present
24
3.2
- noun
- /ˈprɛzənt/
- Specialized
:
presente
- In English grammar, the verb tense of the present describes actions that are currently happening.
- historical present
- the present is used
I 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
8
2.2
A verb form that shows an action or state now
Antonyms
Idioms
Compounds
- Formal
7
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
Use present tense to tell past events as if they are happening now
- Specialized
A verb tense using has or have been plus -ing for actions started in the past and still continuing
- Specialized
A verb form using has/have been plus -ing to show an action that started in the past and continues now
- Specialized
A verb tense used to talk about actions that happened before now and still matter
- Specialized
A verb form showing actions happening now using am, is, or are plus -ing
- Specialized
A verb tense for actions and facts that happen often and are true now
- Specialized
A small ending added to a verb to show present time, like the -s in runs
- Specialized
A verb tense that talks about regular actions, facts, and situations that are true now
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.