Helping Hints for the Present
Auxiliary Verbs Used with Present Tenses
Knowledge of auxiliary verbs used in various tenses is the key to correct tense conjugation. Here is a review of auxiliary verbs used in present tenses:
Present Simple:
Use 'do / does' in questions and negative statements to express a routine or habitual action. Use no auxiliary verb in the positive form.
Example:
The surcharge fee doesn't apply to accounts opened before noon.
At what point do you acknowledge receipt of the package?
BUT:
The savings bank usually sends checks out on Tuesday.
The discussion centers around the bill on demand.
Present Continuous:
Use 'am / is / are' in the present tense for the positive, negative and question forms in the present continuous tense to express something that is happening at the current moment, or around the present moment in time.
Example:
Veraphone is working on improvements for an upgraded pin pad.
In our current analysis, the overall value of the bank's current assets is declining rapidly.
Present Simple Passive:
Use the verb 'am / is / are' in the present for positive, negative and question in the present simple passive to express a present passive operation. Remember that the passive takes the participle form of the principal verb.
Example:
The share issue is processed every week.
That provision is rarely enforced on city council.
Present Perfect:
Use 'have / has' in the present for the positive, negative and question forms for the present perfect tense to express something that has happened up to the present moment in time, or something which has occurred at an unspecified moment in the past.
Example:
We have just been given the settlement price.
I've just cast my proxy vote for my large-cap mutual fund.
Present Perfect Continuous:
Use the verb 'have been / has been' in the present perfect for the positive, negative and question forms for the present perfect tense to express the duration of something that has been happening up to the present moment in time.
Example:
They've been arguing about the limited liability company for two hours.
The non-taxable income hasn't improved at all over the last fiscal year.