FORM

person + verb + the rest of the sentence

verb + s/es in third person

• I go to school.

• Do I go to school?

• I don't go to school.

 

USE

1. Repeated actions

Use the Simple Present to express the idea that an action is repeated or usual. The action can be a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens. It can also be something a person often forgets or usually does not do.

• I often play basketball.

• She usually cleans her room.

2. Facts or Generalizations

The Simple Present can also indicate the speaker believes that a fact was true before, is true now, and will be true in the future. It is not important if the speaker is correct about the fact. It is also used to make generalizations about people or things.

• Ice is cold.

• Life is hard.

3. Scheduled Events in the Near Future

Speakers occasionally use Simple Present to talk about scheduled events in the near future. This is most commonly done when talking about public transportation, but it can be used with other scheduled events as well.

• When does the train leave?

• The class doesn't start at 8 o'clock tomorrow.

4. Now (Non-Continuous Verbs)

Speakers sometimes use the Simple Present to express the idea that an action is happening or is not happening now. This can only be done with Non-Continuous Verbs and certain Mixed Verbs.

• She is in the castle.

• He has an act in his pocket.

5. Active/Passive Voice

• She cuts her hair every month. ACTIVE

• She has her hair cut every month. PASSIVE

 

More exercises on the Present Simple can be found in our forum and on the www.aling.pl!