Present Indicative (Verb Stem)
The present indicative is the stem of the verb, more loosely known as the present tense. It is the basis from which all other verb forms are made. When writing in the third person singular (he, she or it), add -s to the stem.
I smell pie.
You smell pie.
He smells pie.
We smell pie.
They smell pie.
Present Participle
Present participles involve adding -ing to the verb. This form requires a helping verb, which must agree in number with the subject.
I am smelling flowers.
You are smelling flowers.
She is smelling flowers.
We are smelling flowers.
They are smelling flowers.
Present Subjunctive
The present subjunctive is often used to express uncertainty. This is generally accomplished by using "were" preceded by "if."
If I were smelling flowers, I would sneeze.
If you were smelling flowers, you would sneeze.
If she were smelling flowers, she would sneeze.
If we were smelling flowers, we would sneeze.
If they were smelling flowers, they would sneeze.
Past Indicative
Generally the past tense of a verb is formed by adding -ed to the stem.
I smelled smoke.
You smelled smoke.
He smelled smoke.
We smelled smoke.
They smelled smoke.
Past Participle
The past participle shows that the action has been completed. It is formed identically to the past indicative, usually by adding -ed. Example:
The scent of the soup, smelled when she took the lid of the pot, made me hungry.
Past Subjunctive
Uncertainty or impossibility is expressed using the past subjunctive. It is commonly formed using a past-perfect verb (e.g., had been). The verb "smell" follows the construction rule. For example:
If I had smelled smoke earlier, I would have called the fire department.
Imperative
To conjugate the imperative form of a verb, the stem, or present participle, is generally used. Imperatives make a command or request.
Smell my feet.