TextRanch
The best way to perfect your writing.

Discover why 1,062,726 users count on TextRanch to get their English corrected!

1. Input your text below.
2. Get it corrected in a few minutes by our editors.
3. Improve your English!

One of our experts will correct your English.

TextRanch Editors

What is a Tense? vs What is the Tense?

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'What is a tense?' is more general and can be used when asking about the concept of tense in grammar. 'What is the tense?' is more specific and is used when asking about the specific tense being used in a sentence.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 980 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when asking about the concept of tense in grammar.

"What is a Tense?"

This phrase is used when asking for a general explanation or definition of what tense is in grammar.
  • Why are you so tense? Relax.
  • Why must everyone refer to my pain as past tense?
  • So you plan to ice Gonzo, like, future tense?
  • So you're worried about making people tense?
  • So you plan to ice Gonzo, like, future tense?
  • Is that why you're so tense?
  • Would you mind if we didn't talk about him in the past tense?
  • Why does the king speak of me only in the past tense?
  • Why are you talking in the past tense?
  • Can I help it if I'm tense?
  • Babe, how is it any different than when we exchange back rubs, and you make me go first and you fall asleep, and I'm just lying there all naked and tense?
  • "Wanted?" Is that past tense?
  • This is a tense moment in the first football game, I think.
  • 'Cause being rude always helps in a tense situation, right?
  • What is more difficult to explain is that fisheries agreements are sometimes in a tense relationship with development cooperation.
  • Rendering it... What's the past-tense of "interesting?"
  • Okay, okay, clearly this is a tense subject for you, so why don't you and Sean just put on your robes and crawl under this dubious comforter and I'll be on my way out?
  • Do I seem more tense than usual?
  • Every time I walk in a room, you guys tense up?
  • Does Mitch seem tense to you today?

Alternatives:

  • Can you explain what a tense is?
  • Could you define tense for me?
  • What does the term 'tense' mean?
  • I'm not sure, can you clarify what a tense is?
  • Could you provide more information about what a tense is?

This phrase is correct and commonly used when asking about the specific tense being used in a sentence.

"What is the Tense?"

This phrase is used when asking specifically about the tense of a verb in a sentence.
  • Why are you so tense? Relax.
  • Why must everyone refer to my pain as past tense?
  • So you plan to ice Gonzo, like, future tense?
  • So you're worried about making people tense?
  • So you plan to ice Gonzo, like, future tense?
  • Is that why you're so tense?
  • Would you mind if we didn't talk about him in the past tense?
  • Why does the king speak of me only in the past tense?
  • Why are you talking in the past tense?
  • Can I help it if I'm tense?
  • Babe, how is it any different than when we exchange back rubs, and you make me go first and you fall asleep, and I'm just lying there all naked and tense?
  • "Wanted?" Is that past tense?
  • Another issue that concerns us is the tense situation in south-east Turkey.
  • Rendering it... What's the past-tense of "interesting?"
  • What is the Commission's position on the tense relationship between the continued validity of illegal laws such as the AVNOJ Regulations and the Beneš Decrees, on the one hand, and the Charter of Fundamental Rights, on the other?
  • Do I seem more tense than usual?
  • Every time I walk in a room, you guys tense up?
  • Does Mitch seem tense to you today?
  • You're tense because of money?
  • Did things ever get tense between you?

Alternatives:

  • Which tense is being used?
  • Can you tell me the tense of the verb?
  • What is the specific tense in this sentence?
  • I'm confused about the tense being used, can you clarify?
  • Could you explain the tense of the verb?

Related Comparisons

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

  • Emails and short texts
  • Proofreading & editing
  • Ready in 5-10 minutes
SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

  • Documents of any type (*.docx)
  • Advanced & Premium editing
  • Ready in as little as 4 hours
UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

  • Personalized answers to your language questions
  • Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
  • Ready in 24 hours
ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Powered By Humans

TextRanch Editors

AI is a great tool, but when it comes to perfecting your writing, we rely on real human editors.

  • All our editors are native English speakers.
  • Each editor has passed a rigorous admission test to ensure quality.
  • Our global team is ready to correct any text, anytime.

MEET OUR EDITORS

TextRanch Editors

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

People Feedback 4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Profile picture of Zubair from Bangladesh

Zubair
from Bangladesh From

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Profile picture of Arturo from Mexico

Arturo
from Mexico From

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Profile picture of Selena from USA

Selena
from USA From

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Profile picture of Ifiok from Nigeria

Ifiok
from Nigeria From

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Profile picture of Wilson from France

Wilson
from France From

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Profile picture of Susan from Germany

Susan
from Germany From

Trusted by Hundreds Teams

Facebook logo
Accenture logo
Air Asia logo
AirBus logo
Amazon logo
Bayer logo
Decathlon logo
Docusign logo
Ebay logo
Fiverr logo
Fossil logo
Keller Williams logo
LinkedIn logo
Loreal logo
Motorola logo
Orange logo
Roche logo
Salesforce logo
Stellantis logo