English B Grammar

Review of Present Tense Forms

Present Simple Tense
We use the present simple to talk about regular
actions (habits) and to talk about things that are
always or usually true (facts).

Stephen paints pictures. (habit)

We get up at 6.30 every day. (habit)
Autism causes difficulty with learning. (fact)
Autistic people often have extraordinary abilities.
(fact)
Present Continuous
We use the present continuous for actions or
temporary situations happening at or around the
moment of speaking.

People are starting to take autism more seriously

What are you working on at the moment?
The BBC programme is not making a joke about learning
disorders
Present Perfect
We use the present perfect to talk about actions in a
period of time that started in the past at an
unspecified time.

Stephen has published several books of paintings.

Scientists have discovered more facts about autism.
I’ve always wanted to be a painter
Present Perfect Continuous
We use the present perfect continuous to describe an
on-going or unfinished action that started in the past.

He’s been painting since the age of eight.

I’ve been waiting here for an hour.
How long have you been learning English?