The present simple tense is a fundamental tense that you must be familiar with when starting to learn English. Although this is a relatively simple tense, there are still some points to note for learners to use it proficiently. Understanding that, Essay King has compiled the knowledge you need to grasp the present simple tense in the article below.
Definition
The present simple tense (Simple Present) is one of the English tenses used to describe actions occurring at present. Additionally, it is employed to express an evident truth, an action that happens repeatedly as a habit, or the characteristics and habits of individuals.
Ex:
He never watches television.
The Earth goes around the Sun.
My mom usually washes clothes before she goes to bed.
Cut the strawberry into slices and put it on the cake.
Structure
Uses and Examples
We use the present simple:
- to talk about regular habits or repeated actions:
I get up really early and practice for an hour or so most days.
I use the Internet just about every day.
Words that describe how often or when are often used (e.g. always, generally, normally, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never, every day, every evening). - to talk about permanent situations:
My parents own a restaurant.
⚠️We use the present perfect, not the present simple, to say how long something has continued:
I have worked there since I was 15 (notI work there since I was 15) - to talk about facts or generally accepted truths:
Students don’t generally have much money.
If you heat water to 100oC, it boils.
The following words are often used: generally, mainly, normally, usually, traditionally. - to give instructions and directions:
You go down to the traffic lights, when you turn left.
To start the programme, first you click on the icon on the desktop. - to tell stories and talk about films, books, and plays:
In the film, the tea lady falls in love with the Prime Minister.
So, above is a concise summary of the knowledge about the present simple tense in English, including the concept, structure, and usage. It is hoped that through this article, readers will grasp the knowledge and apply it to their daily lives.
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