Present tenses in English
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In this part of the course you will learn all about the English present tense. The English tense has the following present tenses:
This chapter will show you an overview of when to use the different present tenses. For a more detailed explanation of the tenses you can take a look at the different chapters of this course, where you will also find exercises to practice the tenses.
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To be able to conjugate the English verbs in the present simple, the root of the verb is used. The third person singular (he, she, it) forms an exception: '-s', '-es' or '-ies' is added to the stem to form the present simple.
To form the present continuous tense the verb 'to be' is used together with the main verb + '-ing'.
For the present perfect the verbs 'to have' and 'to be' are used together with the past participle.
For the present perfect continuous the auxiliary verb 'to have' is used, followed by the participle of the verb 'to be' plus the main verb + '-ing'.
The table below gives you an overview of the different present tenses in English.
Tense | Usage | Example |
---|---|---|
Present simple | The present simple is used to describe habits and routines. |
|
Present continuous | The present continuous tense is used to describe an action or event that is taking place in that moment. |
|
Present perfect | The present perfect is used to describe an action or event that happened in the past and continues in the present. |
|
Present perfect continuous | The present perfect continuous is used for actions that have started in the past, but continue in the present. |
|
In addition, in this part of the course the difference between the present simple and present continuous, and the difference between the past simple and present perfect.
Do the exercise to practice the different tenses!
Fill in the English present tense that fits the sentence best.
Remember:
He six emails so far. (to answer)
I since 9 o'clock. (to study)
Chris and Jack a game at the moment. (to play)
They my sister outside. (to see)
My father the newspaper every day. (to read)
My mother a lot for her job to meet new customers all over the country. (to drive)
Judy on this assignment since yesterday. (to work)
My parents in the ocean once a week. (to swim)
you in London? (to live)
We a meal for our family right now. (to cook)
Fill in the English present tense that fits the sentence best.
Remember:
He television right now. (to watch)
My father a teacher at a high school. (to be)
I for the bus to arrive since 8:15. (to wait)
She to school every day this month. (to cycle)
They a beer in the pub down the street. (to drink)
She only fish. (to eat)
Daniel and Megan to that restaurant many times. (to be)
She just for you lunch. (to pay)
We since 2011. (to date)
She her wedding since last year. (to prepare)
Fill in the English present tense that fits the sentence best.
Remember:
They Spanish in South America. (to study)
We to music right now. (to listen)
The earth not flat. (to be)
She not for you. She has just arrived. (to wait)
I a cold since last week. (to have)
I my report right now. (to write)
My brother never his room. (to clean)
you all morning? (to shop)
They soccer for 3 years. (to play)
School in a week. (to start)
Fill in the English present tense that fits the sentence best.
Remember:
She him German every week. (to teach)
We the group for a month. (to lead)
He the children right now. (to train)
They their holiday together last week. (to enjoy)
She for two hours. (to smile)
I to tennis twice a week. (to go)
You never out of Europe. (to be)
He his homework after class. (to do)
He already his feelings about the class. (to express)
you the students' exams at the moment. (to check)
Fill in the English present tense that fits the sentence best.
Remember:
He six emails so far. (to answer)
I since 9 o'clock. (to study)
Chris and Jack a game at the moment. (to play)
They my sister outside. (to see)
My father the newspaper every day. (to read)
My mother a lot for her job to meet new customers all over the country. (to drive)
Judy on this assignment since yesterday. (to work)
My parents in the ocean once a week. (to swim)
you in London? (to live)
We a meal for our family right now. (to cook)
Fill in the English present tense that fits the sentence best.
Remember:
He television right now. (to watch)
My father a teacher at a high school. (to be)
I for the bus to arrive since 8:15. (to wait)
She to school every day this month. (to cycle)
They a beer in the pub down the street. (to drink)
She only fish. (to eat)
Daniel and Megan to that restaurant many times. (to be)
She just for you lunch. (to pay)
We since 2011. (to date)
She her wedding since last year. (to prepare)
Fill in the English present tense that fits the sentence best.
Remember:
They Spanish in South America. (to study)
We to music right now. (to listen)
The earth not flat. (to be)
She not for you. She has just arrived. (to wait)
I a cold since last week. (to have)
I my report right now. (to write)
My brother never his room. (to clean)
you all morning? (to shop)
They soccer for 3 years. (to play)
School in a week. (to start)
Fill in the English present tense that fits the sentence best.
Remember:
She him German every week. (to teach)
We the group for a month. (to lead)
He the children right now. (to train)
They their holiday together last week. (to enjoy)
She for two hours. (to smile)
I to tennis twice a week. (to go)
You never out of Europe. (to be)
He his homework after class. (to do)
He already his feelings about the class. (to express)
you the students' exams at the moment. (to check)
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I am TEFL qualified and I have over 16 years experience in 7 countries. Because of Covid I now teach only online using English File (oup). I will first analyse and assess your exact level. Then I will prepare a FREE sample lesson. After that I will fix any problems you may have below that level, so that you can progress with a solid ability in Grammar, Reading, Pronunciation, Listening and of course Speaking.
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As a creative I regard myself as someone who is innovative and ready to face the world head on.
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My friends and family would describe me as someone who is hard working and ready to learn and develop a new skill always.
I am fluent in English and Sesotho, and I am currently learning TshiVenda which is one of the 11 (eleven) Official languages that we have in South Africa.
My daily lessons include Grammar and pronunciation, daily and casual conversation and commonly used phrases.
My resource materials include PowerPoint, Google slides and other technological presentation methods.
My goal as a teacher is to make sure that you reach you goal of improving your English language and to converse with people all over the world with no difficulty.
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Hey everyone!
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I have two years of teaching experience in private English language schools, and I also have a CELTA certificate. Therefore, I know how to teach English effectively and create lessons to practice speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills.
I love to use technology in the classroom, and I always create fun and colourful PowerPoint presentations to guide us through the lesson. I am always open to suggestions from my students. If you want to focus more on certain topics or activities, I am happy to make that possible for you.
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Dear Sir/ Mam
My name is Monesh Nankoo. I am an I.T specialist/ Teacher. I am writing to show my keen interest for the position at your organization. I have completed my Bachelor's degree in Computer Science as well as my TEFL/ TESOL English master course. I do have several other qualifications in the field of I.T and logistics with are stated on my Resume.
I am a capable person along with excellent communication skills. I assure you that I will prove myself to be a valuable employee. I possess the necessary qualities needed to persevere such as adaptability, integrity and I am self-motivated.
I am really good at learning quickly and efficiently. I want to work at your company because I feel I could definitely add quality to the work that you do. I would love to work with you to achieve a greater reputation for your organization.
My future plans are to gain more experience in the field of Education or Information Technology to enhance my career.
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WeChat: Monesh_Nankoo
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Alternative email: Moneshnankoo@hotmail.com
Mobile number: 0813307660/ 068 099 0519
Country: South Africa
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Monesh is a very enthusiastic and patient teacher. He is very well-organized and a native English speaker from South Africa.
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Hello!
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I am a friendly, energetic person who enjoys cooking (and eating), spending time in nature, going to places and dancing. I seek to learn new things and celebrate the small moments of every day.
Going frequently abroad on Erasmus Projects and volunteering for an NGO in Romania and Slovenia has given me the opportunity to embrace the diversity and beauty of different cultures. All these experiences have shaped my journey and took me to amazing places. If you are curious about traveling, volunteering, ways to give back to the community, healthy living, we can definitely integrate that in our lessons!
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Teaching materials: Flashcards, Virtual Treasure Hunts, Games, Quizzes, Puppet Show
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English teacher with 13 years teaching experience in Italy. Speaks English and Italian.
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My methods are based on building your confidence to speak English, developing your listening skills so you can understand English and helping you understand the grammar rules of the English language.
Why in this way? Because my students have the best results when they are able to speak in English as soon as possible. Then, when you can converse in English and understand simple conversation you can develop all your language skills very quickly.
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I am teaching students from 3 to 70 years old and my lessons are adapted for every individual so they have the best opportunity to realize their goals.
If you are interested then please contact me for a chat and a free trial lesson.
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Hello!
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-Parlo italiano-
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Melissa is a teacher with great empathy. She clearly enjoys teaching English and does this in a very professional manner.
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I am TEFL qualified and I have over 16 years experience in 7 countries. Because of Covid I now teach only online using English File (oup). I will first analyse and assess your exact level. Then I will prepare a FREE sample lesson. After that I will fix any problems you may have below that level, so that you can progress with a solid ability in Grammar, Reading, Pronunciation, Listening and of course Speaking.
I like my lessons to be fun, but I am serious about teaching. If you really want to improve, I can help you.
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Peter has over 15 years of teaching experience. He is a very kind and patient teacher. He teaches to all levels from A1 to C2.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
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As a creative I regard myself as someone who is innovative and ready to face the world head on.
I am a Certified TELF English teacher, all the way from South Africa, with a bachelor's degree in Interior Design. I have been in the field for close to 7 (seven) years with vast knowledge in corporate design.
My friends and family would describe me as someone who is hard working and ready to learn and develop a new skill always.
I am fluent in English and Sesotho, and I am currently learning TshiVenda which is one of the 11 (eleven) Official languages that we have in South Africa.
My daily lessons include Grammar and pronunciation, daily and casual conversation and commonly used phrases.
My resource materials include PowerPoint, Google slides and other technological presentation methods.
My goal as a teacher is to make sure that you reach you goal of improving your English language and to converse with people all over the world with no difficulty.
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Cannot wait to continue my lessons with Teacher Joy. Even though you've heard the phrases before, teacher Joy, gives you the chance to be yourself and to construct your own statements using what you have learn't.
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Hey everyone!
My name is Ashlyn, and I am a native English speaker from New Zealand :) I love to create lessons for my students to help them make their English language journey as enjoyable as possible! I am an online university student studying history and social anthropology.
I have two years of teaching experience in private English language schools, and I also have a CELTA certificate. Therefore, I know how to teach English effectively and create lessons to practice speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills.
I love to use technology in the classroom, and I always create fun and colourful PowerPoint presentations to guide us through the lesson. I am always open to suggestions from my students. If you want to focus more on certain topics or activities, I am happy to make that possible for you.
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Ashlyn is a very competent teacher, her courses are very clear and structured. The lesson is adapted to match with our interests and also there are some games which make the course interactive. I highly recommend her!
Review
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Amy is an enthusiastic new teacher who is eager to learn you the Russian language. She is very patient. She teaches to the levels A1, A2 and B1. You will for sure feel comfortable in her class!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
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1 Present simple tense in English | Learn everything about the English present simple. |
2 Present continuous tense in English | Learn everything about the English present continuous. |
3 Present simple vs present continuous in English | Learn about the difference between the English present simple and present continuous. |
4 Present perfect tense in English | Learn all about the present perfect in English. |
5 Present perfect continuous tense in English | Study the English present perfect continuous with this overview of the grammar. |
6 Difference past simple and present perfect in English | Learn about the difference between past simple and present perfect in English. |