Since 'tense' is often used incorrectly*, we use the term 'temporality' to capture the temporal nature of a given verb conjugation: past, present or future.

Languages have to express distinctions in time, and verbs play an important role in this respect. Verb tenses have two main functions:

1. They situate an event as happening in the present, past or future.
2. They indicate the time at which an event happens relative to other events.
    

Related lessons

• Present tense
• Past tense
• Future tense
   

*See Tense / Mood