Present INDEFINITE Tenses

The simple indefinite is used

1. for habitats for repeated action

• He drinks milk every morning.
• She often uses the internet.

2. for general truth ( things that always happen )

• The sun rises in the east.
• Water freezes at 0° C.

3. for things that stayed the same for a long time

• My uncle lives in Chennai.
• He works in a bank.

4. to tell a story in a dramatic way.

• Sohrab now rushes forward and deals a heavy blow to Rustum.

5. to describe actions as they happen, for example, in broadcast commentaries or sporting event.

The simple present is also used for future action.

Present Continuous Tense

The present continuous is used for action going on at the time of speaking; as

• She is watching TV. ( now )
• The boys are playing hockey.
• Your friends are waiting for you. Hurry up!

This tense is also used for actions which are happening around now and not necessarily at the time of speaking.

• I am reading 'Gulliver's TRAVELS'. ( But I am not reading now )

Present Perfect Tense

We use the present perfect tense for

1. past actions when we think of their effect in the present

• Somebody has broken the window. (The window is now broken.)
• I have CLEANED the motorbike. (It is clean now.)
• Gopi has eaten all the biscuits. (There are NONE left for you.)

2. actions that happened only a short time ago (with just)

• He has just gone out .
• I have just heard the news.

3. indefinite actions that happened in a period leading up to the present time (often with already, ever, never, yet, twice, three times, etc.)

• I have already finished my homework.
• Have you ever seen the TAJ Mahal?
• I have never seen it./ I have seen it twice.

4. for action beginning at the same time in the past and going on up to the moment of speaking ( with since-and for-phrases)

• I have known him since 1996.
• We have lived in Nagpur for 5 years ( We still live in Nagpur )

Present Perfect Continuous Tense

We use the present perfect continuous tense for an action which started at sometimes in the past and it still continuing. This tense is often used with that time expressions How long, since... and for...

• How long have you been waiting here.
• It has been raining Since 4 o'clock.
• They have been preparing the bridge for 4 months.

This tense is also used for an action already finished. The results of the action happen in the present.

• I am very tired. I have been playing tennis.
• The children's here is wet because they have been swimming in the river.