Mastering Present Tenses in English

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 3

Mastering Present Tenses in English

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to confidently identify and use all the present tenses in English.

This slide should clearly state the learning objective of the lesson.

What do you already know about present tenses in English?

What are Present Tenses?

Present tenses in English are used to describe actions happening now or regularly. They include simple present, present continuous, present perfect, (and present perfect continuous).

Explain what present tenses are and give examples of when they are used.

My brother always listens to heavy metal music

1. present simple
2. present continuous
3. present perfect
4. present perfect continuous

but I don't like heavy metal at all, it's far too loud.

1. present simple
2. present continuous
3. present perfect
4. present perfect continuous

Signal Words for Present Tenses

 Simple present tense: 'always', 'often', 'usually'. 

BUT also Future: time, schedule

Present continuous tense: 'now', 'at the moment'. 

BUT also Future: planned and organised

Present perfect tense: 'already' mainly positive, 

'yet' mainly negative, 'never', 'just'.

Explain what signal words are and give examples of signal words for each present tense.

Write a sentence, using the present simple, verb is 'watch', and use a signal word. Write at least 10 words.

Simple Present Tense

Simple present tense is used to describe habitual actions or facts. It is formed by adding 's' or 'es' to the base form of the verb for third person singular subjects.

Give examples of simple present tense and explain how it is formed.

Write a sentence, using the present continuous, verb is 'work', and use a signal word. Write at least 10 words.

Present Continuous Tense

Present continuous tense is used to describe actions that are happening now, or a planned activity in the future. 

 It is formed by using the verb 'to be' and adding the present participle (-ing) form of the verb.

Give examples of present continuous tense and explain how it is formed.

Write a sentence, using present perfect and a signal word. Use at least 10 words.

Present Perfect Tense

Present perfect tense is used to describe actions that started in the past and continue to the present, or to describe past actions with a present result. It is formed by using 

'have/has' and the past participle form of the verb.

Give examples of present perfect tense and explain how it is formed.

Write a sentence, using present perfect continuous and a signal word. Use at least 10 words.

Present Perfect continuous Tense

The present perfect continuous is a verb tense used to talk about something that started in the past and is continuing at the present time. I have been reading War and Peace for a month now. The emphasis lies on the action/time it's been going on.

 have/has + been + -ing form. 

Note: Not all verbs are compatible with continuous action. Verbs that describe states and conditions, such as to be and to own, for example, do not make sense in the present perfect continuous tense. 

Give examples of present perfect tense and explain how it is formed.

Signal Words for Present Tenses

 Simple present tense: 'always', 'often', 'usually'. 

BUT also Future: time, schedule

Present continuous tense: 'now', 'at the moment'. 

BUT also Future: planned and organised

Present perfect tense: 'already' mainly positive, 

'yet' mainly negative, 'never', 'just'.

Explain what signal words are and give examples of signal words for each present tense.

Tips for Mastering Present Tenses

To master present tenses in English, it is important to practice regularly, pay attention to signal words, and study common errors and how to avoid them.

Give tips to students on how to improve their understanding and use of present tenses.

She is well-informed about politics because she _____ the newspaper every day.

1. reads
2. is reading
3. has read
4. has been reading

At the moment, Ms Smith ______ in her hotel room.

1. stands
2. is standing
3. has stood
4. has been standing

Ms Johnson _______ for almost 6 years now.

1. teaches
2. is teaching
3. has taught
4. teach

We _____ in Greece since last August. (to live)

1. live
2. are living
3. have lived
4. lives

Look! Steve's mother ______ a Frappuccino. (to make)

1. makes
2. is making
3. has made
4. has been making

James never ____ his homework. (to do)

1. does
2. is doing
3. has done
4. has been doing

Samirato _______ (go) to school since she was four.

The sun _____ (rise) in the East.

What ______ (Jane/ do) now?

She ______ (do) her homework now.

She never ______ (do) homework.

We ______ (be) friends ever since kindergarten.

We have to take the walk without Bob, he ________ (sprain) his ankle.

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to confidently identify and use all the present tenses in English.

This slide should clearly state the learning objective of the lesson.