Intermediate · Grammar Reference
Unit 3 — Present Tenses and Passive
present simple · adverbs of frequency · present continuous · state verbs · passive
3.1 Present Simple
Form
The form is the same for I/we/you/they.
I work from 9–5 p.m. They don't work full time.He/She/It: add -s or -es, and use does/doesn't in questions and short answers.
He doesn't work at weekends. Where does she live? | + | – | ? |
|---|
| I/you/we/they | work | don't work | Do you work? |
| he/she/it | works | doesn't work | Does she work? |
Use — Present Simple expresses:
- An action that happens again and again (habit/routine): I go to work by car.
- A fact that is always true: Ronaldo comes from Brazil.
- A fact that is true for a long time (permanent state): He works in a bank.
Spelling of he/she/it forms
- Most verbs add -s: wants · eats · helps · drives
- Add -es to verbs ending in -ss, -sh, -ch, -x, -o: kisses · washes · watches · fixes · goes
- Verbs ending in consonant + -y: change to -ies: carries · flies · worries · tries
- But verbs ending in vowel + -y only add -s: buys · says · plays · enjoys
3.2 Adverbs of frequency
We often use adverbs of frequency with the Present Simple.
| 0% | | | | | | | | 100% |
|---|
| never | rarely | hardly ever | not often | sometimes | often | usually | always | |
They go before the main verb, but after the verb to be.
I usually start at 9.00. They're usually here by now.I rarely see Peter these days. We're rarely at home at weekends.Sometimes and usually can also go at the beginning or the end.
Beginning
Sometimes we play cards.End
We play cards sometimes. 3.3 Present Continuous
Form: am/is/are + verb + -ing
| + | – | ? |
|---|
| I | am playing | am not playing | Am I playing? |
| he/she/it | is cooking | isn't cooking | Is he cooking? |
| you/we/they | are working | aren't working | Are they working? |
Use — Present Continuous expresses:
- An activity happening now: Don't turn the TV off — I'm watching it.
- An activity not necessarily happening at this moment but around now: I'm doing a French evening class this year.
- A temporary activity: Peter is a student, but he's working as a waiter during the holidays.
- A planned future arrangement: I'm having lunch with Glenda tomorrow.
Spelling of verb + -ing
- Most verbs add -ing: going · wearing · visiting · eating
- Verbs ending in one -e lose the -e: smoking · coming · hoping · writing (BUT: lie → lying)
- Verbs of one syllable with one vowel + one consonant — double consonant: stopping · getting · running
- If the final consonant is -y or -w, it is NOT doubled: playing · showing
3.4 State verbs
Certain verbs are usually only used in the Present Simple. They describe states or conditions, not activities.
Verbs of thinking and opinions
believethinkunderstandsupposeexpectagreedoubtknowrememberpromisemeanimaginerealizedeserveguess
I believe you. Do you understand what I mean? I know what you mean.Verbs of emotions and feelings
likelovehatecarehopewishwantpreferadoredislike
I like black coffee. Do you want to go out? I don't care.Verbs of having and being
belongownhavepossesscontaincostseemmatterneeddependweighresemblefitinvolve
This book belongs to Jane. How much does it cost?Verbs of the senses
lookheartastesmellfeelsound
The food smells good. My hair feels soft.📌 Note
Some of these verbs can be used in the Continuous, but with a change of meaning. In the continuous, the verb expresses an activity, not a state:
I think you're right. (opinion) vs
We're thinking of going to the cinema. (mental activity)
3.5 The passive
Form: to be + past participle
The tense of the verb to be changes to make tenses in the passive.
Are you being served? (Present Continuous)My car is insured with ASM. (Present Simple)Were you taken to visit the cathedral? (Past Simple)I've been invited to a wedding. (Present Perfect)Use
- Passive sentences move the focus from the subject to the object of active sentences.
- By and the agent (the subject in the active sentence) are often omitted in passive sentences if the agent is unknown, unimportant, or obvious.
- The passive is associated with an impersonal, formal style — often used in notices and announcements.
Customers are requested to refrain from smoking.In informal language, we often use you, we, and they to refer to people in general to avoid using the passive.
📌 Note
Many past participles are used as adjectives:
I'm very interested in modern art. We were extremely
worried about you.
I'm exhausted!3.6 Present Simple and Present Continuous passive
Present Simple passive: am/is/are + past participle
Most workers are paid monthly. Is service included in the bill?Present Continuous passive: am/is/are + being + past participle
This road is being widened. Are you being served?📌 Note
The uses are the same as in the active voice — routine (PS) vs happening now (PC).