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When it comes to grammar, tense is a category that helps in expressing time reference. We can say that it is a verb-based method. Tenses are usually manifested by the use of specific forms of verbs, and that is particularly in their conjugation patterns. The main tenses found in many languages include the past, present, and future. In this blog, we are specifically going to focus on Present Tense.
Keep reading to know about the types of present tense!
What is Present Tense
The present tense is one of the three main verb tenses in the English language, alongside the past tense and the future tense. It is used to denote some action happening in the present time.
Present Tense Structure:
Subject (all other kinds) + verb in simple present form + . . . . .
Functions of Present Tense
The main functions of the present tense are as follows:
- describing actions and events which happens in the present,
- are reoccurring or habitual, and
- that connect past events with the present.
The present has a range of other uses as well, like telling jokes, talking about the future, and describing states.
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Examples of sentences in Present Tense
- I am going to the market to get some groceries.
- They live in a two storey building with my parents and a pet.
- He is playing with his friends
- Pritha is thinking of getting her room decorated.
Types of Present Tense
All of the three main tenses i.e, past, present, and future are divided into four parts. An aspect is a verb form that is concerned with time and indicates the completion, duration, or repetition of an action. The four aspects are as follows:
- simple,
- progressive or continuous,
- perfect, and
- perfect progressive or perfect continuous
Present Simple Tense
The present simple tense is one of the most common and easy to understand tenses. It has two main uses which are as follows:
- to discuss something that is happening in the present or
- to discuss something that happens regularly.
You can form the present simple tense by using the formula below:
subject + root form of the verb (+ s / es for third-person singular)
Examples:
- Amrita is happy to get a new plushie on her birthday.
- I am going home today.
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Present Progressive (or Continuous) Tense
We use the present progressive tense which is also known as the present continuous tense to talk about actions that are happening at the time of speaking that have not yet been completed.
You can use this formula to form the present progressive (continuous) tense:
subject + verb ‘to be’ + base verb + ing (sometimes called the present participle)
Examples:
- He is eating ice-cream.
- John Matthew and his friends are going on a picnic.
Present Perfect Tense
The present perfect tense is used to connect an action or event that happened in the past with the present. The timing of the action or event is usually unspecified.
To form the present perfect, you can use this formula:
have / has + past participle
Examples:
- We have been feeding on bread and jam since yesterday.
- I have emailed her all the important documents.
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Present Perfect Progressive (or Continuous) Tense
The present perfect progressive tense (also known as present perfect continuous tense) shows us that something started in the past and is continuing at the present time.
To form the present perfect progressive tense, you can use this formula:
has / have been + base verb + ing (past participle)
Examples:
- They have been trying to figure out a few things.
- I haven’t been able to go out today.
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