subordinate clauses
4.6 This chapter deals only with the choice of tense in main clauses.
Sometimes, the point in time is not indicated by a time adverbial, but by a subordinate clause. Subordinate clauses of time are introduced by conjunctions that refer to time, such as since, until, before, and after.
For information about the tense of the verb in the subordinate clause, see paragraph 8.9.
The present
4.7 In situations where you are discussing an existing state of affairs, you use a verb that is in the present tense. Usually, the verb tense is sufficient to show that you are referring to the present. You normally only use a time adverbial for emphasis, or to refer to something that is unrelated to the present moment.
The present in generaclass="underline" the present simple
the present moment
4.8 If you want to talk about your thoughts and feelings at the present moment, or about your immediate reactions to something, you use the present simple.
I’m awfully busy.
They both taste the same.
Gosh, he looks awful.
I want a breath of fresh air.
You can also use the present simple to talk about a physical feeling that is affecting you or someone else.
I feel heavy. I do. I feel drowsy.
My stomach hurts.
Note, however, that if you are talking about physical perceptions such as seeing and hearing, you normally use the modal can, although the present simple is occasionally used.
I can see the fishing boats coming in.
I can smell it. Can’t you?
I see a flat stretch of ground.
I hear approaching feet.
general present including present moment
4.9 If you want to talk about a settled state of affairs that includes the present moment but where the particular time reference is not important, you use the present simple.
My dad works in Saudi Arabia.
He lives in the French Alps near the Swiss border.
He is a very good brother. We love him.
She’s a doctor’s daughter.
Meanwhile, Atlantic City faces another dilemma.
general truths
4.10 If you want to say that something is always or generally true, you use the present simple.
Near the equator, the sun evaporates greater quantities of water.
A molecule of water has two atoms of hydrogen and one of oxygen.
A chemical reaction occurs in the fuel cell.
regular or habitual actions
4.11 If you want to talk about something that a particular person or thing does regularly or habitually, you use the present simple.
Do you smoke?
I get up early and eat my breakfast listening to the radio.
used in reviews
4.12 You usually use the present simple when you are discussing what happens in a book, play, or film.
In the film he plays the central character of Charles Smithson.
In those early chapters, he keeps himself very much in the background.
4.13 You can use the present simple of the verb say when you are describing something you have read in a book.
The criminal justice system, the author says, has failed to keep pace with the drug problem.
The Bible says love of money is the root of all evil.
used in commentaries
4.14 On radio and television, commentators often use the present simple when they are describing an event such as a sports match or a ceremony at the time that it is happening.
He turns, he shoots, he scores!
used in reporting
4.15 When you are reporting what someone said to you at a point in the recent past, you can use the present simple of a reporting verb such as hear or tell.
I’ve never been paragliding myself, but they tell me it’s a really exciting sport.
Tamsin’s a good cook, I hear.
Grace says you told her to come over here.
For more detailed information about reporting verbs, see Chapter 7.
used in commenting
4.16 When you are commenting on what you are saying or doing, you use the present simple of a verb such as admit, promise, reject, or enclose. For more information on this type of verb, see paragraphs 7.64 to 7.67.
This, I admit, was my favourite activity.
I enclose a small cheque which may come in handy.
I leave it for you to decide.
The present progressive
the moment of speaking
4.17 If you want to talk about an activity that is in progress, you use the present progressive.
We’re having a meeting. Come and join in.
What am I doing? I’m looking out of the window.
My head is aching.
I’m already feeling tense.
emphasizing the present moment
4.18 If you want to emphasize the present moment or to indicate that a situation is temporary, you use the present progressive.
Only one hospital, at Angal, is functioning.
We’re trying to create a more democratic society.
She’s spending the summer in Europe.
I’m working as a British Council Officer.
progressive change
4.19 You also use the present progressive to talk about changes, trends, development, and progress.
The village is changing but it is still undisturbed.
His handwriting is improving.
World energy demand is increasing at a rate of about 3% per year.
habitual actions
4.20 If you want to talk about a habitual action that takes place regularly, especially one that is new or temporary, you use the present progressive.