The Present Tense corresponds to the English Present, and like it usually denotes habitual action.
The so-called Consuetudinal or Habitual Present—i.e., the third person singular ending in ‑ann—in no way differs from the other parts of the Present in regard to time. The verb bí, however, has a distinct Present, bím, denoting habitual action. In English the Present—e.g., I write—generally denotes habitual action. Present action is usually signified by a compound tense, I am writing. So in Irish the Present, sgríoḃaim, denotes habitual action, and present action is denoted by the compound tense, táim ag sgríoḃadh. However, as in English, the Present Tense of certain verbs, especially those relating to the senses or the mind, denote present as well as habitual action—e.g., cluinim, I hear; creidim, I believe.
The Imperfect Tense is also called the Habitual or Consuetudinal Past. It denotes habitual action in past time; as, do sgríoḃainn, I used to write.
The Past Tense is also called the Perfect and the Preterite. It corresponds to the Past Tense in English; as, do sgríoḃas, I wrote.
Continuous action in past time is denoted by a compound tense, as in English—e.g., do ḃíos ag sgríoḃas, I was writing.
The Future Tense corresponds to the Future in English: as sgríoḃfad, I shall write.
The Conditional corresponds to the Compound Tense with "should" or "would" in English: as do sgríoḃfá, thou wouldst write.
The Conditional is also called the Secondary Future, because it denotes a future act regarded in the past: as, Aduḃairt sé go sgríoḃfad sé. He said that he would write.
