In Swahili grammar, the contrast between past and future is expressed through verb tenses. The past tense is typically indicated by the -li- infix, while the future tense is often marked by the -ta- infix. Both tenses follow a common pattern: subject prefix + tense marker + verb root. For example, “Nilienda” means “I went” (past tense) and “Nitaenda” means “I will go” (future tense). Mastering the use of past and future tenses in Swahili is crucial for effective communication and comprehension.