PRESENT TENSES:

Present tenses fourThere are four present tenses in English: oPresent simple oPresent continuous oPresent perfect simple oPresent perfect continuous

Present simple: uses always I always have my breakfast in bed. every afternoon I go for a walk every afternoon. Why are we using the present simple here?

Present simple: uses HABITS

Present simple: uses Water boils when you heat it. I have black eyes. Why are we using the present simple here?

Present simple: uses SOMETHING THAT IS ALWAYS TRUE, A PERMANENT SITUATION

Present simple: uses I work in Puerto de la Cruz. I live in La Orotava. Why are we using the present simple here?

Present simple: uses SOMETHING THAT IS TRUE FOR A LONG TIME

Present simple: uses The plane leaves at When you arrive, phone me. Why are we using the present simple here?

Present simple: uses TO REFER TO FUTURE TIME: -IN FIXED EVENTS ON A TIMETABLE, CALENDAR, ETC. -IN TIME CLAUSES

Present simple: uses If I stay up late, I feel awful. If I pass this exam, I’ll have a party. Why are we using the present simple here?

Present simple: uses IN ZERO AND FIRST CONDITIONAL CLAUSES

Present continuous: uses It’s raining. I’m writing my doctoral thesis. Why are we using the present continuous here?

Present continuous: uses ACTIVITIES HAPPENING NOW, ACTIVITIES HAPPENING AROUND NOW

Present continuous: uses My sister’s living at home for the moment until she finds a place of her own. Why are we using the present continuous here?

Present continuous: uses TEMPORARY ACTIVITIES OR SITUATIONS AROUND THE PRESENT MOMENT

Present continuous: uses We’re getting married in October. I’m having dinner with Anne tomorrow. Why are we using the present continuous here?

Present continuous: uses FUTURE PERSONAL PLANS

Present continuous: uses I’ve lost my key again. I’m always losing things. My mom’s always telling me what I should and shouldn’t eat. Why are we using the present continuous here?

Present continuous: uses WITH FREQUENCY ADVERBS (ALWAYS) TO TALK ABOUT HABITS AND TO CRITICISE

Present perfect simple: uses We’ve lived here for ten years. We’ve been friends since Why are we using the present perfect simple here?

Present perfect simple: uses UNFINISHED ACTIVITIES THAT CONTINUE UP TO THE PRESENT

Present perfect simple: uses I’ve just been to the shops. I’ve already found my purse. Why are we using the present perfect simple here?

Present perfect simple: uses FINISHED ACTIVITIES THAT: a)Finished recently b)Have a result at present

Present perfect simple: uses I’ve never been to La Gomera. Have you ever been to Scotland? Why are we using the present perfect simple here?

Present perfect simple: uses INDEFINITE PAST EXPERIENCES

Present perfect simple: uses My English has improved since this course started. Why are we using the present perfect simple here?

Present perfect simple: uses TO TALK ABOUT CHANGE

Present perfect continuous: uses We’ve been living here for ten years. Why are we using the present perfect continuous here?

Present perfect continuous: uses LONGER UNFINISHED ACTIVITIES THAT CONTINUE UP TO THE PRESENT

Present perfect continuous: uses Your eyes are red. Have you been crying? Why are we using the present perfect continuous here?

Present perfect continuous: uses LONGER FINISHED ACTIVITIES THAT: a)Finished recently b)Have a result at present

Present perfect continuous: uses I’ve been coming to China for nearly 20 years. Why are we using the present perfect continuous here?

Present perfect continuous: uses REPEATED ACTIONS THAT CONTINUE UP TO THE PRESENT

PRESENT TENSES Created by: Carmen Luisa Pérez Amaro