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Time-unrelated rules (exclusive characteristic of this tense)
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Series of actions and events
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Instructions (directions/recipes) (You go straight, turn right...)
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Intentionally turning the past into present (storytelling)
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Story/anecdote/commentary (for liveliness) (So he knocks, walks in, and…)
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Summary of event (for liveliness) (In 1945, the war comes to an end…)
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Headlines (news) (Investigation Sheds Light on...)
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Time-related rules (which derive into simple past)
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Shared understanding of “now” (also occurs in past and future)
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With explicit specification
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Habit/recurrent action
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With expressions of frequency (I clean the garden every day. I usually clean…)
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In time clauses (I clean the garden when I find time.)
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Set scheduled event (The plane leaves at 8 p.m. tomorrow/on Tuesdays.)
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Event/action that prepares for future action/event
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In time clauses (As soon as he arrives, I will prepare dinner.)
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Without explicit specification
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Statement of “general” truth
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Generalization, fact, truth (The sun rises from the east.)
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Long-lasting state or situation (Grizzly bears live in Alaska.)
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Description of states (stative-meaning verbs)
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Being/existing (The beauty of this area consists in its gorgeous temples.)
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Cognitive/mental states
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Thinking/belief/opinion/likes/dislikes (I understand. I know/think he’s wrong. I like sushi.)
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State of mind/feeling (I expect you to arrive early. I am happy to help you. I love you.)
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Sense perception (This soup tastes wonderful.)
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Appearance (You look great.)
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Possession (He has a beautiful car.)
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Scientific states/relations between concepts (X depends on feedback loops. The sum equals 34.)
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Other (This pumpkin weighs 10 kg.)
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Case of exception
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Performative verbs (I promise not to tell anyone.)
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Certain expressions (Here comes the bus!)
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