What does grammar tense mean? (tense vs. grammar tense)

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
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I’ve just heard an American English teacher use the term ‘grammar tense’ in one of her popular video lessons several times. Up until that moment I had never encountered this term. I know the noun ‘tense’ but what is a ‘grammar tense’? Is it an American term? Many thanks, Torsten

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Hi Torsten,

I am intrigued. Have you any context on this?

Alan

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Hi Torsten,

I would suggest ‘grammatical’ tense as a more appropriate description. This would indicate using a tense relevant to the time of speaking or writing something. An example might be using the present tense about something that actually happened in the past but the writer/speaker wants the reader/listener to imagine it is happening while he speaks/writes. Just an idea.

Alan

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