English tenses tell the listener what time one is speaking about. The tense indicates when the action occurred. You can use different verbs (or action words) depending on whether you are talking about what has already happened, what is happening now, or what will happen in the future. It is important to use the correct tense to avoid misunderstandings. The present tense is used for actions that are happening or related to what is happening. This guide will show you how to improve the present tense. To do this, we’ll look at all the different ways you can use the present tense. In this article, you will learn more about classification of tenses and practise them in tenses exercises.

English Tenses

Present tense refers to something that is happening or exists. The present tense is also known as the simple present tense or the present tense. 

The past tense is what happened or existed in the past. The past tense is also known as the simple past tense or the past tense. 

Future tense means something that hasn’t happened yet at the time of speaking. Words will and should be used in the future tense.

Types of Present Tense

The present tense is further defined depending on whether the action is being performed or completed (called the verb aspect). Classification of tenses in present tense can be done as follows:

  1. Simple Present Tense

In the simple present tense, the same verb form is used as the root verb form. The present tense is used in the following situations: 

  •  Always to prove the right facts or something
  •  For the daily activities we do on a regular or habitual basis 
  •  Express emotions, thoughts, opinions and beliefs 
  •  Use this tense with some adverbs to indicate upcoming actions or events
  •  Used for news, reported speeches, etc. B. Sports commentary, books, storytelling, etc. It is also used for schedules, plans and programs
  •  Give instructions

2.Present Continuous Tense

The present continuous tense represents an ongoing or ongoing action. That is, it refers to an action that is taking place and is still not completed at the time of speaking. The present tense is used in the below-mentioned situations:

  • As previously stated, when an action occurs at the time of speaking
  • When a future action is specified without mentioning when it will occur
  • When we refer to a planned action or event that is scheduled to occur at a specific time in the future
  • In situations where the event or action is taking place but not necessarily at the time of speaking
  • In a changing situation, it is used
  • We use it with adverbs like “always” to describe an action that occurs frequently

3.Present Perfect Tense.

The present perfect form is used for repetitive actions, actions where time is not of any importance, and actions that have started in the past but have not yet completed and are likely to end as we speak. Present perfect can be used in the following situations: 

  •  About past actions and events that continue to the present 
  •  To show the completed action 
  •  To indicate a period that has not yet ended 
  •  Used in phrases such as “this is the first time” and “the second time”
  •  Used to display or describe previously completed actions to represent or describe past actions

4.Present Perfect Continuous Tense.

The present perfect continuous tense is used to describe an action or an event that is currently taking place. This tense is used in the following situations:

  • To indicate an event that started in the past and will continue into the future
  • To describe an activity or event that started in the past and recently or just completed
  • When time is not mentioned.

Tense Rules

1. Simple Present Tense.

  • Positive Sentences

Rule- Subject+ Verb (First Form) + s/es + Object

  • Negative Sentences

Rule- Sub + do/does + not + verb (first form) +object

  • Interrogative Sentences

Rule- Do/Does +not +Verb(First form) +object

2. Present Continuous Tense.

  • Assertive/ Positive Sentences

Rule- Subject + Is/am/are + Verb( First Form)+ Object

  • Negative Sentences

Rule- Subject + is/am/are + not + Verb(first form)+ ing+ Object

  • Interrogative Sentences

Rule- Is/am/are+ Subject+ Verb(first form) + ing+ object

3. Present Perfect Tense.

  • Positive Sentences

Rule- Subject+ has/have+ verb(third form) + Object

  • Negative Sentences

Rule- Sub + Has/have not a Verb(third form) +object

  • Interrogative Sentences

Rule – Has/have+ subject+ verb(third form)+ object

4. Present Perfect Continuous.

  • Positive Sentences

Rule- Subject+ has/have+ been+ verb(first form)+ ing+ object

  • Negative Sentences

Rule- Sub+ has/have + not + been + verb( first form)+ ing+ object

  • Interrogative Sentences

Rule- Has/have+ sub+ been + verb(first form) + object

Conclusion

The present tense is one of the most commonly used verb forms, and it can be difficult to master. We covered the fundamentals of present tense, classification of tenses and verb usage in this article so that you can begin using it correctly in your own writing. When stating something that is currently happening or general truths, the present tense is frequently used. In contrast, the past tense is used when referring to something that has already happened. Here are some pointers on how to correctly use the present tense in your writing:

  • To describe actions that are taking place right now, use the present tense
  • To describe general truths, use the present tense
  • When discussing feelings, use the present tense
  • To express yourself, use the present tense