Talking about the present
Learn about the different verb forms you can use to talk about the present.
We use
the present simple to talk
about:
- something
that is true in the present:
They live next
door to us.
He works for the Post Office.
- something
that happens regularly in the present:
The children come home
from school at about four.
We often see your brother at work.
- something
that is always true:
Water boils at
100 degrees Celsius.
The Nile is the longest river in Africa.
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We use
the present continuous to
talk about:
- something
happening at the moment of speaking:
I can't hear you. I'm listening to
a podcast.
Please be quiet. The children are sleeping.
- something
happening regularly in the present before and after a specific
time:
I'm usually having breakfast
at this time in the morning.
When I see George he's usually reading his Kindle.
- something
in the present which we think is temporary:
Michael is at university. He's
studying history.
I love Harry Potter. I'm reading the last book.
- something
which is new and contrasts with a
previous state:
Nowadays people are
sending text messages instead of phoning.
I hear you've moved house. Where are you living now?
- something
which is changing, growing or developing:
The weather is getting colder.
Our grandchildren are growing up quickly.
- something
which happens again and again:
It's always raining in
London.
They are always arguing.
George is great. He's always laughing.
Note that we normally use always with
this use.
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We
use modal verbs:
- to
talk about the present when we are not sure of something:
I don't know where Henry is.
He might be playing tennis.
'Who's knocking at the door?' – 'I don't know. It could be the
police.'
- to
talk about things like ability (can) and obligation (should):
I can speak English
quite well but I can't speak French at all.
You should do your homework before you go out.
