present tense

noun

: the tense of a verb that expresses action or state in the present time and is used of what occurs or is true at the time of speaking and of what is habitual or characteristic or is always or necessarily true, that is sometimes used to refer to action in the past, and that is sometimes used for future events

Examples of present tense in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His métier isn’t memoir, with its careful, retrospective analysis, but rather the roiling potential of the unresolved present tense. —Lili Loofbourow, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2024

In the show’s present tense, rather than getting into showbiz history, LaChiusa writes two encounters between Anuncia and two passing deer brothers, both played by Tally Sessions in goofy antler headgear. —Vulture, 21 Nov. 2023

The technique is not one of flashbacks from a dominant present tense. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2023

So borrowing that theme, here are some suggestions – converted to present tense. —John Baldoni, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

present tense

noun

: a tense that expresses action or state in the present time and is used of what is true at the time of speaking or is always true