TENSES PART 1

Simple Present (Present Simple)

Simple present is also called present simple.

The simple present expresses an action in the present taking place once, never or several times. It is also used for actions that take place one after another and for actions that are set by a timetable or schedule. The simple present also expresses facts in the present.

Form

be
Use:
* am with the personal pronoun I
* is with the personal pronouns he, she or it (or with the singular form of nouns)
* are with the personal pronouns we, you or they (or with the plural form of nouns)

example: I am hungry.

have
Use:

* have with the personal pronouns I, you, we und they (or with the plural form of nouns)
* has with the personal pronouns he, she, it (or with the singular form of nouns)

example: I have a dog. / I have got a dog

All other verbs
Use:
* the infinite verb (play) with the personal pronouns I, you, we and they (or with the plural form of nouns)
* the verb + s (plays) with the personal pronouns he, she, it (or with the singular form of nouns)


Present Progressive

The present progressive puts emphasis on the course or duration of an action.
The present progressive is used for actions going on in the moment of speaking and for actions taking place only for a short period of time. It is also used to express development and actions that are arranged for the near future.


Present progressive is also known as present continuous.

Form
Use a form of to be and the infinite verb plus -ing.
Use:

* am with the personal pronoun I
* is with the personal pronouns he, she or it (or the singular form of nouns)
* are with the personal pronouns you, we, they (or the plural form of nouns)

Example:
• I am playing.
• He is not playing.
• Are you playing?