THE EXPRESSION OF PRESENT TIME

When we want to make reference to something which occurs at the present moment we can use the following verb forms:

1. The Simple Present 2. The Continuous or Progressive Present and 3. The Past Simple   USE OF THE SIMPLE PRESENT

1. When we talk about a present and permanent state: 

1.a.  General statements /permanent situations:  

I am a nurse.

My parents live near Dover.

He works for the Bank of Ireland.

1.b.  Universal/general truths:

The sun rises from the east.

The USA consists of 50 states.

Water freezes at 0º Celsius.

2. Present/ permanent habit: 

He always/often/never visits me on Sundays.

I play tennis every Saturday.

 3. Present event:

I declare the meeting closed. 

I promise I’ll help you.

Zidane passes the ball.

USE OF THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS / PROGRESSIVE TO EXPRESS PRESENT TIME

1.   Temporary present action (around now):

What are you doing? I’m reading.

Where is Paul? He’s playing tennis outside.  

(A commentary on the radio) Sampras is serving.

 2.   Temporary habit (repeated actions around now/the present):

I’m travelling a lot these days. 

I´m taking dancing lessons at the moment.

 3. Wilful repetition (to express annoyance)

         3.a.     + always:     She’s always speaking on the phone.

           3.b.   + whenever:    Whenever I see him, he’s smoking a huge cigar 

 USE OF THE PAST SIMPLE TO EXPRESS PRESENT TIME

We use the Past tense to express present time in formal contexts such as :

Did you want to speak to me? 

I wondered/ was wondering  If you could help me.