Present Tense

What is the present tense?

The present tense is mostly used to identify the action of a verb as taking place in the present time. However, depending on which way we form the present tense, it can also be used to describe things that happened in the past, or even certain events that are planned to happen in the future.

There are four forms of the present tense that can accomplish these tasks. We will give a brief summary of each below, but go to the appropriate section to learn about them more in-depth.

Present Simple Tense

The present simple tense is used to describe that which is done habitually, that which is generally true, that which is always the case, or that which is scheduled to happen. It is made up of only the basic form of the verb: the infinitive (+ -(e)s if used with the third-person singular). It is called “simple” because it does not rely on any modal or auxiliary verbs to accomplish its meaning.

Examples:

• “I come from Berlin.”
• “The train leaves at 2 PM.”
• “He eats breakfast every morning.”
• “We like ice cream.”

Present Continuous Tense (Progressive)

The present continuous or present progressive tense is used to express actions that are currently in progress. It can also be used to describe actions or events that are planned for the future but not set in a specific time.
We form the present continuous tense by using the present participle (-ing form) of the main verb after the present form of the auxiliary linking verb “be.” The present participle creates the continuous forms of verbs, which is where the name “present continuous” comes from.

Examples:

• “She is running for president next year.”
• “They are not watching television.”
• “We are eating ice cream.”
• “Are you reading that book?”

Present Perfect Tense

The present perfect tense (sometimes called the present perfect simple tense) is used to speak about events or actions that occurred in the past but without specifying a specific time or date.
We form the present perfect by using the present tense of the auxiliary verb “have” (or “has,” if used with third-person singular pronouns) along with the past participle of the main verb. Using forms of an auxiliary verb (such as “have”) together with the past participle of the main verb is known as the perfect aspect in English, which is where the name “present perfect” comes from. (For more information on the perfect and other aspects, refer to the chapter on Aspect.)

Examples:

• “I have seen that movie already.”
• “She’s been to Prague.”
• “He has lost his keys.”
• “Jenny‘s lived in Dubai for 10 years!”

Present Perfect Continuous Tense

The present perfect continuous is used in a similar way to the present perfect simple tense. It expresses an action that began in the past and is still ongoing in the present, with an emphasis on the duration of the action or the amount of time it has taken. It can also be used to talk about something that is temporary, has been happening recently, or only recently ended.
The present perfect continuous tense (sometimes called the present perfect progressive tense) is formed by using the present tense of the auxiliary verb “have” (or “has,” if used with third-person singular pronouns) along with “been” (the past participle of the linking verb “be”) and the present participle (-ing form) of the main verb.

Examples:

• “I have been living in Oakland.”
• “We’ve been walking for four hours!”
• “They have been working in the shop for 10 years.”
• “Bill has been coming into work late a lot.”
• “I’m so sweaty because I have been exercising.”