Using the present simple and continuous
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Using the present simple tense | page 1 of 6 |
Introduction
As its name suggests, the present simple tense is typically used to refer to the present, ie the moment of speaking or writing, or a longer period including the moment of speaking or writing. However, the precise meaning of the tense varies according to the type of situation represented by the clause in which it occurs and according to the context. The major uses of the present simple tense are summarised below:
| SITUATION TYPE | TIME REFERENCE | SOME TYPICAL CONTEXTS |
| actions & events | timeless | habits, schedules, scientific descriptions |
| present (at the moment of speaking) | sports commentaries, demonstrations | |
| past | narratives (especially spoken) | |
| future | itineraries, fixed plans | |
| quoting and reporting | past | reports, reviews |
| our mental reactions to the world | present | thoughts and beliefs, perceptions, likes and dislikes, desires and needs |
| being and having | present | descriptions |
This file gives details of each of the major uses of the present simple tense.
You may either read through this file page by page or jump to a specific page by clicking on one of the choices below.
Introduction
Present time use: With verbs such as know, like, be and have
