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Lesson |
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18. WHAT IS THE PRESENT TENSE?
The present tense indicates that the action is happening at the present time. It can be: • when the speaker is speaking I see you. • a habitual action He smokes when he is nervous. • a general truth The sun rises every day.
IN ENGLISH There are three forms of the verb that indicate the present tense although they have slightly different meanings. Mary studies in the library, present Mary is studying in the library, present progressive Mary does study in the library, present emphatic
When you answer the following questions, you will automatically choose one of the above forms. Where does Mary study? Mary studies in the library. Where is Mary studying? Mary is studying in the library. Does Mary study in the library? Yes, Mary does study in the library.
IN SPANISH The simple present tense can be used to express the meaning of the English present, present progressive, and present emphatic tenses. In Spanish the idea of the present tense is indicated by the ending of the verb, without any auxiliary verb such as is and does. It is very impor- tant, therefore, not to translate these English auxiliary verbs. Simply put the main verb in the present tense.
Mary studies in the library. present —> estudia
Mary is studying in the library. III present progressive —> estudia
Mary does stud in the library.
present emphatic —* estudia |
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