Expressing time through tenses

Whenever we make a statement we refer to a particular time in the Past, Present or Future. In grammar this is known as the Tense. In order to show the Tense, we usually change the verb by adding inflections (change of verb endings) or by the inclusion of auxiliaries (helping verbs) or modals.

Peter walks to school. (Simple Present Tense)

Peter walked to school. (Simple Past Tense)

Peter will walk to school tomorrow. (Simple Future Tense)

Children walk to school. (Simple Present Plural)

Use of Adjuncts (additions)

Apart from adding inflections to the base form of a verb, you can add an adjunct to show the time.

Susila will be visiting London tomorrow.

We attended the international book exhibition last week.

The patient will be admitted to hospital on Tuesday.

For emphasis you can place an adjunct at the beginning of a sentence.

Last month, children were warned not to come late.

Yesterday the situation of the hospital was chaotic with the doctors' strike.

The Simple Present is used to express your feelings at the present moment.

Hema is busy at the reception.

I feel guilty.

Now you look horrible!

The Simple Present is used to express the present state of to affairs of something.

Anura works in the United Arab Emirates.

Hema lives in one of the border villages.

After 9/11, the United States faces another crisis.

Sajith is a former President's son.

The Simple Present Tense is used to express an eternal truth.

The Earth rotates around the Sun.

When heated water evaporates.

Natural disasters occur every now and then.

Still waters run deep.

The Simple Present Tense is used to express habitual actions.

Kamala always carries an umbrella.

Many young men do not smoke.

We go to temple on Poya Days.

The Simple Present is used in reviews of books, films, dramas etc.Gamini plays the lead role in 'Nidhanaya'.

The protagonist meets with an accident and recovers.

The Simple Present is used in commentaries.

Tyson delivers a left hook to his opponent's jaw.

The Simple Present is used in reporting.

She tells me you are wrong.

I hear you're leaving the country.

The General says half the battle is over.

The Simple Present is used for commenting.

He admits that he has a fake degree.

I enclose my enrolment fee to begin the course.

The simple present is used to express scheduled future action.

Ruhnu Kumari reaches Matara at 8.30 p.m.

Your plane leaves Delhi tonight.

The Simple Present is used in conditionals.

If he drinks too much, he behaves badly.

If anybody phones, say I'm not in.

The simple present is used with 'after', 'before',' when' or 'until'.

Let's play badminton until he comes.

Father can take a decision after he returns home.

The Simple Present is used when a verb has no continuous/progressive form.

She has one of the safe keys.

I understand your problem.

The Simple Present is used when giving a list of dates and events.

1505: The Portuguese arrive in Sri Lanka.

1948: Sri Lanka receives independence.

The Simple Present is used when making a suggestion.

Why don't you get a hair-cut?

The Simple Present is used in exclamations.

Here they come!

Welcome to Sri Lanka!