Definition

Referring to a verb form that indicates actions or states that are not in the past, typically including present and future tenses.

Example

In English, the nonpast forms of verbs are used to describe actions that are currently happening or will happen.

Conversation

I learned about the nonpast tense in my English class today.

Oh, really? What does that mean exactly?

It refers to actions that are not limited to the past or present.

That sounds interesting! I should look into the nonpast tense too.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nonpast → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "past" (from Old English "pæst", meaning having gone by or elapsed). The term "nonpast" refers to a grammatical aspect that indicates actions that are not in the past, typically referring to present or future actions.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('non-') and 'having gone by' ('past') to remember that 'nonpast' refers to actions that are not in the past.

Visually Confused Words