Understand and Recognise Past and Present Tense Verbs

In this activity we will be learning all about the past and present tense.

 

 

When we talk or read about the past, it is something that has already happened. It is in the past and we can think that it has passed -  it is gone.

 

When we talk about the present, we are talking about right now - things that are happening currently.

Imagine you have lots of toys!

 

The things you're playing with right now go in the 'now zone' section, but the ones you put away after playtime go in the 'then zone'.

 

Now zone	Then zone

 

Present tense verbs are like the toys you're using right now. They tell us what's happening in the 'now zone'.

 

For example: I eat an apple. (You're eating it right now!)

 

The dog barks at the postman. (The dog is barking right now!)
 

Past tense verbs are like the toys you put away. They tell us what happened in the 'then zone'. 

 

For example: I ate an apple earlier. (You finished eating it already.)

 

The dog barked at the postman yesterday. (It's not barking any more.)
 

So, the next time you hear a verb, think about whether it's happening in the 'now' zone, or if it belongs in the 'then zone' and it has been put away.

Remember, practice makes perfect! You'll be a grammar champion in no time!