Present indefinite tense

[Tait-ka]

Present simple tense is also called present indefinite tense.
Past simple tense is also called past indefinite tense.
Future simple tense is also called future indefinite tense.

Can I ask why they are called "indefinite" tenses?

 

[jutfrank]

Present simple tense is also called present indefinite tense.

Not really, no.

Past simple tense is also called past indefinite tense.

Not really. Not any more.

Future simple tense is also called future indefinite tense.

Nope.

Can I ask why they are called "indefinite" tenses?

They're not. Put down that outdated old grammar book and get a good one.

They used to be called present and past 'indefinite' because there was no aspect such as continuous or perfect that defined any clear temporal boundary. Today we call that 'simple'. It just means 'no aspect'.

 

[Tait-ka]

They're not.

Right. Thanks.

Put down that outdated old grammar book and get a good one.

I was not referring to any particular grammar book. All grammar books here in Pakistan (and India) and all the websites of Pakistani/Indian people call these tenses "indefinite". Also, that is how teachers teach in schools here.
Thanks again for your advice. I really appreciate it.

They used to be called present and past 'indefinite' because there was no aspect such as continuous or perfect that defined any clear temporal boundary. Today we call that 'simple'. It just means 'no aspect'.

I don't fully understand what you have said here in the bolded part. Can you explain it more please? Also, can you explain what you meant when you said "simple" means "no aspect"?

 

[jutfrank]

Some verb phrases have continuous or perfect aspect, and others don't. Aspect adds an extra kind of meaning. The verb phrases that don't have this extra meaning are called 'simple'. The former term 'indefinite' is the old way of saying 'simple', or in other words 'no aspect'.

 

[Tait-ka]

Some verb phrases have continuous or perfect aspect, and others don't. Aspect adds an extra kind of meaning. The verb phrases that don't have this extra meaning are called 'simple'. The former term 'indefinite' is the old way of saying 'simple', or in other words 'no aspect'.

Please don't mind my asking but can I ask what "aspect" is? Can I also ask how it adds an extra kind of meaning?

 

[jutfrank]

a) I work.
b) I'm working.

Sentence a. has no aspect. Sentence b. has continuous aspect.

To put it simply, aspect expresses something about how an action takes place in time.

 

[Tait-ka]

Hi, @jutfrank.

Do you agree with the comment below?

Present simple tense was also called present indefinite tense because the verb is used in its plain form, with no aspect added—that is, it does not show whether the action is ongoing, completed, or temporary. It simply states a fact or habit without giving any extra information about the action’s state in time, so older grammarians described it as “indefinite.” Later, to avoid confusion, the clearer term simple replaced indefinite.

 

[Piscean]

What is the source of that comment?

 

[Tait-ka]

What is the source of that comment?

An English teacher said this.

 

[emsr2d2]

An English teacher said this.

Was it your English teacher? If so, it's impressive that you managed to note down their explanation verbatim.
If it wasn't your teacher, you need to provide the full source - if it's from a book, give us the title and author(s) or if it's from a website, provide a link.

 

[Tait-ka]

Was it your English teacher?

Yes.

 

[jutfrank]

Do you agree with the comment below?

Yes, I think it's well-phrased and accurate.

Please make sure you tell us exactly where you read this comment as it's a forum requirement to do so, as well as a legal matter. Thank you.