02-09-2014_18-16-45 / tenses
.docPresent Indefinite Tense
FORM: verb + -s/-es (3rd person singular – he, she, it, what? who?)
EXCEPTION: the verb TO BE (am/is/are)
AUXILIARY VERB: the verb TO DO (do, does)
Once a week, Tom cleans the car. [Active]
Once a week, the car is cleaned by Tom. [Passive]
USE:
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repeated/ habitual actions (especially with frequency adverbs: often, usually, etc.) |
I usually get up at 7.30. She always forgets her purse. |
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facts/ generalizations (the speaker believes the fact is true) |
California is in the USA. New York is a small city. Dogs do not like milk. |
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proverbs/ sayings |
East or West, home is best. |
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permanent situations or states/ daily routine |
She works as a nurse. He owns a large shop. |
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permanent truths or laws of nature |
Money doesn’t buy happiness. Water freezes at 0C. Water boils at 100 degrees. |
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timetables/ programmes/ scheduled event (future meaning) |
The match finishes at 7.45. The plane leaves at 6.15. When does the lecture start? |
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reviews/ sports commentaries/ dramatic narrative |
Sharon Stone acts brilliantly in this movie. Hill kicks the ball and passes it to Dawson. |
Time expressions:
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usually often sometimes always seldom |
every day twice a week very often 4 times a month never |
on Sundays at week-ends on one’s free days on week-days in winter |
in the morning(s) hardly ever quite often rather seldom
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Present Continuous Tense
FORM: to be (am/is/are) + verb + -ing
AUXILIARY VERB: the verb TO BE (am, is, are)
Right now, Tom is writing the letter. [Active]
Right now, the letter is being written by Tom. [Passive]
USE:
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expresses the idea that something is happening now, at this very moment |
Are you sleeping? They are reading their books. What are you doing? |
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actions happening at or around the moment of speaking |
She is looking for a better job. I am studying to become a doctor. You are reading the book Tom Sawyer. |
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temporary situations |
They are staying at the Park Hotel at the moment. |
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fixed arrangements in the near future |
I am meeting some friends after work. I am not going to the party tonight. Is he visiting his parents next weekend? |
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changing or developing situations |
His English is getting better. |
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repeated actions with “always” and “constantly” expressing annoyance, irritation or criticism |
She is always coming to class late. He is constantly talking. I wish he would shut up. I don't like them because they are always complaining. |
Time expressions:
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now at the moment |
at present nowadays |
today tonight |
still always |