present tense

[ prez-uhnt tens ]

noun

, Grammar.

1. (in English) the simple present.
2. any verb formation or construction used to express an action or state occurring in the present, such as, in English, the present progressive.
3. an instance or form of a specific verb expressing an action or state that occurs in the present.

Word History and Origins

Origin of present tense¹

First recorded in 1400–50

Example Sentences

I know thou likest this lively present-tense manner, as it is one of my peculiars.

From Project Gutenberg

Verbs in the present-tense form are changed to the past-tense form.

From Project Gutenberg