What Tense Should I Use After the Word "Always"?

What Tense Should I Use After the Word "Always"?

by Rham Ferrer
(Philippines)

What tense of the verb should I use after the word "always"?

e.g

"I always complain/complained about my
shoes till I found out the man with no legs"

Thanks!

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Apr 29, 2011
Answer
by: Ola Zur

Hi,

In English we use "s" for plural nouns.

For examples: one boy -->; ten boys.

However, it does not work like that with
verbs.

For example: she works --> they work.

You see, the plural verb gets no "s".

So in your cases, "always" is indeed used correctly, but the "s" has to
be added.

Like this:

"He always cares (singular) for us."

"She always smiles (singular) at me."

"It (the cat) always welcomes (singular) me."

Click here for the rules of when to add "s".

Apr 29, 2011
What about He, She, It.?
by: Anonymous

Say,

"He always care (plural) for us."
"She always smile (plural) at me."
"It (the cat) always welcome (plural) to me."

Is 'always' used correctly in the above instances?

Thank you.

Apr 16, 2011
Answer
by: Ola Zur

Hi,

Basically, there isn't a specific rule. It depends on what you want to say. If it's a normal action in the present ? use Simple Present.
If it's in the past ? use Simple Past.
If it's in the future, use Simple Future, etc.

Examples:

I always arrive home at 8 o'clock. (Simple Present)
He was always so nice to us. (Simple Past)
I will always love you. (Simple Future)
I have always hated the winter. (Present Perfect)
They are always complaining about something. (Present Progressive)

And so forth :)

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