Present Tense

Question

Are these correct? What do they mean? 1. I just found out about it right now. (If this is correct, why?) 2. I just find out about it right now.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

(1) is correct because 'right now' is a tiny bit in the past, by the time the speaker speaks. He probably should have said 'just a moment ago', but a native speaker might easily say it this way also.

(2) is wrong. Simple present is incorrect here for the present moment. If the speaker were on the phone in the midst of a conversation, and I asked him:

'Have you found out about your flight to Seattle yet?"

Then he might answer, 'I'm just finding out about it right now.'

Jack112 · Answer

(2) is wrong. Simple present is incorrect here for the present moment. If the speaker were on the phone in the midst of a conversation, and I asked him:

1. I just find out about it right now. (So this is wrong no matter what?)

Scenario: We need the lottery ticket right now!
I just thought about the meaning for the sentence above, could it also be right? For eg.:
2. He findss the lottery ticket right now. (He is looking for the ticket right now?)

Scenario: Could you guys get me the answer for the question right away?
3. Yes, someone is on it. He gets the answer for you right now. (He is getting a question for you.)

If they are incorrect, why? I still don't really understand.

Mister Micawber · Answer

All are incorrect verb tenses, Jack. The 'simple present' tense is NOT used for events which occur at the moment of speaking-- for 'now' we use the present continuous, just as you did in your explanation: 'He is looking for the ticket right now', 'He is getting an answer for you'--

'Right now I am having a bath, smoking a cigarette and watching TV. I am really enjoying myself.'

This is true for almost all verbs, although there is the exception of a few verbs which do not normally take this form but use the simple present, like 'have' (= possess), 'be' (= exist), 'know', and verbs of the senses:

'Right now I smell smoke, and I have an idea that the house is on fire. The house is old, you know.'

The simple present is not a present tense at all; it is generally used for timeless facts and conditions: habit, eternal truths, etc:

'The earth revolves around the sun.' (now, yesterday, tomorrow, every day)
'I like sushi.' (now, yesterday, tomorrow, every day)

Note this example: 'I smoke heavily, but I am not smoking now because it is forbidden in this restaurant'.

Jack112 · Answer

Thanks.

[url="http://sympaticomsn.workopolis.com/servlet/Content/workingwounded/20041229/ww20041229?section=WorkingWounded"]WorkingWounded[/url]

What do these mean? How come they used 'was' instead of 'is'? What is the point of using 'was' vs' 'is' and vice versa?
1. "Stereotype No. 3: Women are more passive. She is working with the 'same title and salary while filling in for her male boss,' the implication being that he was paid more.

2. "Stereotype No. 3: Women are more passive. She is working with the 'same title and salary while filling in for her male boss,' the implication being that he is paid more.

Mister Micawber · Answer

"Stereotype No. 3: Women are more passive. She is working with the 'same title and salary while filling in for her male boss,' the implication being that he was paid more, but she's 'not bitter.' "

Jack, I think that the writer uses 'was' because he 'was paid more' before she 'filled in [= substituted] for her male boss'. Certainly either 'is' or 'was' would work here: using 'is', on the other hand, the writer would be thinking of the male boss's salary as a continuing item.

Klavier · Answer

MrM,
All are incorrect verb tenses, Jack. The 'simple present' tense is NOT used for events which occur at the moment of speaking-- for 'now' we use the present continuous...

I have a book that says that it's possible to use the simple present at the moment of speaking for ex. when a commentator is reporting a football game live: "Beckam kicks the ball and scores".

Jack112 · Answer

Are these correct? If not, why? What do these mean?
1. I knew it is here.
2. I knew it was here.

3. I thought it was here
4. I thought it is here

5. I told you we have it. (If this is incorrect, how come #4 is not?)
6. I told you we had it.

Thanks.

Casi · Answer

I see you've found a new home, jack.

Taiwandave · Answer

The present simple tense is commonly used as follows:

1. When talking about habits.
2. What talking about facts.
3. With certain verbs called non-action (or stative) verbs.

Habits are usually repeated actions. They can also include permanent (or semi-permanent) states. Examples:
She does her homework every night.
He smokes a lot.
I work at a bank.
She teaches French.
He lives in Japan.
That shop fixes motorcycles.
My mother doesn’t work. She stays at home.

The present simple is used to express general truths:
The sky is blue.
Water freezes at zero degrees.
The earth orbits the sun.

It is also used for schedules and timetables:
The train leaves at 9:00.
The movie starts in two hours.

Non-action verbs (also called stative verbs) relate to emotions, cognitive processes, and the five senses. These verbs can be used in the present simple rather than present progressive tense.
We say "I love you," not "I am loving you".
We say "The students respect the teacher," not "The students are respecting the teacher."
We say "That tastes terrible!", not "That is tasting terrible."

1. Emotions

Verbs used to express emotions and feelings include like, dislike, love, hate, want, need, hope, expect, wish, mind, fear, prefer, admire, respect, resent, care, enjoy, appreciate, and miss:
We all dislike tests.
I want a new car.
I need a drink.
I hope to become a doctor.
He expects to pass his test.
She wishes she were a movie star.
Do you mind if I come in?
She fears her father.
He prefers chicken to beef.
We all admire heroes.
I respect my teacher.
She resents his unpleasant behavior.
I care a lot about my family.
They enjoy skiing.
She appreciates my help.
I miss my family.

2. Verbs of Cognition, Perception, and Thought Processes

These verbs include know, mean, understand, think, believe, agree, trust, guess, imagine, remember, forget, appear, seem, look like, notice, tolerate, plan, recall, and consider:
I know you.
I know the answer.
Does she mean to be so rude?
A green light means go.
I understand mathematics.
My parents don’t understand me.
She thinks I’m stupid.
I believe you.
She agrees with my suggestion.
He trusts his wife.
I guess it’s true.
Sometimes I imagine doing something different with my life.
My old teacher still remembers me.
I forget who she is.
This task appears to be impossible.
He seems stupid.
He looks like his father.
She never notices me.
She tolerates his foolishness.
We plan to go there tomorrow.
I don’t recall ever meeting him before.
I consider you a friend.

3. The Five Senses

The most common verbs relating to the senses are see, hear, smell, taste and feel:
I see him.
I hear music.
It smells terrible.
The pizza tastes great.
That feels good.

Note that the verbs listen, look, watch and read involve the senses but form progressive tenses because they express deliberate actions:
I’m listening to the radio now.
He’s watching TV in his room.
That man is looking at me.
She’s reading a book now.

4. Other Non-Action Verbs

Other verbs that can be used in the present simple include have, own, belong to, cost, weigh, depend on, recommend, claim, guarantee, deserve, admit, tend, manage, deny, suggest, consist, and promise:
She has a son.
They own a large home.
That dogs belongs to me.
That car costs a lot of money.
She weighs 100 kilos.
She depends on her parents for everything.
I recommend this book.
He claims to be rich.
I guarantee you'll be satisfied with my work.
The killer deserves to die.
He admits to the crime.
She tends to make mistakes.
He manages a big company.
They deny everything.
I suggest you work harder.
Computers consist of many different parts.
He promises to change.

Present Tense

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