Tenses – JSS1 English Lesson Note (Second Term)

Tense is the change in the form of a verb to show time. Tenses occur only in verbs. This lesson covers four present tenses: the simple present, present continuous, present perfect and present perfect continuous. Each is explained with its use and examples.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• explain what tense is;
• state the uses of the simple present tense;
• explain how the present continuous and present perfect tenses are formed;
• identify the present perfect continuous tense in a sentence;
• write correct sentences in each of these tenses.

What is tense?

Tenses occur only in verbs. It is usual to talk about the past, present and other tenses. Tense refers to the change that takes place in the form of the verb to indicate time.

What are the present tenses?

What is the simple present tense?

The simple present tense is used to express habitual truth, eternal truth, what is fixed, and present action.

Examples

• Sule always smokes after meals.
• The bus arrives at 8 a.m.
• The sun sets in the West.

What is the present continuous tense?

The present continuous tense is progressive. It is formed by adding -ing to the main verb. The auxiliary verb should be in the present tense.

Examples

• Ronke is reading now.
• Mayowa is carrying a table.
• She is enjoying the sweet snacks.

What is the present perfect tense?

The perfective aspect is formed by combining a form of the verb “have” with the main verb in the past participle form. “Have” remains in the present tense.

Examples

• I have been to Lagos.
• Tunde has eaten his food.

What is the present perfect continuous tense?

The present perfect continuous tense is the combination of the progressive and perfective aspects.

Examples

• I have been coming to this place now for two years.
• I have been attending Good Shepherd School since primary school.

Evaluation

Write ten sentences, highlighting the following types of verb tenses: simple present tense, present continuous tense and present perfect continuous tense.