Present Tenses: Simple, Continuous, and Perfect

We use this tense for unfinished actions.

• present perfect

• present continuous

• present simple

• future with be going to

We use these connector with this tense: already, yet, never, ever, just.

• past simple

• past continuous

• present perfect

• present simple

We use this tense for timetable events and programs, concerts and festivals.

• past simple

• present simple

• present perfect

• past continuous

We use this tense for life experiences.

• past simple

• present perfect

• present continuous

• past continuous

We use this tense with frequency adverbs.

• present simple

• present continuous

• past simple

• past continuous

Present perfect simple is used to express:

• an action that happened in the past but the time is not indicated.

• an action that has started in the past and still continues (especially when using state verbs).

• an action that is used with such time expressions as today, this morning, etc.

• an action in the past

We use present simple to express:

• a past action

• an action that happens repeatedly

• action according to timetables

• general truths

Present continuous expresses:

• an action that is in progress at the time of speaking.

• an action that was in progress at a certain time in the past.

• an action that is annoying

• an action that is happening around the time of speaking.

Present perfect simple:

• I have already emailed it to the boss.

• I already emailed it to the boss.

Present perfect continuous expresses:

• the duration of an action which started in the past and still continues.

• started in the past and the result is visible now.

• an action in progress at a stated future time.