present
14
3.2
- noun
- /ˈprɛzənt/
- Specialized
- In English grammar, the verb tense of the present describes actions that are currently happening.
- historical present
- the present is used
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Watch on YouTubeI asked a simple question in present tense and I need a present tense answer.
- I asked a simple question in present tense and I need a present tense answer.
Examples
-
Continuity is further ensured by always having at least one facilitator present weekly.
Academic text (1990) -
When describing habitual actions, we often use the present tense to convey regular occurrences.
-
You can imagine now in the present that things are fine.
-
No one can tell what effect a change may have on the present.
Fiction book (2000) -
What are the possible outcomes to the present protest?
-
There is no consensus, whether in the present or historically.
-
You have the right to have any attorney present when being questioned.
-
Well, I suppose that's all we can do at present.
-
The EMG signals are representative of the electrical energy present during muscle activation.
Academic text (2002) -
In my writing class, we practiced using the present tense to express ideas clearly and directly.
Synonyms
14
2.2
A verb form that shows an action or state now
Antonyms
Idioms
Compounds
- Formal
10
7.6
A legal rule that allows stopping speech when it poses a serious, obvious threat to public safety
- Specialized
1
3.3
A verb form made by adding -ing that shows an action happening now or that describes a noun
- Specialized
1
2.3
A verb tense that talks about regular actions, facts, and situations that are true now
- Specialized
1
2.7
A verb tense for actions and facts that happen often and are true now
- Specialized
1
3.4
A verb tense used to talk about actions that happened before now and still matter
- Specialized
1
3.4
A verb form showing actions happening now using am, is, or are plus -ing
- Specialized
1
7.4
Use present tense to tell past events as if they are happening now
- Specialized
1
4.7
A verb tense using has or have been plus -ing for actions started in the past and still continuing
- Specialized
1
5.3
A verb form using has/have been plus -ing to show an action that started in the past and continues now
- Specialized
A small ending added to a verb to show present time, like the -s in runs
Surface Forms
Etymology
Present (the tense) takes its name from Latin praesens 'being near'. So the present tense is used for actions that happen 'now' or regularly.