PRESENT TENSES & PROGRESSIVE TENSE Created by Sawanya &

Panida

PRESENT TENSES
It is a grammatical tense whose principal function is to locate a situation or event in present time

There are 3 types of present tenses: Past Present Future

We use Present tense to talk about things we believe are true or not and to generalize about something or somebody.
Ex. The Elephant doesn't fly.

We also use this tense to describe actions that happen frequently

Ex. I usually play every sports.

We use the Present tense to talk about situations in life that last a long time.
Ex. He works as a fireman.

We use the Present Simple when an event is certain to happen in the future.
Ex. My grandmother turns 100 this July.

You should use the Present Simple with state verbs.

Ex. We know this man.

We use the Present tense to talk about events that we can't change
Ex. When does the plane take off?

The Present Simple is also used in narrations, instructions or commentaries.

Ex. An English teacher spent a lot of time marking grammatical errors in her students' written work. She wasn't sure how much impact she was having until one overly busy day when she sat at her desk rubbing her temples a student asked, "What's the matter, Mrs. Sheridan?"
"Tense," she replied, describing her emotional state. After a slight pause the student tried again, "What was the matter? What will be the matter? What has been the matter? What might have been the matter... ?"

Present Perfect and Present Perfect Continuous (Progressive) both refer to the present and to the past
Ex. I have just eaten my chocolate bar.

Present perfect continuous can be use for : actions that started in the past and continue in the present Present perfect can be use for : actions in the past which have an effect on the present moment and actions which began in the past and continue in the present

We can also use some of the present tenses to talk about the future like present simple and present continuous
Ex. We're not going anywhere tomorrow

Present simple can be used as future as you have read so far Present continuous is used for : actions in the past which have an effect on the present moment and actions which began in the past and continue in the present

PRESENT PROGRESSIVE TENSES

The present progressive (continuous) is formed using am, is or are together with the -ing (present participle) form of the verb.

There are 3 types of progressive tenses: Past Present Future

The present progressive tense is often overused by non native speakers of English. It should only be used in the following contexts:

To describe an incomplete action which is in progress at the moment of speaking; usually with time expressions such as: now, at the moment, right now. To describe a plan or arrangement in the near future; usually with time expressions such as: tonight, tomorrow, this week, this Monday.
Example : (During a phone call or in an e-mail) We are discussing the project at the moment.

To express actions that are repeated regularly; usually with a negative meaning and with the time expressions: always or forever.
EX: Jims leaving for Brussels this evening.

To express actions that are repeated regularly; usually with a negative meaning and with the time expressions: always or forever.
EX: Her husband is always complaining about his health.

A common mistake is using this form to describe what a company sells or produces. In general, a company sells something on a regular basis, so you need to use the present simple tense and not to use the present progressive.
Incorrect: We are producing high-end plastic pipes. Correct: We produce high-end plastic pipes. Correct: That company is always selling some cheap gadget. (negative meaning)

We use the past progressive tense to talk about actions that were already in progress when another action took place in the past.
Ex. I couldn't sleep last night because dogs were barking the whole night.

Future progressive tense is used to indicate action which will be taking place at some time in the future.
Ex. We'll be working on our project this morning.

A. Present progressive = am + (base form + -ing) : I am working. OR is + (base form + -ing) : She is eating. OR are + (base form + -ing) Sofia is starting school at CEC tomorrow Jan is watching TV right now. Sara is learning English at CEC. B. Past progressive = was + (base form + -ing) : I was working. OR were + (base form + -ing) : They were eating. At 6:00 yesterday I was eating dinner. The phone rang while I was eating. While I was answering the phone, my wife was cooking dinner. C. Future progressive = will be + (base form + -ing): I will be working. He will be eating.

PRACTICE
The students (eagerly, leave) _______ _______ their classrooms when the bell rings. I have (just , eat) ______ ______ my KitKat chocolate bar. Yoko (win) _______ the science contest every year. She (be) _______ so smart!

PRACTICE
When I was young, Grandma (usually, bake) _______ _______ bread on Monday morning _____ the sun (shine) ________ at the beach tomorrow?

References : http://www.englishtenses.com/tenses/ http://www.rongchang.com/grammar/progressive_tenses. htm