We’ve put together a few English Grammar Tense Cheat Sheets for you to bookmark, print, laminate and stick to the outside of your shower. Trust us, you will want to find these again. Scroll to the bottom for practice questions. Okay. Let’s get going.
Present Simple
When do we use it?
- routine/habits She cuts her hair every 6 weeks at the same hairdressers.
- general facts. The sun rises in the morning and sets in the evening.
Present Continuous
When do we use it?
- actions happening at the moment of speaking We are walking to school at the moment.
- something happening around the present time. I am learning to drive a motorcycle.
Present Perfect Simple
When do we use it?
- actions that started in the past which are still true or ongoing He’s gone to bed.
- recently completed actions at an indefinite time which have a result in the present. She has found a much better job.
Present Perfect Continuous
When do we use it?
- activities that started in the past and may not be complete This is ridiculous, it’s been raining all day.
- news about a recent, unfinished activity of duration or repetition with a result in the present. For the last few weeks, I’ve been staying at my friend’s house.
Present Tenses Cheat Sheet 
Intrepid English Study Tip: Put up some English language cheat sheets around your home. Next time you’re taking a shower or doing the washing up, you can use the time to review some vocabulary or grammar.
Practice Questions
- What is a typical day like for you? (present simple)
- What do you usually do on your birthday? (present simple)
- What are you doing now? (present continuous)
- Are you working or studying at the moment? (present continuous)
- Where have you been in the world? (present perfect simple)
- What are some of the most significant things you’ve done in your life? (present perfect simple)
- What have you been doing with your free time recently? (present perfect continuous)
- Have you been doing any exercise recently? (present perfect continuous)
Intrepid English Members can study this topic in more detail in our Fast Grammar course for bitesize English grammar lessons, quizzes and downloadable pdfs.
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