The verbal group: tenses

2.1
Present time
If you decide to stay in present time you will probably have to make a choice between
simple present and the present continuous.
2.1.1 The Simple Present
The simple present tense does not specifically locate an event in time. It is used for
things that either happen habitually or are always true. It is a general tense which
applies for all time. For this reason it is used to apply to things which are assumed to be
always true, to things which are general principles or to describe the current state of
affairs.
Example:

I smoke.

This indicates that I smoke as a habit even though I might not be smoking now.

Example:

A molecule of water has two atoms of hydrogen and one of oxygen.

This indicates something that is always or generally true.

2.1.2 The Present Continuous
This is like a "temporary present" and its meaning is that of limited duration. This tense
applies to events which are currently happening at the time of speaking or writing.
Example:
I am smoking.
This means if you look at me now you would see that I am smoking.

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Basic English Grammar Module: Unit 2B. Independent Learning Resources
© Learning Centre University of Sydney. This Unit may be copied for individual student use.
15
Example:
World energy demand is increasing at a rate of 3% per year.
This indicates a change or trend or development that is currently happening.
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Exercise 4
To give you practice with the present tenses fill each gap in the following paragraph
with a verb that is either in the simple present tense or the present continuous tense.
Care of persons who.............(be) unable to manage for themselves, whether by reason of
illness or social factors ................(be) one of the few areas of employment that not
only............... (need) to grow but...............(grow). This has probably come about through the
increasing numbers of conditions that can now be treated, the increasing technology
available to those disorders, and the population changes. In particular, the aged and
handicapped sections of the population .................(grow), creating a greater demand for
care.
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You can now check the answers in the Answer Key at the back of the unit.