Course 2, Lesson 1, Grammar Notes 2: Verb Types and the "Present Tense"

[Accura]

2. Verb Types and the "Present Tense"

In this lesson we learn about a dozen verbs that describe basic human actions. These are often called "action verbs," and the "present tense" of these verbs either means

(1) that a person habitually or regularly engages in these activities, or

(2) that a person will, or is planning to, perform these activities in the future.

Habitual actions:

watashi wa yoku terabit o mimasu. ( I often watch TV.)

Mary san wa tokidoki asagohan o tabemasen. ( Mary sometimes doesn't eat breakfast.)

Future actions:

watashi wa ashita Kyoto in ikimasu. ( I will go to Kyoto tomorrow.)

Suu san wa kyou uchi ni kaerimasen. ( Sue will not return home today.)