Simple or Indefinite Tenses?

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 09/03/2008 - 11:56

I'm very sorry for bothering you... but could you answer my question,why are simple tenses also called indefinite? is it a histrorical name? and the name "simple" a product of nowadays?

‹ Tenses/Verb Confusion


Admin's picture
Submitted by Admin on Wed, 09/03/2008 - 15:33.

Hello,
>I'm very sorry for bothering you

You shouldn't be -- I'm here to help you! ;-)

>why are simple tenses also called indefinite? is it a historical name? and the name "simple" a product of nowadays?

Yes, that's true: simple tenses are also called indefinite. The reason why they are called "indefinite" is because they do not inform us whether the action is finished or not.

I'm sorry but I don't know the origins of the word "simple" as in "simple tenses".

http://www.englishtenseswithcartoons.com/page/simple_tenses.html

UPDATE: Maybe because that's the simplest of all aspects?

Submitted by Anastasija (not verified) on Sun, 09/14/2008 - 15:57.

thank you very much )))