Present Tenses

Rules of present tenses 1

100

Facts and permanent states

Jack works as a nurse. - Present Simple

200

An action that happened at an unstated time in the past. The emphasis is on the action, the time when it occurred is unimportant or unknown.

I have washed the car.  - Present Perfect

300

For actions taking place at or around the moment of speaking.

 Jean is doing her homework. - Present Continuous

400

Timetables and programmes (in the future)

His plane leaves at 10 next Friday. - Present Simple

500

A recently completed action

I have just painted the house. - Present Perfect

Rules of present tenses 2

100

General truths and laws of nature

The sun sets in the west. - Present Simple

200

To put emphasis on the duration of an action which started in the past and continues up to the present.

We have been decorating the living room all morning. - Present Perfect Continuous

300

For temporary situations

We are fixing the fence this week. - Present Continuous

400

For currently changing and developing situations

The temperature is becoming warmer and warmer. - Present Continuous

500

For repeated actions in the past continuing to the present.

 She has lost weight because she has been dieting.

Rules of present tenses 3

100

For fixed arrangements in the near future

I am going out with Tony tonight. - Present Continuous

200

Sporting commentaries, reviews and narrations

Terry wins the ball, crosses and Lampard scores for Chelsea.

300

With adverbs such as always to express anger or irritation at a repeated action

She is always taking my things.

400

An action which started in the past and continues up to the present, especially with stative verbs such as be, have, like, know

I have known the Browns for six years. - Present Perfect

500

Feelings and emotions

I love Mozart. His music is wonderful. - Present Simple

Present tenses in the context

100

Just now they ..................... (wait) to do their military service.

Just now they are waiting to do their military service.

200

I ................... (use) John's mobile phone because I left mine at home.

I am using John's mobile phone because I left mine at home.

300

I .............. (not/obtain) a qualification in it  yet.

I have not obtained a qualification in it  yet.

400

I ...................... (think) of doing a postgraduate degree - what ................... (you/ think)? Is it a good idea?

I am thinking of doing a postgraduate degree - what do you think? Is it a good idea?

500

However, I .................... (wait) for a reply for several weeks and I still ................... (not/receive) any answer.

However, I have been waiting for a reply for several weeks and I still have not received any answer.

Present Tenses in the context

100

The Blues Band ....................... (appear) at the Odeon on Saturday.

The Blues Band is appearing at the Odeon on Saturday.

200

You .................. (always/complain) that waiters are rude!

You are always complaining that waiters are rude!

300

So, in the first scene we ........... (see) him getting up and then he ................ (go) out and ................ (meet) a strange woman.

So, in the first scene we see him getting up and then he goes out and meets a strange woman.

400

Alice ............... (be/ always) very polite, but today she .............. (be) so rude.

Alice is always very polite, but today she is being so rude.

500

We .................... (know) him for many years and .................. (not/ understand) him yet.

We have known him for many years and have not understood him yet.