Page 12 - HIP@SESMA E-bulletin Vol 1

COMPLETE PRESENT TENSE VERBS REVIEW

Present Continuous
Continuous/Progressive verbs are used to define ‘something which is happening at a certain moment in
time’
Verb construction of this present tense
AFFIRMATIVE: Subject + am/are/is + verb in ‘ing’
• I am cooking dinner. She is sitting on a chair. The children are playing in the garden.
NEGATIVE: Subject + am/are/is + not (n’t) + verb in ‘ing’
• I’m not working today. John isn’t doing his homework. You are not going without me!
QUESTION: Am/Are/Is + subject + verb in ‘ing’.
• Am I doing the right thing? Is Mary doing her homework? Are they playing tennis?
Are you coming with me? Are you listening to me? Is the dog eating its food?

This verb construction in the present tense is used :

With action verbs (we can see this thing/action being done.)
• John is playing the piano. They are listening to classical music. (‘ To listen’ - action verb
associated with one of our senses)

With verbs with more than one meaning to represent movement/action
• John thinks that Mary is beautiful. (This is his opinion – verb of state of mind – Simple present)
• John is thinking of visiting New York. (His mind is elaborating this thought – action)

With ‘always’ to represent something we disapprove of
• John smokes a lot. (This is a truth/fact. We use the simple present.)
• John is always smoking. (We do not approve. This action troubles us a lot)

In the present, action is associated with adverbs of the present time: –now – at the moment – today – still
I can’t come with you. I am still doing my homework.
I’m watching TV at the moment.

Modals + semi-modals

These verbs are used to express possibility, intention, obligation, necessity, asking for permission, making
requests, offering something, offering to do something. They change our perception of the verb they are
linked to.
• I clean my bedroom once a week. (This is a fact. – Simple present tense)
• I must/have to clean my bedroom once a week. (I feel obliged/someone makes me do this)

Verb construction in the present tense
AFFIRMATIVE: Subject + modal/semi-modal + base form principal verb
• I can swim. (‘can’ here is used for ability) I can come with you. (This is possible/permitted)
NEGATIVE: Subject + modal/semi-modal + not (n’t) + base form principal verb
• I can’t play tennis. (no ability) He can’t go to school today. (not possible)
QUESTION: Modal/semi-modal + subject + base form principal verb
• Would you like a cup of tea? (offering something)
• Would you like me to help you? (offering to do something)
• Must I come with you immediately? Do I have to come with you immediately? (obligation)
• Need I come with you? (Is it necessary?)
• Can I/May I/Could I leave the room, please? (asking permission – different levels of formality)
• You cannot/mustn’t smoke in this room. (It is not permitted. It is prohibited)
• Can I go to the park with my friends? Yes, you can. (asking/giving permission)
Uses of verb ‘to be’ in the present tense