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

The lawyer reminded jurors that the question about drug use was posed in the present tense — “are you” an unlawful user or addicted to drugs?

From Los Angeles Times

He pointed out to jurors that some of the questions on the firearms transaction record are in the present tense, such as “are you an unlawful user of or addicted to” drugs.

From Seattle Times

“Someone, like Mr Biden who had just completed an 11-day rehabilitation program and lived with a sober companion after that, could surely believe he was not a present tense user or addict,” Mr Lowell wrote.

From BBC

“Someone, like Mr. Biden who had just completed an 11-day rehabilitation program and lived with a sober companion after that, could surely believe he was not a present tense user or addict.”

From Seattle Times

There has been no funeral service, and Grace, 35, still speaks of her mother in the present tense.

From Seattle Times