Usually, never, seldom, always, generally
These expressions are almost always used with the simple present tense.
- He seldom donates money to charities.
- He always wears neat clothes.
- You never thank me for anything.
- I usually drink coffee in the morning.
At present, now, at the moment, right now etc
These expressions are usually used with the present continuous tense.
- I am learning German now.
- He is working on a new novel at present.
- He is doing research in molecular biology at the moment.
Already, just, yet
These expressions are usually used with the present perfect tense.
- I have already watched that movie.
- We have not yet heard from them.
- John has just left.
Since and for
These time expressions are usually used with the present perfect and present perfect continuous tenses.
- We have lived here since 1999.
- I have been working since morning.
- It has been raining for hours.
- We have been living here for six years.
Yesterday, last year, some years ago
Use these expressions with the simple past tense.
- I met him yesterday.
- His father died three years ago.
- I visited Japan last year.
Tomorrow, next year, next month
These expressions are usually used with the simple future tense.
- I will talk to him tomorrow.
- We will move to our new home next month.
- He will retire next year.