-
2016 BCE
USE 1 Repeated Actions
Use the Simple Present to express the idea that an action is repeated or usual. -
Period: to
Simple Present
FORM [VERB] + s/es in third person -
USE 2 Facts or Generalizations
The Simple Present can also indicate the speaker believes that a fact was true before, is true now, and will be true in the future -
speaker is correct
It is not important if the speaker is correct about the fact. It is also used to make generalizations about people or things. -
EXAMPLES
Cats like milk.
Birds do not like milk.
Do pigs like milk?
California is in America. -
.
This is most commonly done when talking about public transportation, but it can be used with other scheduled events as well. -
EXAMPLES
The train leaves tonight at 6 PM.
The bus does not arrive at 11 AM, it arrives at 11 PM.
When do we board the plane? -
USE 4 Now (Non-Continuous Verbs)
Speakers sometimes use the Simple Present to express the idea that an action is happening or is not happening now. This can only be done with Non-Continuous Verbs and certain Mixed Verbs. -
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
El "present continuous" de cualquier verbo se compone de dos partes: el presente del verbo to be + el "present participle" del verbo principal. -
FROM
[am/is/are + present participle] -
USE 1 Now
Use the Present Continuous with Normal Verbs to express the idea that something is happening now, at this very moment. It can also be used to show that something is not happening now. -
USE 3 Scheduled Events in the Near Future
Speakers occasionally use Simple Present to talk about scheduled events in the near future. -
USE 4 Repetition and Irritation with "Always"
The Present Continuous with words such as "always" or "constantly" expresses the idea that something irritating or shocking often happens. -
Notice that the meaning is like Simple Present, but with negative emotion
Remember to put the words "always" or "constantly" between "be" and "verb+ing." -
Examples
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. -
REMEMBER Non-Continuous Verbs/ Mixed Verbs
It is important to remember that Non-Continuous Verbs cannot be used in any continuous tenses. Also, certain non-continuous meanings for Mixed Verbs cannot be used in continuous tenses. Instead of using Present Continuous with these verbs, you must use Simple Present. -
Examples
She is loving this chocolate ice cream. Not Correct
She loves this chocolate ice cream. Correct