Present Tenses in British English
In English, we use different tenses to show the time when an action happens.
There are 12 tenses altogether.
In this lesson, you’ll learn the present simple and present continuous tenses and practise using them.
What are tenses?
Tenses are used to show the time when an action happens.
Present Simple
- A habit
- A regular action (every day, every week, every month etc.)
- Use the infinitive verb (don’t change it)
- Add -s to the end of the verb when using he, she, it.
Present Continuous
- Actions happening now or at the present time
- The structure – is/am/are + verb-ing
Examples
I am living with my parents at the moment.
She walks to work everyday.
The team are working in the office now.
Remember the differences in situations.
Practise
Fill in the correct form of the verb.
Common mistakes learners make
- Using present continuous for permanent situations
- Using present simple for actions happening now
- Forgetting the ‘-s’ when using he, she, it with present simple
Common mistakes learners make
- Using present continuous for permanent situations
- Using present simple for actions happening now
- Forgetting the ‘-s’ when using he, she, it with present simple
Watch: Tenses explained by a British tutor
In this video, Claire explains the 6 simple and continuous tenses.
