How do you differentiate between the present tenses?

Answer 1

The simple present tense.This is used to express something that is happening now and something that happens all the time. It follows this structure:

• Subject + do + verb (However, 'do' is only used in negative sentences)

For example:

• I like.
• You do not like.

The present continuous tense.This is used to express something that is happening at this exact moment. It follows this structure:

• Subject + auxiliary verb 'be' + present participle.

For example:

• I am playing.
• You/we are playing.
• He/she/it is playing.

The present perfect tense.This is used to express experience, change and a continuing situation. It follows this structure:

• Subject + have/has + past participle.

For example:

• I have finished.
• He has finished.

The present perfect continuous tense.This is used to express an action that has recently stopped or an action continuing up up to the present moment. It follows this structure:

• Subject + have/has + been + present participle

For example:

• I have been working.
• She has been working.