Present Tense: The 4 Present Tenses With Examples

The present tenses are the ones you use most, so they are worth getting right first. There are four of them, and each has a clear job. Here is when to use each, with examples you can copy.

Present simple

Use it for things that are generally true or that happen regularly. Remember the s on he, she and it.

• I drink tea every morning.
• She works in a bank.
• Water boils at 100 degrees.

Present continuous

Use it for actions in progress now, or temporary situations around now.

• I am reading right now.
• They are staying with us this week.

Present perfect

Use it for a past action with a present result, or an experience with no fixed time. This is the tense Indian speakers most often replace with the past simple.

• I have finished my work. (so it is done now)
• She has visited London. (at some point in her life)

Present perfect continuous

Use it for an action that began in the past and is still going on, often with for or since.

• I have been learning English for two years.
• It has been raining since morning.

Want to see how all three times fit together? Go back to the full tenses guide, or move on to the past tense.

The four present tenses with examples: present simple, continuous, perfect and perfect continuous, and the common mistakes to avoid.