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 • 830 views

What is a Tense?

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

This phrase is used when asking for a general explanation or definition of what tense is in grammar.

Show examples from the web [+]

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?

What is the Tense?

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

This phrase is used when asking specifically about the tense of a verb in a sentence.

Show examples from the web [+]

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?

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What is a Tense? vs What is the Tense?

What is a Tense?

What is the Tense?

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