Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[hela]

Dear teachers,

I know that normally we should use the past (simple or perfect) with the adverb "for" but how come that in the following example we can use the simple present ?

I am here for two hours.

Many thanks,
hela

[Anuradha Chepur]

I am here for two hours.
means
I'll be here for two hours.

for can be used with future too:

Next week, he'll be visiting for two days.

[hela]

Is the simple present only used with the verb "to be"? I have the feeling that we can't use the simple present with other verbs, am I wrong?
And is FOR in this particular instance an adverb or a preposition?

Thank you in advance.

[Anuradha Chepur]

FOR is a preposition.

I didn't quite understand the rest of your post.
In any case, the simple present can be used with any verb.
BE forms are used as helping verbs in the present continous, the passives and also as main verbs as in the sentence you mentioned: I am here for two hours.

[hela]

Hello,

I rephrase my question: In that type of structure is only the verb "to be" used in the simple present.

I can say "I AM here FOR 2 hours", but I can't say "I WORK here FOR two hours", can I?

All the best

[Anuradha Chepur]

Hi,

Yes you can use it that way:

I work here for two hours a day.

[hela]

Thank you