1 .一般现在时(1) 表示经常性、习惯性的动作和现在的状态、特征
句中常用 often, usually, every day 等时间状语
Every few years, the coal workers have their lungs X rayed to ensure their health
( 摘自 2010 上海高考 )每隔几年,煤矿工人们都要对肺部进行 X 光检查,以确保身体健康
Planning so far ahead makes no sense — so many things will have changed by next year
( 摘自 2011 新课标全国卷 )这么早做计划没有什么意义——到明年很多事情就会变了
(2) 表示客观事实、普遍真理或自然现象,无论在什么情况下都用一般现在时表示
—What did the teacher say just now
—He stressed that the earth moves around the sun
—— 刚才老师说什么
—— 他强调地球围绕太阳转
(3) 在时间状语从句和条件状语从句中,用现在时代替将来时
My parents have promised to come to see me before I leave for Africa
我父母答应在我离开去非洲之前来看望我
(4) 表示按计划、时刻表规定要发生的动作,但限于少数动词
如 begin, come, leave, go, arrive, start, stop, return, open, close 等
The flight takes off at 2 : 30 every Wednesday and Friday
飞机每星期三、五 2 : 30 起飞
2 .一般过去时表示过去的事情、动作或状态,常与表示过