What is Present Tense? Explained with examples

What is the present tense? 

What is present tense?

Present = Now

Present means everything is happening right now. 

There are four variations of this tense.

1. Present Indefinite tense-

We use the present tense when any action occurs in the present time, any universal truth (the sun rises in the east.), or any habitual actions. 

Format - Sub+v1+Obj

Examples: 

He works hard.

The Earth revolves around the sun.

It rains.

2. Present Continuous Tense -

When an action is going on in the present time, we use this tense to express it.

Format - Sub+ am/is/are + v+ing+ obj

Examples: 

The boys are playing football. 

The man is playing guitar. 

3. Present Perfect tense- 

When an action is just finished in the present, we use this tense to express it. Also, when an action started in the past but finished in the present, we use the present Perfect tense.

Format - Sub+have /has+ v3+ obj

Examples:

This man has done a great job.

Mita has finished her lunch.

I have finished writing an article. 

4. Present Perfect Continuous tense- 

We use this tense when an action started in the past and is not finished or is still in progress. 

Format - sub+ has/have+been+v+ ing+ obj

Examples: 

Thomas has been living in America for three years.

I have been writing this essay for half an hour.