LoginTalking about the Present
In this lesson, we will discuss various topics in English that are expressed in the present tense.
We use the present tense to talk about:
Facts That Are Generally True
Current States
Regular Actions or Habits
Ongoing Actions
An Ongoing Process
Repeated Actions
Facts That Are Generally True
When something is generally or always true, we use the present simple tense. General facts can refer to scientific facts, or things that cannot be changed easily. Take a look at these examples:
The Earth orbits around the Sun.
Ben has a twin brother.
We also use the present simple for a situation that is true at the moment. It means that these situations may change in the future, but they are currently true, such as people's tendencies, jobs, and interests. For example:
She only eats fish.
Marcus works in a bank.
Christine is a jazz fan.
Current States
State verbs in English are used to describe a state of being, such as emotions, thoughts, possession, senses, or characteristics. These verbs are often used in the present simple tense. In addition, linking verbs can also be used in the simple present tense to describe emotions or mental states. Here are the examples:
She believes in the afterlife.
I am happy to see you honey.
I love playing the piano.
However, some of these verbs become progressive to talk about a temporary state; for example, 'live,' 'look' (as a linking verb), 'love,' 'suffer,' 'stand,' 'stay,' 'enjoy,' etc. A temporary state does not remain the same in the long term. Here are some examples:
I'm loving this new show on Netflix.
He's staying at a hotel during his trip.
Regular Actions or Habits
'Present simple tense' is also used to talk about actions that are performed habitually or regularly in the present time. In this case, adverbs of frequency such as always, usually, often, frequently, sometimes, and never are commonly used for more clarification.
I go to the gym every day.
The meeting happens every Thursday at 10 o'clock.
Ongoing Actions
We can use the present continuous tense to talk about something that is happening right now. It means that the action is in progress at the moment and we are talking about it at the same time. Typically, verbs that refer to activities with a specific endpoint are used in the the present continuous tense to talk about ongoing actions. Here are some examples:
I'm listening to Eminem's latest album.
Be quiet! The baby is sleeping.
In sports commentaries, both present simple and present continuous tenses can be used to describe an action in real time.
He shoots! He scores!
She is running faster than everyone and passes the finish line.
When we want to talk about something that we consider to be temporary (something that has a beginning and an end), we can use both present simple and present continuous tenses. The difference is that the present continuous tense focuses on the process, while the present simple focuses on the current state of things.
Check out the example:
Sam studies law at Harvard University
Sam is studying law at Harvard University.
An Ongoing Process
We can use the present continuous tense to talk about a process that is ongoing, but there might be a gap in its progress, or it might be performed over a longer period of time. This means that the action started some time ago, is still ongoing, and is expected to continue for some time. For example:
I'm reading a book by John Green.
He's training for the Olympics.
In order to describe a change or development that happens over a period of time, you can use the present continuous tense. Look at the examples:
The days are getting longer.
Look at our son, Bobby. He is growing up really quickly.
Repeated Actions
If a situation or action is happening time after time, we use the present continuous to describe it. Keep in mind that adverbs like 'always' or 'constantly' are commonly used with in sentences to convey this meaning and it shows some level of annoyance at the repetition. For example:
It's always raining in London.
You are always ordering the same thing! Aren't you tired?
The present simple tense can also be used in this case. For example:
You always order the same thing! Aren't you tired?
Verbs Only Used in the Present Simple
As mentioned earlier, stative verbs are typically only used in the simple tenses. Verbs that are related to emotional states, perception, cognition, and possession cannot be used progressively. Examples of such verbs are 'sound', 'believe', 'hate', 'prefer', 'see', 'seem', 'want', 'like', 'mean', 'agree', 'belong', and 'own.' Here are some examples:
I believe this is a terrible idea.
We don't understand these rules.
This car belongs to my mother.
The menu consists of several different Chinese dishes.
However, there are a few stative verbs that can be used in the continuous tenses to show a temporary state, as mentioned earlier in the lesson. Additionally, there are some stative verbs that can be used progressively in one sense but not the other. For example, 'have' in the sense of 'possessing' cannot be used progressively, while in the sense of 'experiencing' it can be used in the continuous tenses. Look at the examples below:
I have a car.
Here, 'have' is used in the sense of possession, so it cannot be made progressive.
I'm having trouble sleeping.
Here, 'have' means 'to experience, and it can be used progressively.
The sunshine feels warm on my skin.
In the sense of inducing a sensation, 'feel' cannot be made progressive.
I'm feeling a lot better today.
in the sense of experiencing a sensation, 'feel' becomes progressive.
Review
The present simple and present continuous tenses, as their name suggest, help us talk about things happening at the present moment. They focus on different aspects and can express different meanings which are summarized in the following table:
Present simple | Present continuous | |
|---|---|---|
generally true | ✓ | ✗ |
current states | ✓ | ✓ (limited) |
habits and regular actions | ✓ | ✗ |
happening now | ✓ | ✓ |
ongoing process | ✗ | ✓ |
frequent actions | ✓ | ✓ |
Quiz:
Which sentence represents a fact that is generally true?
My nephew is growing very tall.
I take a taxi to work every morning.
Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius .
Alex is staying with his friend during the summer.
Which sentence demonstrates a change or development over time?
Maria seems happy with her new apartment.
The flowers are blooming in the garden.
He knows the answer to the question.
the children are playing hide and seek in the yard.
Match the descriptions with the corresponding sentences.
Choose True or False for each statement based on the content of the lesson.
The present continuous tense can describe facts that are universally true. | |
Adverbs of frequency are used to describe regular actions or habits in the present simple tense. | |
Stative verbs, like "want" or "prefer," are typically used in the present continuous tense. | |
The sentence "He is constantly forgetting his keys" expresses annoyance at a frequent action. |
Select all cases that can be expressed using the present simple tense. (Select five.)
generally true facts
an already completed action
current states
habits and regular actions
an action happening in real time
a plan or arrangement
an ongoing process
repeated actions
a prediction
duration of an action
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