Remember this!
The present tense form of 'defying' is defy. Example: They defy the expectations and pursue their dreams. (They defy the expectations and pursue their dreams.)
Definition of “defy”
- to openly resist or refuse to obey someone or something
- to challenge the power or authority of someone or something
- to be unyielding or resistant to
Tense sentence structure and examples:
Notes from a Native English Speaker
Here are the general structures of a present and past participle. Remember, some verbs have an irregular form and may not follow this structure: Present Participle: [Verb] -ing Past Participle: [Verb] -ed
| Present Simple | defy |
| Present Continuous | defying |
| Present Perfect | have defied |
Example
She defies authority and follows her own path.
Example
They defy societal norms and embrace their uniqueness.
Example
He is defying the odds and pursuing his passion.
Example
They are defying expectations and striving for excellence.
Example
She has defied all obstacles and achieved her goals.
Example
They have defied societal norms and created their own path.
defy Subject-Verb Agreement
Notes from a Native English Speaker
Subject-verb agreement means that a subject and its verb match. They’re either both plural or both singular. A singular subject takes a singular verb. - Example: The cat is sleeping. A plural subject takes a plural verb. - Example: The cats are sleeping.
| Singular First Person (I) | defy |
| Singular Second Person (You) | defy |
| Singular Third Person (He/She/It) | defies |
| Plural (We/You/They) | defy |
Example
I defy authority.
Example
You defy authority.
Example
He defies authority.
Example
She defies authority.
Example
It defies authority.
Example
We defy authority.
Example
You defy authority.
Example
They defy authority.
