TensesThe Present Tense1. The Simple Present Tense has many uses:UsesExamples

a) To show a habitual action Farid goes to mosque every Friday. The maid sweeps the floor every day.

b) To express a fact Pasir Gudang is an important port. Penang is known as the Pearl of the Orient.

c) To express a truth The sun rises in the east. The earth revolves round the sun.

d) To show future action that is a part of a plan The new term starts next month The train leaves in ten minutes.

e) To give instructions or orders Watch out for snatch-thieves. Stay away from the old building.

f) Used in conditions If you come, I will take you to the orchard. If you win, we will be proud of you.

g) Used in the passive voice The window panes are broken. The office is locked

2. The present Continuous Tense has the following uses:

UsesExamples

a) To show an action that is happening now Dad is sleeping at the moment. The plumber is repairing the pipe now.

b) To show an action that is often repeated He is always arguing with us about freedom. Roy is always talking about his project.

c) To express a future action which has been planned We are eating out this evening. Intan is leaving for Canada tonight.

d) To show an action happening about this time but may not be at the moment of conversation. Our soccer team is playing against Thailand. Joanne is conducting a seminar in Penang.

e) Used in the passive voice The injured is being treated by us. A new road is being constructed.

3. The Present Perfect Tense has the following uses:UsesExamples

a) To show an action that has completed Aida has sent the form to us. Nor has passed her driving test.

b) To show an action that started in the past and is still continuing We have known the manager for five years. Sheila has left her hometown for sometimes.

c) Used in the passive voice The case has been reported to the police. The news has been banned.

4. The Present Perfect Continuous Tense has the following uses:UsesExamples

a) To show an action which started in the past and is still continuing The writer has been writing his autobiography for the past few months.

b) Used to show a repeated action The telephone has been ringing since this morning.

Common errorsWrong usageCorrect usage

1. Im afraid I am having a cold now.Im afraid I have a cold now.

2. If you came, we will be happy.If you come, we will be happy.

3. Nina is walking to school every day.Nina walks to school every day.

4. Dont disturb Raja. He does his homework at the moment.Dont disturb Raja. He is doing his homework at the moment.

5. Have you ever ate this fruit before?Have you ever eaten this fruit before?

6. Lazarus left the company for sometime.Lazarus has left the company for sometime.

7. Dont worry. The show is starting in a few minutes time.Dont worry. The show starts in a few minutes time.