English present tense at a glance

Learn the English present tense together with Sprachcaffe. The present tense is divided into four different forms. Two of them are the basic English present tenses (Simple Present and Present Perfect) and the other two are progressive tenses (Present Progressive and Present Perfect Progressive).

We show you how to form the four English present tenses and when to use them on the respective topic pages.

On this page you will find

» Comparison of present tenses
» Simple Present
» Present progressive
» Present Perfect
» Present Perfect Progressive

Comparison English present tense

To get a better understanding of the differences in the English present tense, we recommend that you compare the basic forms and progressive forms in the present tense. Our topic pages focus precisely on the four present tenses of the English language.

There you will find detailed explanations and many practical examples of the Simple Present, Present Progressive, Present Perfect and Present Perfect Progressive to deepen your knowledge and ensure that you master the English present.

Comparison - basic forms of the English present tenses

Simple Present tense	Present Perfect tense
Regular actions	Completed action without exact time
General statements	Completed action with effects on the present
Permanent states	Action from past to present
Present states	Recently completed action
Description of properties	Action that has taken place several times
Scientific facts

Comparison - English present progressive forms

The progressive forms of the English present tense differ in one important respect: while the present progressive describes an ongoing action at this moment, the present perfect progressive tense describes an action that began in the past and continues into the present.

A clear distinction between these two tenses can help you improve your English skills and use them successfully. Take a look at the comparison of English present progressive tenses below.

Present Progressive tense	Present Perfect Progressive tense
Action takes place at this moment	Action began in the past and continues until now

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