PRESENT TENSES

often used with:

1. PRESENT SIMPLE - adverbs of frequency (never,
USES: sometimes, always etc.)
 facts, things that always happen The sun sets at 8. - time expressions such as: every day,
 routines and habits I usually get up before 6. every week, twice a year etc.
 timetable events Classes start at 8:15.

2. PRESENT CONTINOUS
USES:
 actions happening at the moment
 actions happening around now We’re waiting for the bus.
 changing situations (with verbs like become, get, grow etc.) It’s getting warmer.
 future arrangements We’re getting married in June.
often used with: now, at the moment,
*NOT USED WITH STATIVE VERBS! nowadays etc.

3. PRESENT PERFECT (British English)

USES:
 to describe events in the past without definite time

*NOT USED WITH PAST TIME EXPRESSIONS!

PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE

 to describe what someone has completed or achieved (with a result in the present) She
has cleaned all the windows.
 to describe someone’s experiences, what they have done in life (only living person) They
have been to Colorado. often used with: just,
 to describe recent events -„ Coffee?” –„ No, thanks, I have just had one.” already, yet, never, ever,
 to describe changes comparing past and present He has put on a lot a weight.
 for superlatives and expressions with ordinals This is the best ice cream I have eaten. This is the
first time I have been to the Balaton.
 when in a present perfect sentence the emphasis is on the amount of things done I have
read 10 pages of your book.
 when the action is completed I have read the book.(=finished)

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINOUS

 to talk about recent continuing activities -„What have you been doing lately?” –„We have
been revising for the exams.”
 to talk about recent activities with a ’side effect’ My feet hurt because I have been walking
all day.
 when in a present perfect sentence the emphasis is on the length of time How long have
you been learning English?
often used with: for,
 when the action is NOT completed I have been reading the book.(=not neccessarily finished)
since, all day, all morning
etc
*NOT USED WITH STATIVE VERBS!