Present Tense

Tenses are a major part in the English grammar. Overall, there are four minor categories under the “Big Threes”, which are past, present, and future. Present tense is one of the most fundamental tenses in English Language. We use the present tense to describe an action that takes place in the present. Here are the four present tenses:

• Simple present

The simple present is just the base form of the verb

1. It is commonly used to express an idea where an action is repeated or usual.

          Ex: I sleep at 10:00p.m.

Remember, add the appropriate ending for different subject. Don’t forget that   “is” is also a verb.

          Ex: She plays soccer.                                    Ex: They are sick.

2. The simple present can also be used to indicate a fact or generalization that the speaker believes.

          Ex: Cats like to chase mice.

3. Simple present is often used in questions too.

          Ex: Can I have a dog?

4. A unique thing about simple present is that it can be used to describe things that will happen close to the future.

Ex: The bus starts at 6:00a.m here.

• Present perfect

1. Present perfect is used to describe actions that began in the past and are often continuing into the present.

          Ex: I haverun 2 laps around the school.

2. Conjugation of present perfect

Has or have + the past participle of a verb - which is adding “ed” / ”d” for regular verbs and the suitable endings for special verbs.

Ex: Shehas workedon her homework for 2 hours.

Ex: You have cried for 2 hours now.