English for IT - Type of Present Tenses

The Present Simple is the most basic tense in the English language. It is an interesting tense because it can be used to express the future. Generally, though, we use it to describe the present activities or to talk about routines or habits.

Basic form

Subject + Verb (present form)

Quick examples

• John lives in New York.
• We play football every day.
• You are really kind.
• The meeting starts at 3 PM.

Use

1. Facts, generalizations and universal truths
2. Habits and routines
3. Permanent situations
4. Events that are certain to happen
5. Arrangements that we can't change (e.g. timetables, official meetings)
6. State verbs (e.g. be, have, suppose, know)
7. Narrations, instructions or commentaries

The Present Continuous is mainly used to express the idea that something is happening at the moment of speaking. The Present Continuous also describes activities generally in progress (not at the moment). Another use of the tense is to talk about temporary actions or future plans.

Basic form

Subject + IS/ARE + Verb (continuous form)

Quick examples

• He is sleeping.
• I am visiting grandpa in the afternoon.
• You are always coming late for the meetings!

Use

1. Present actions
2. Temporary actions
3. Longer actions in progress
4. Future (personal) arrangements and plans
5. Tendencies and trends
6. Irritation

The Present Perfect is used to express actions that happened at anindefinite time or that began in the past and continue in the present. This tense is also used when an activity has an effect on the present moment.

Basic form

Subject + HAS/HAVE + Verb (past participle form)

Quick examples

• I have read this book.
• The man has gone away.
• John has worked as a teacher for over 25 years.

Use

1. Actions which happened at an indefinite (unknown) time before now
2. Actions in the past which have an effect on the present moment
3. Actions which began in the past and continue in the present

The Present Perfect Continuous (Progressive) has a long and scary name. But don't worry! Read on to learn how to use it.

Basic form

Subject + HAS/HAVE + BEEN + Verb (continuous form)

Quick examples

• I have been working as a teacher for 30 years.
• What have you been doing?

Use

1. Actions that started in the past and continue in the present
2. Actions that have recently stopped
3. Temporary actions and situations