Memo #1, English Present tenses (Structure and usage)

English Present tenses (Structure and usage)

1. Present Simple

a. Structure :

- Subject + base verb 

- 3rd person singular : verb + -s/-es (He works, She watches)

b. Uses :

Habits ( I drink tea every morning).

General truths ( The Earth revolves around the Sun).

Permanent situations ( They live in Berlin). 

2. Present Continuous 

a. Structure :

- Subject + am/is/are + verb -ing ( I am studying, she is singing)

b. Uses : 

Happening now (Right now, they are playing football).

Trends (More people are using electric cars).

Planned future ( We are meeting tomorrow at 5 PM).

 

3. Present Perfect 

a. Structure : 

- Subject + have/has + past participle ( I have finished, she has seen)

b. Uses : 

Life experiences (Have you ever been to Italy?).

Present results (I've lost my phone -> I still don't have it).

Recent actions (He has just arrived).

Duration ( for / since) (We have known each other for years).

4. Present Perfect Continuous 

a. Structure :

- Subject + have/has been + verb -ing ( I have been waiting)

b. Uses : 

Ongoing past action ( It has been raining all day).

Emphasis on duration ( She's been working since 8 AM).