instruction:
In this task you are given a sentence. You must judge whether the main verb of the sentence is in present or past tense. Label the instances as "Present" or "Past" based on your judgment. If there is no verb in the given text, answer "Present".
question:
He stiffened his shoulders and began to back away, but the taunting inner demon rose up and whispered its warning.
answer:
Past


question:
He tries to say it soberly but I can still hear the snigger in his voice.
answer:
Present


question:
The notion disconcerted him.
answer:

Past