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The Present Tenses

1. Present Simple (be verbs/verbs)

The present simple is used for things that we do frequently and for facts.
  • I am a college student at Oxford in the UK.

2. Present Progressive (is/are/am + Ving)

a. The present progressive is mostly used to describe something that is happening in the present as the statement is being made.
  • I’m riding my bike to the mall right now. Can I call you back later?
b. The present progressive can also be used to talk about future plans or arrangements.
  • Nicholas is researching behaviors of Taiwan’s high mountain animals with Judy this Friday.

3. Present Perfect (have/has + pp.)

a. The present perfect is used to express an activity that happened before now.
  • I have already finished my homework.
  • Sarah has eaten a king-size burger.
b. The present perfect is used to express a repetitive activity that took place before now.
  • Lena has been to Chicago a couple of times.
  • I have seen Titanic many times. It is my favorite movie.
c. The present perfect is used to express a situation that began in the past and continues to the present, when used with for or since.
  • He has known me since I was a child. → He has known me for many years.
  • I have lived in Taipei since I was born. → I have lived in Taipei for 20 years.