What is the common characteristic of all English verb tenses?

The common characteristic of all English verb tenses is that they indicate time. This means that they provide information about when an action takes place: in the past, present, or future. Each verb tense is structured to convey this temporal context, allowing speakers and writers to express not just the action but also its timing relative to other events.

For example, the simple past tense indicates that an action has already occurred, while the present tense suggests that it is currently happening. Future tense demonstrates that an action will take place later. Understanding this aspect is crucial for effective communication in English.

The other options do not universally apply to all verb tenses. While some tenses can indeed be in passive voice or may require the use of auxiliary verbs, these features are not ubiquitous across all tenses. Regular verbs are just one category within the vast array of English verbs, and tenses can also include irregular verbs. Therefore, indicating time is what unifies all English verb tenses.