What is Present Tense?
The Present Tense is used to describe actions that are happening now, habits, general truths, and ongoing situations. It is the most common tense in English.
Simple Present Tense
Structure: Subject + base verb (+ s/es for he/she/it)
Common Uses:
- Daily routines and habits
- Universal truths and facts
- Scheduled events
- Feelings and permanent situations
Example:
"He reads a book every evening."
Present Continuous Tense
Structure: Subject + is/am/are + verb-ing
Common Uses:
- Actions happening right now
- Temporary actions or situations
- Future planned actions
- Changing or developing actions
Example:
"They are watching a movie right now."
Present Perfect Tense
Structure: Subject + has/have + past participle (V3)
Common Uses:
- Actions with a result in the present
- Experiences or changes over time
- Unfinished time periods
- Recently completed actions
Example:
"I have finished my homework."
Present Perfect Continuous Tense
Structure: Subject + has/have been + verb-ing
Common Uses:
- Actions starting in the past and still continuing
- Emphasizing the duration of an activity
- Showing how long something has been happening
Example:
"She has been working here since morning."
Time Expressions:
Since: from a point in time (e.g., since 5 AM).
For: a duration of time (e.g., for 2 hours).
Present Tense Summary
| Tense | Structure | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Present | S + V1 (s/es) | Habits, facts, routines | "He plays cricket." |
| Present Continuous | S + is/am/are + V-ing | Action happening now, temporary | "She is reading a book." |
| Present Perfect | S + has/have + V3 | Completed actions with effect on present | "I have lost my keys." |
| Present Perfect Continuous | S + has/have been + V-ing | Ongoing action from past to now | "We have been working all day." |