Crossword Genius

Hammers would be present, but not always saw (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tense

'saw' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for tense that I've seen before include "Nervous or tight" , "under pressure" , "In a nervous state" , "Anxious - future, perhaps?" , "Verb form indicating time" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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