Present Tense
What Is the Present Tense? (with Examples)
The present tense predominantly describes a current event or state of being. However, somewhat unusually, the present tense can also be used to describe past and future events (more on this below). For example:- I jump in the lake every Saturday. (present event)
- I am happy. (present state of being)
- The meeting ends at 6 o'clock. (future event)
- A man walks into a bar. Ouch! (past event)
(See "Uses" for Simple Present Tense in the table below.)
(See "Uses" for Simple Present Tense in the table below.)
- past tense
- present tense
- future tense
Examples of the Types of Present Tense
The present tense is categorised further depending on whether the action is in progress or completed. The four present tenses are:The 4 Present Tenses | Examples | Uses |
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simple present tense |
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The simple present tense is used: (1) To describe facts and habits. (2) To describe scheduled events in the future. (3) To tell stories to make your listener or reader feel more engaged with the story. |
present_progressive tense |
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The present progressive tense is used for an on-going action in the present. |
present perfect tense |
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The present perfect tense is used to describe actions that began in the past and are still continuing into the present. |
present perfect progressive |
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The present perfect progressive tense is used for: (1) a continuous activity that began in the past and continues into the present, or (2) a continuous activity that began in past but has now finished (usually very recently). |
Diagrams for the Four Present Tenses
The infographics below show how each present tense is formed and a quick overview of how each one is used:Simple Present Tense
For example:
- I play every Tuesday
Present Progressive Tense
For example:
- I am playing at the moment.
Present Perfect Tense
For example:
- I have played for his team before.
Present Perfect Progressive Tense
For example:
- I have been playing for a year.
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See Also
What are verbs? Past tense Present tenseFuture tense Tenses Simple past tense Past progressive tense Past perfect tense Past perfect progressive tense Simple present tense Present progressive tense Present perfect tense Present perfect progressive tense Simple future tense Future progressive tense Future perfect tense Future perfect progressive tense Glossary of grammatical terms