Page 480 - Practical English Usage 3ed - Michael Swan, Oxford

461
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For present perfect and simple present passives with similar meanings (e.g. The shop has been I is closed>, see 420.
present tenses (1): introduction the two present tenses
Most English verbs have two present tenses. Forms like 1 wait, she thinks are called 'simple present' or 'present simple'; forms like 1am waiting or she's thinking are called 'present progressive' or 'present continuous'. The two present tenses are used in different ways.
general time: simple present
When we talk about permanent situations, or about things that happen regularly or all the time (not just around now), we usually use the simple present (see 462-463 for details).
My parents Uve near Dover. Water freezes at (J> Celsius. 1go to London about three times a week.
around now: present progressive
When we talk about temporary continuing actions and events, which are just going on now or around now, we usually use a present progressive tense (see 464 for details).
What are you doing?-I'm reading. I'm travelling a wt these days.
2
I've known her for years. (NOT l kn61:t1 he,.JtJ,. years.) - My brother's a doctor.
How long has he been a doctor? (NOT H61:t1 ltmg is he Ii tIt'Iet6,.n Compare also:
How wng are you here for? (= until when; when are you leaving?)
How /{Jng have you been here for? (= since when; when did you arrive?)
For the difference between simple and progressive forms, see 459. For the difference between since and for, see 208.
For tenses with since, see 522.
This is the first time etc
We use a simple present perfect after this is the first time that . .. , it's the second .. . that ... , and similar structures (see 591).
present tenses (1): introduction 461
- 1hearyou'reworkingatSmiths. - Yes, I'vebeenworkingthereforamonth. " .leO t;' " )
(NOT • m W6F;ttgrtere Je,. ... - 1knowherwell.
This is the first time that I've heard her sing. (NOT This is theJirst time that: ,,.)
,1M,. ,ter' 31ng.
It's the fifth time you've asked me the same question. This is only the second opera I've ever seen.
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