Present Simple
Form = verbs (-s), eg I walk, he sings
Use = 1. something happens with a certain frequency/regularity
2. when something is a fact (just so)
Signal words = never, ever, always, often, usually, sometimes, each and
every
Example = Ms van der Gaag speaks English (fact)
They often watch TV (certain frequency)
Present Continuous
Form = am/are/is + verb-ing, eg I am walking, he is singing
Use = 1. something is busy, going on now
2. irritation
Signal words = now, at the moment, look, listen
Example = Listen! Bono is singing!
Oh no, you are talking again! How annoying!
Present Perfect Simple
Form = have/has + past participle = -ed/3rd row irregular verbs, eg I have
walked, he has sung
Use = something started in the past and still goes on today/now + the
effect of something is noticeable now. Fact.
Signal words = for, since, just, so far, still, yet (never, ever, lately,
recently)
Example = My parents have lived here for 30 years (still live there)
It has (just) rained (effect = wet streets)
Form = verbs (-s), eg I walk, he sings
Use = 1. something happens with a certain frequency/regularity
2. when something is a fact (just so)
Signal words = never, ever, always, often, usually, sometimes, each and
every
Example = Ms van der Gaag speaks English (fact)
They often watch TV (certain frequency)
Present Continuous
Form = am/are/is + verb-ing, eg I am walking, he is singing
Use = 1. something is busy, going on now
2. irritation
Signal words = now, at the moment, look, listen
Example = Listen! Bono is singing!
Oh no, you are talking again! How annoying!
Present Perfect Simple
Form = have/has + past participle = -ed/3rd row irregular verbs, eg I have
walked, he has sung
Use = something started in the past and still goes on today/now + the
effect of something is noticeable now. Fact.
Signal words = for, since, just, so far, still, yet (never, ever, lately,
recently)
Example = My parents have lived here for 30 years (still live there)
It has (just) rained (effect = wet streets)
