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What is Tense? vs What is a Tense?

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'What is tense?' is a more general question asking about the concept of tense in grammar. 'What is a tense?' is asking for a specific definition of a tense in the context of grammar.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 953 views

What is Tense?

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

This phrase is used to inquire about the general concept of tense in grammar, without specifying a particular tense.

Examples:

Can you explain what is tense in English grammar?
I'm confused about what tense means in this 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?
Rendering it... What's the past-tense of "interesting?"
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?
Maybe things were tense at home?
Did the school principal seem tense to you?

Alternatives:

Can you explain the concept of tense?
What does tense refer to?
How would you define tense?
Can you clarify the meaning of tense?
What is the definition of tense?

What is a Tense?

This phrase is correct and commonly used when asking for a specific definition of a tense in the context of grammar.

This phrase is used when seeking a specific explanation or definition of a particular tense in grammar.

Examples:

Can you explain what is a tense in English grammar?
I'm not sure about the definition of a tense in this context.

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 the definition of a tense?
What does 'a tense' mean?
How would you define 'a tense'?
Can you clarify the meaning of 'a tense'?
What is the specific definition of 'a tense'?

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