The Simple Aspect
When we use the simple aspect, we view the action or series of actions as a whole.
The simple aspect indicates:
- That an action or series of actions is complete e.g. daily routines
- The situation is permanent or is regarded as permanent e.g. Timetables.
We can use both dynamic and stative verbs in the simple aspect.
Dynamic verbs are verbs which describe actions and often have the auxiliary verb 'to do' used in negative affirmations and question formation.
Stative verbs are verbs which do not describe actions, they describe feelings, thoughts, wishes, the senses and states of being e.g. Know, like, belong, smell, understand.
Present Simple
We use the present simple:
- To talk about regular habits or repeated actions.
I get up really early and practise for an hour of so most days.
I use the internet just about every day.
Words that describe how often or when are often used (e.g. always, generally, normally, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never, every day, every morning)
- To talk about permanent situations.
My parents own a restaurant.
Note – we use the present perfect and not the present simple to say how long something has continued (see present perfect).
- To talk about facts or general truths.
Students don't generally have much money.
If you heat water to 100 degrees celsius, it boils. (zero conditional).
- To give instructions (the imperative) and directions.
(You) go down to the traffic lights, then turn left.
To start the programme, first (you) click on the icon on the desktop.
- To tell stories and talk about films, books and plays.
In the film, the tea lady falls in love with the Prime Minister.
Note – in academic English we use the present tense to refer to articles and books.
Continuous (Progressive) Aspect
When we use the continuous aspect, we view the action or series of actions in progress. The continuous aspect does not describe the whole event.
The continuous aspect indicates:
That the action or series of actions are in progress. We view
the action at some point between its beginning and its end.
The action is not complete.
The situation is temporary.
Because we use the continuous aspect to describe an action
in progress, we use the continuous aspect with dynamic
verbs, but not with stative verbs.
We use the present continuous:
- To talk about temporary situations.
I'm studying really hard for my exams.
My cousin is living in Thailand at the moment (he doesn't normally live there).
- To talk about actions happening at the moment of speaking.
What are you doing now? - I'm waiting for my friends.
- To talk about trends or changing situations.
The internet is making it easier for people to stay in touch with each other.
The price of petrol is rising dramatically.
- To talk about things that happen more often than expected, often to show envy or criticise with adverbs like always, constantly, continually, forever.
My mum's always saying I don't help enough (complaint).
He's always visiting exciting places (envy).
The Perfect Aspect in the Present
We use the present perfect when we want to show a link between the present and the past.
We build the present perfect aspect by using the verb 'have' in the present tense + the past participle of the active verb of the sentence.
I have been to New York several times.
He has seen that movie already.
You haven't visited your grandmother this week.
Present Perfect Structure
In a positive sentence:
- have / has + past participle
She's started the assignment already.
In a negative sentence:
- have / has not + past participle
I haven't started the assignment yet.
In a question:
- have / has .... + past participle
Have you started the assignment yet?
How have you started the assignment already?
Present Perfect Continuous (progressive) Structure
We use the present perfect or the present perfect continuous to say how long a situation or activity has been going on (often with for or since):
I've felt tired for weeks.
I've been feeling tired since I started this course.
I've worked at the restaurant since I moved here.
I've been working at the restaurant for three years.
The present perfect continuous is formed by:
Positive sentences: have / has been + verb + ing
Negative sentences: have / has not been + verb + ing
Questions: have / has .... been + verb + ing?
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