The Function of Verb Tenses The Simple Present Tense The simple present is used to describe an action, an event,

or condition that is occurring in the present, at the moment of speaking or writing. The simple present is used when the precise beginning or ending of a present action, event, or condition is unknown or is unimportant to the meaning of the sentence. The simple present is used to express general truths such as scientific fact, as in the following sentences: Rectangles have four sides. Canada Day takes place on uly !, the anniversary of the signing of the "ritish #orth $merica $ct. The moon circles the earth once every %& days. Calcium is important to the formation of strong bones. 'enarche and menopause mark the beginning and the ending of a woman(s reproductive history. The simple present is used to indicate a habitual action, event, or condition, as in the following sentences: )eonard goes to The umping *orse Tavern every Thursday evening. 'y grandmother sends me new mittens each spring. +n fairy tales, things happen in threes. ,e never finish -igsaw pu..les because the cat always eats some of the pieces. The Simple Past Tense The simple past is used to describe an action, an event, or condition that occurred in the past, sometime before the moment of speaking or writing. /ach of the highlighted verbs in the following sentences is in the simple past tense and each sentence describes an action taking place at some point in past. $ flea -umped from the dog to the cat. 0hoebe gripped the hammer tightly and nailed the boards together. The gem1stones sparkled in a velvet lined display case. $rtemisia 2entilsechi probably died in !34%. The storyteller began every story by saying 5$ long time ago when the earth was green.5

The Simple Future Tense The simple future is used to refer to actions that will take place after the act of speaking or writing. /ach of the highlighted verbs in the following sentences is in the simple future tense. They will meet us at the newest caf6 in the market. ,ill you walk the dog tonight7 $t the feast, we will eat heartily. "obbie will call you tomorrow with details about the agenda. The 8miths say that they will not move their chicken coop.