{"id":50512,"date":"2023-11-13T13:26:55","date_gmt":"2023-11-13T12:26:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/?p=50512"},"modified":"2023-11-13T13:26:55","modified_gmt":"2023-11-13T12:26:55","slug":"grammar-guide-understanding-present-simple-and-present-perfect","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/grammar-guide-understanding-present-simple-and-present-perfect\/","title":{"rendered":"Grammar Guide \u2013 Understanding Present Simple and Present Perfect"},"content":{"rendered":"

Do you sometimes feel a bit lost when deciding which tense to use? Are you a little unsure of the differences between the present tenses? Does jumping to and fro<\/strong><\/span><\/em> between tenses leave you confused? If you\u2019ve answered \u2018yes\u2019 to any of these, then you’ll be happy to know we\u2019ve created a grammar guide for you: Understanding Present Simple and Present Perfect.<\/p>\n

These two tenses have similar names, and they refer to periods of time which are, in a way, similar. However, there are clear differences, and making mistakes when using them can lead to a breakdown in communication, or even worse, an angry teacher! Mastering grammar tenses is important!<\/p>\n

Firstly, don\u2019t worry if you\u2019re not a grammar expert. We\u2019ll avoid using a lot of jargon<\/strong><\/span><\/em> and instead, we\u2019ll go through the grammar using basic terms. On the other hand, you might be someone who feels very confident using grammar and just wants to brush up on<\/strong><\/span><\/em> it. We all need to review things from time to time! With that in mind, let\u2019s get to work on tense usage in English.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Present Simple \u2013 3 usages<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

We use the Present Simple to describe actions or situations that are routines, habits, general facts, states of being and permanent situations. In short, we use it to talk about things we like, things we do and things we have.<\/p>\n

1. Routines and habits<\/strong><\/p>\n

We use the Present Simple to describe actions that happen regularly (or don\u2019t happen regularly) or as part of a routine.<\/p>\n

I watch my football team every weekend, and they usually <\/em>let me down<\/strong><\/span><\/em>!<\/p>\n

She usually rides her bike to work. That\u2019s why she\u2019s so fit!<\/em><\/p>\n

We always play games in class, because we always work hard first!<\/em><\/p>\n

2. General facts and states of being<\/strong><\/p>\n

We use the Present Simple to talk about general facts and states that are true in the present.<\/p>\n

The Earth orbits the sun.<\/em><\/p>\n

Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.<\/em><\/p>\n

Seville is <\/em>scorching<\/strong><\/span><\/em> at this time of year.<\/p>\n

3. Permanent situations<\/strong><\/p>\n

We also use the Present Simple to refer to permanent or long-lasting situations or conditions.<\/p>\n

My aunt lives in Chicago.<\/em><\/p>\n

He works as an artist.<\/em><\/p>\n

She <\/em>is really into<\/strong><\/span><\/em> parkour.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How do we make the Present Simple?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

The verb takes the base form (the infinitive without \u2018to\u2019), and as you can see from the examples, we add an \u2018s\u2019 with the third person singular (he, she, it). However, there are some spelling exceptions:<\/p>\n

When the verb ends in -ch<\/strong>, -ss<\/strong>, -sh<\/strong>, -x<\/strong> or -zz<\/strong>, we add -es<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

She watches<\/strong> too much TV.<\/em><\/p>\n

When the verb ends in a consonant + -y<\/strong> we change y to i<\/strong> and add -es<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Harry studies<\/strong> grammar every night.<\/em><\/p>\n

Have<\/strong>, go<\/strong>, do<\/strong> and be<\/strong> are irregular.<\/p>\n

Laura has<\/strong> an older brother.<\/em><\/p>\n

Check out these examples of the Present Simple in this TV series compilation. Can you match each example to the usage?
\n 
\n

<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Present Perfect \u2013 3 usages<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

 \n<\/p>\n

We use the Present Perfect to describe actions or events that started in the past, but are related to the present moment.<\/p>\n

1. Recently completed actions<\/p>\n

We use the Present Perfect tense when an event or action happened at some point in the past, is relevant to or has an impact on the present.<\/p>\n

I have just finished this book. What a <\/em>page-turner<\/strong><\/span><\/em>!<\/p>\n

She has lost her mobile phone again! How can we call her?<\/em><\/p>\n

2. Ongoing actions with a connection to the present<\/p>\n

We also use the Present Perfect to talk about actions or events that started in the past and are still happening in the present.<\/p>\n

Son Heung-Min has played for the Spurs since 2015.<\/em><\/p>\n

I have lived in this town all my life. <\/em>I know it like the back of my hand<\/strong><\/span><\/em>.<\/p>\n

3. Actions with unspecified times<\/p>\n

We can also use the Present Perfect when the time of the action is not specified or not important. This puts emphasis on the fact that the action has been completed.<\/p>\n

She has been to Mexico five times.<\/em><\/p>\n

I have seen all of the James Bond films.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

How do we make the Present Perfect?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

We use the subject, followed by the auxiliary verb \u2018have\u2019 or \u2018has\u2019, and then the past participle of the main verb. Irregular verbs have unique past participle forms, and we can find these in the third column of the irregular verb table<\/a>. However, we make regular past participle verbs by adding \u2018-ed\u2019.<\/p>\n

How about these examples of the Present Perfect in TV clips? Can you match them to the usage?<\/p>\n

 
\n