Summary present tenses

To tell about an action or situation that exists now (You read now)

To tell about an action or situation that happens regularly (You read every day)

To tell about something that is true now and will always be true (Reading is necessary for learning)

To describe a feeling (I love books!)

Things that are happening right now, at the time of speaking (I'm studying right now)

Not to be confused with future plans and arrangements!: I am leaving tomorrow morning.

Things that started in the past but are still true, relevant or still going on.

Usually used with FOR or SINCE and EVER or NEVER

I have lived in this house for 5 years - I have lived in this house since 2016

Have you ever played the piano? - No, I have never played the piano (alternative: No, I haven't)

Things that started in the past but are still happening.

"Have/Had been"

Usually used with FOR or SINCE.

I have been studying since 9 am.

She has been studying for 3 hours.