Time Expressions: Present Tenses
Posted on: 18 Nov, 2009|Comments: 1|Views: 884|Likes: 1| INT
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Time Expressions for the Present
One of the keys to correct tense usage is understanding which time expressions or indicators are used with which tenses. This post focuses on time expressions used with present tenses including the present simple and present continuous tense.
Present Simple
The present simple is used to express habitual or repeated actions, states and facts. Remember that the focus for present simple is not on the present moment in time, but on a general state or activity that happens on a regular basis.
Adverbs of frequency:
always
usually
normally
often
sometimes
occasionally
seldom
rarely
never
I rarely have lunch in a restaurant. I usually take a bag lunch to work.
They sometimes have guests over for dinner.
Mary doesn't often take time off from work.
Days of the week + 's':
Mondays
Tuesdays
Wednesdays
Thursdays
Fridays
Saturdays
Sundays
Mark plays tennis on Tuesdays.
We usually have staff meetings on Fridays.
She doesn't have classes on Thursdays.
Weekends
Karen likes relaxing on weekends.
Times of the day:
in the morning
in the evening
in the afternoon
at night
Rob prefers to take care of his e-mail in the morning.
I try to get to bed early at night.
Recurring Frequency
every day, month, year
He gets up at seven every day.
Karen goes to Hawaii every year.
Once a day / week / month / year
Twice a day / week / month / year
Three times a day / week / month / year
It's important to brush your teeth twice a day.
Karen visits her parents three times a month.
Present Continuous
The present continuous is used to focus on the present moment in time. It is also used to indicate something that is happening around the present moment in time.
This exact moment:
(right) now
at the moment
She's working on her homework at the moment.
Jack is cooking dinner right now.
Around this moment in time:
today
this week / month / quarter
currently
We're working on the Smith account this month.
She's currently preparing for an exam.
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