Present Tenses - Definition, Uses and Examples

Every organ in our body has its own importance, but the heart is more important than any other organ. Similarly, each and every grammar topic such as parts of speech, modal verbs, conditional sentences, narration, etc., has its own importance in the language, especially in English, but the tense in grammar is like our heart. 

Why is the tense like our heart? It's because, if any organ other than the heart does not work properly, you can at least survive for some days. But think about the heart. Whenever it does not work properly, you instantly lose your life. 

In the same manner, if you have any problems in other elements or areas of grammar, you may still be able to convey your message to others. However, if you don't have a good command of English tenses (active voice and passive voice), then your thoughts and ideas will not be conveyed properly. You can say that your thoughts and ideas got stuck on the way because of your inability to use English tenses effectively and efficiently.

Out of the three types of English tenses, the present tense holds its own significance. The present tense makes your writing simple and clear. It also makes it easier for readers to comprehend your message easily. You can make your writing effective through the use of present tense. If you use other tenses, you may create a bit of difficulty for your readers. However, the use of present tense makes any write-up simple, easy and understandable.

This article covers the following topics:

• Present Indefinite Tense Examples 
• Uses of Present Indefinite Tense 
• Present Continuous Tense - Definition, Uses and Examples 
• "what is present continuous tense?"
• Present Continuous Tense Examples 
• Uses of Present Continuous Tense 
• Present Perfect Tense - Definition, Uses and Examples 
• "What is present perfect tense?"
• Present Perfect Tense Examples 
• Uses of Present Perfect Tense 
• Present Perfect Continuous Tense - Definition, Uses and Examples 
• Present Perfect Continuous Tense Examples 
• Uses of Present Perfect Continuous Tense 

Present Tense - Definition, Uses and Examples

Present tense is nothing but talks about an action that takes place at the present moment. It shows the action or state of the subject at the moment in the given context.

 Present Tense Example:

1. He goes. 

2. He is going.

3. He has gone.

4. He has been going since morning.

Explanation:-

1. "He goes" describes a habitual action or a fact about the subject.

2. "He is going" depicts an action currently happening at the moment of speaking.

3. "He has gone" indicates an action that occurred in the past but has relevance to the present moment.

4. "He has been going since morning" illustrates an action that started in the past and is still ongoing at the time of speaking.

Types of Present Tense with Examples

On the basis of habitualness, incompleteness and completeness of an action, we have the following four types of present tense.

1. Present indefinite 

2. Present continuous 

3. Present perfect 

4. Present perfect continuous 

 1. Simple Present Tense

The simple present tense, also called present indefinite, because it does not have a fixed end time for the action, is something that keeps going without a clear end. 

The simple present tense is used for actions that are habitual or repeated (which happens everyday), describe universal or general truths (the undeniable fact), talk about unchanging conditions and express fixed future events. 

Examples:

• I drink tea everyday. (habitual action)
• The Sun sets in the west. (universal truth)
• The present tense has 4 aspects. (unchanging state)
• Your exam starts at 2 o'clock. (fixed future)

Different Uses of Simple Present Tense (Indefinite)

This particular tense has various uses such as describing real events, habits, general truths,  arranged future events, etc. Simple present tense with its different uses and examples is given below.

Simple Present for Real Events

Examples of simple present tense describing real events: 

• John goes to college every day.
• Sofia teaches children. 
• She runs an online. 

Simple Present for Fixed Future Events

Examples of simple present tense describing fixed future events: 

• The train departs at 12 o'clock.
• Your exam starts at 10 o'clock.
• This flight arrives at 3 o'clock. 

Simple Present for Habits

Examples of  simple describing habits: 

• He drinks tea every morning.
• John smokes every five minute.
• He trains his biceps twice a week.

Simple Present for Natural Phenomena, Universal or General Truths

Examples of simple present tense describing natural phenomena or universal truths: 

• The sun sets in the west.
• The Earth revolves around the Sun.
• The Moon revolves around the Earth.

More Examples of Uses of Present Indefinite Tense

1. Present indefinite tense describing real events examples:

1. I go to movies on Sundays.

2. She arranges a party when she is promoted.

3. Smith plays very well.

4. He runs very fast.

5. We celebrate our children's birthdays with great enthusiasm.

2. Present indefinite describing future events examples: 

1. My flight leaves tomorrow.

2. The concert starts at 7 PM tonight.

3. We go on vacation next month.

4. The movie premieres on Friday.

5. The meeting takes place on Monday.

3. Present indefinite tense describing habits examples: 

1. John eats breakfast at 8 o'clock every morning.

2. Smith goes for a run after work.

3. They brush their teeth before bed.

4. He watches TV before dinner.

5. He smokes every five minute.

4. Present indefinite tense describing natural phenomena, universal or general truths examples:

1. Rain falls from the sky.

2. The ground shakes during earthquakes.

3. Plants convert sunlight into energy.

4. Tides rise and fall along the coastline.

5. Clouds form when water vapor condenses in the atmosphere.

2. Present Continuous Tense - definition, Uses and Examples

Present continuous tense, also called present progressive or present imperfect tense, is termed as such because it indicates ongoing actions without specifying the completion of it.

Present continuous, progressive or imperfect tense is used for actions that take place at the moment of speaking, actions that take place temporarily, actions that take place repeatedly, actions that replace the old systems, actions that express future plans, actions that express things constantly changing etc.

Present Continuous Tense Examples:

• I am writing an article now.
• I am studying politics.
• It's always raining in Assam.
• These days, I'm using my laptop to write articles instead of phone.
• I'm meeting John at 1 o'clock tomorrow.
• My grandpa's health is worsening.

Explanation:- These sentences containing present continuous tense show that the action is in progress, and there's no indication of the completion of the action. 

Uses of Present Continuous Tense with Examples

1. Present Continuous Tense Describing Actions in Progress:

For example:

• She washing the clothes.
• Sofia is talking to her friend.
• John is writing an article now.

2. Present Continuous Tense Describing Temporary Action:

For example:

• Smith is studying English literature.
• He is working part time for the next two months.
• She is pursuing a course in phonetics.

3. Present Continuous Tense Describing Repeated Actions:

For example:

• It's always raining in Delhi.
• Sofia is always quarreling with her husband.
• She is always calling me.

4. Present Continuous Tense Describing Future plans:

For example:

• He is leaving for London tomorrow.
• She is meeting me at 2 o'clock.
• I'm meeting you at 1 o'clock.

5. Present Continuous Tense Describing New Action Different from Previous One:

For example:

• These days, you're using a new phone.
• Nowadays we are wearing new-fashioned clothes.
• We are studying online rather than offline these days.

More Examples of Uses of Present Continuous Tense 

Action in Progress, happening at this moment examples.

1. The dog is barking loudly outside.

2. She is studying for her exams in the library.

3. They are having dinner together at the restaurant.

4. I am watching a movie with my friends right now.

5. He is working on a new project for his company.

Temporary Action: Not permanent examples. 

1. She is staying at her friend's house while her apartment is being renovated.

2. They are visiting relatives in another state for the weekend.

3. We are renting a car for our road trip next week.

4. He is attending a conference for the next few days.

5. I am learning Arabic for my upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia.

Repeated Action: Happens repeatedly examples. 

1. They are always arguing about trivial matters.

2. She is constantly checking her phone for notifications.

3. He is regularly attending yoga classes to improve his flexibility.

4. We are frequently meeting for coffee on Saturday mornings.

5. The children are playing in the park after school.

Future Action: Happening before or after examples. 

1. Tomorrow, I am meeting my friend for lunch at noon.

2. He is watching a web series tomorrow.

3. Next month, they are traveling to USA for vacation.

4. He is meeting you in the office to talk about a project.

5. Next week, we are attending a wedding ceremony.

New or Changed Action: Different from the previous one examples. 

1. She is now learning to play the piano after years.

2. He is finally quitting smoking for his health.

3. They are starting a new business venture together.

4. I am currently switching to a vegan diet for ethical reasons.

5. We are renovating our house to create more space for our growing family.

Future Action, "something will happen later" examples. 

1. Tomorrow, we are attending a concert downtown.

2. Next week, she is flying to Paris for a business trip.

3. Next month, they are moving to a new apartment.

4. In two weeks, he is starting his new job as a software engineer.

5. Next year, we are planning a trip to Japan.

Present Perfect Tense - Definition, Uses and Examples 

 Present perfect tense is an aspect of present tense in which you find that the action is 100% completed, and that the action started in the recent past with its effect extending into the present.

 For example:

•  He has gone to the market.

 Explanation:- In this sentence, the action of going to the market started in the recent past, and its effect is relevant to the present moment, because he's still at the market.

Different Uses of Present Perfect Tense

Present perfect tense is used for various purposes. The below-given are some of the example sentences that contain different uses of present perfect tense.

 1. Unspecified time in the past leading to the present 

For examples: 

1. I have visited Paris.

2. She has eaten sushi before.

3. They have traveled to Italy.

4. He has read that book.

5. We have seen that movie.

 2. Actions that occurred in the past with relevance to the present 

For examples:

1. I have finished my homework.

2. She has graduated from university.

3. They have started a new business.

4. He has lost his keys.

5. We have bought a new car.

3. Experiences in life up to now 

For examples:

1. I have never been to Africa.

2. She has skydived before.

3. They have never tried sushi.

4. He has seen the Grand Canyon.

5. We have eaten at that restaurant.

 4. Actions that started in the past and continue into the present 

For examples:

1. I have lived in this city for five years.

2. She has worked at the company since 2010.

3. They have known each other since childhood.

4. He has studied English for three years.

5. We have been friends for a long time.

 5. Recent actions with just or already 

For examples:

1. I have just finished my breakfast.

2. She has already left for work.

3. They have just arrived home.

4. He has already eaten lunch.

5. We have just started the meeting.

Also read: Passive Tense

Present Perfect Continuous Tense - Definition, Uses and Examples

Present perfect continuous tense is an aspect of present tense in which you find that an action which started in the past is going on in the present. 

Why do we call it perfect continuous? We call it "continuous" because it indicates that the action is going on, and "perfect" because it signifies that the action which started in the past is still going on in the present. 

Various Uses of Present Perfect Tense with Examples 

Present perfect continuous tense is used for:

 

1. An action that started in the past and continues to the present

For examples:

1. We have been traveling around Europe for two months.

2. She has been studying psychology since she graduated.

3. They have been renovating their house for weeks.

4. He has been learning to play guitar for years.

5. The company has been developing new software for months.

 2. Temporary actions or situations 

For examples:

1. He has been staying with us while his apartment is being fumigated.

2. They have been renting a car while their vehicle is in the shop.

3. She has been working from home during the pandemic.

4. We have been using public transportation while our car is being repaired.

5. I have been borrowing books from the library until I can afford to buy them.

3.  Repetitive or habitual actions with emphasis on duration 

For examples:

1. She has been practicing yoga every morning for an hour.

2. He has been attending Spanish classes twice a week.

3. They have been volunteering at the shelter on weekends.

4. We have been meeting for coffee every Tuesday for years.

5. I have been walking my dog in the park every evening.

 

4. Actions that have just stopped or recently ended 

For examples:

1. I have been cleaning the house, and now I'm ready to relax.

2. He has been studying all night, but he's finally finished.

3. She has been working on her presentation, and it's done now.

4. They have been waiting for the bus, and it just arrived.

5. We have been cooking dinner, and it's ready to be served.

 5. Actions that have a result in the present 

For examples:

1. Shazia has been exercising regularly, so she feels more energetic.

2. He has been practicing his speeches, and now he speaks confidently.

3. They have been saving money, and now they can afford a down payment on a house.

4. We have been eating healthier, and as a result, we've lost weight.

5. I have been studying hard, and I've finally passed my exams.

~Writer: Mohammad Kaif