows an action done in the future
time. Hence, the verb is said to be in the simple future tense.

The Continuous Tense

Look at the following sentences :

1. I am playing guitar.

2. I was playing guitar last evening.

3. I shall be playing guitar tomorrow.

In sentence (1), the verb ‘am playing ’ denotes an action that is going on or
continuing at the present time . Such a verb is said to be in the present continuous

tense.

In sentence (2), the verb ‘was playing ’ denotes an action that was going on or

continuing at sometime in the past time . Such a verb is said to be in the past

continuous tense.

In sentence (3), the verb ‘shall be playing ’ denotes an action that will be going
on or continuing at sometime in the future time . Such a verb is said to be in the

future continuous tense.

The Perfect Tense

Look at the following sentences :

1. I have eaten the food just now.

2. I had eaten the food before my brother came.

3. I shall have eaten the food by 9 p.m. tomorrow.

In sentence (1), the verb ‘have eaten ’ shows that the action has been completed
at the present time . It is said to be in the present prefect tense .

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