English Grammar: The Present Simple, Present Continuous and Present Perfect Tenses

Present Simple: Use this tense for things that we are doing regularly and for permanent situations.

I feed the fish every day.

Does the supermarket sell stamps?

Present Continuous: Use this tense for things that are happening when we are speaking for temporary situations.

I am feeding the fish.

Is it raining?

Present Perfect:

1. Life experiences in the past.

I’ve seen all these videos.

Have you ever eaten sushi?

2. Recent past actions that are important now.

I’ve left my house key on the bus.

My colleague has resigned.

3. Past situations that are still happening now.

I haven’t eaten since this morning.

How long have you known Jenny?

4. Talk about recent events in the past.

It has just stopped raining.

I’ve already fed the fish.

Past Simple: Use this tense for completed actions in the past.

I saw my old friend yesterday.

He moved to Kuala Lumpur in 2008.