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what is an indefinite tense

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Indefinite Tense

The indefinite (or simple) tenses are used to describe actions but do not state whether the action is complete or on-going.

Examples:

In the past: I went / they ate / she felt
(the simple past tense)
In the present: I go / we clean / it recovers
(the simple present tense)
In the future: I will go / you will act / he will fly
(the simple future tense)


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 The Indefinite Tenses: grammar rules, usage and patterns.
present indefinite (or present simple)
future indefinite (or future simple)
past indefinite (or past simple)

 

The Present Indefinite

The Formation of the Present Indefinite

Affirmative Interrogative Negative
I work.
He works.
She works.
It works.
We work.
You work.
They work.		 Do I work?
Does he work?
Does she work?
Does it work?
Do we work?
Do you work?
Do they work?		 I do not work.
He does not work.
She does not work.
It does not work.
We do not work.
You do not work.
They do not work.


The Present Indefinite is used to denote:
1) customary and permanent actions or states.

 

Affirmative Sentences

Key example:
I study English. Ann studies English.

For study:
What do I do in the morning? What does Ann do in the morning?
 

  1. I get up at 7.
  2. I do morning exercises.
  3. I take a shower.
  4. I get my breakfast ready.
  1. Ann gets up at 7.
  2. Ann does morning exercises.
  3. Ann takes a shower.
  4. Ann gets her breakfast ready.


What do I usually do? What does Ann usually do?
 

  1. I seldom switch the TV on.
  2. I often play the piano.
  3. I usually read books.
  4. I always listen to the latest news.
  5. I often take a walk.
  6. I never have my supper late.
  1. Ann seldom switches the TV on.
  2. Ann often plays the piano.
  3. Ann usually reads books.
  4. Ann always listens to the latest news.
  5. Ann often takes a walk.
  6. Ann never has her supper late.


 

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  present indefinite tense

affirmative   Negative  interrogative  negative interrogative

i work  i do not work.  do i work?  do i not work?

we work         we do not work  do we work?  do we not work?

you work  you do not work.  do you work?  do you not work?

he works  he does not work  does he work?  does he not work?

they work  they do not work  do they work?  do they not work?

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