Regular actions -the Present Simple

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The Present Simple in use – example sentences

We use the present simple to talk about actions we see as long term or permanent. It is a very common and very important tense. 

Regular actions or events

Here, we are talking about regular actions or events. 

• They drive to the office every day. 
• She doesn’t come here very often. 
• The news usually starts at 6.00 every evening. 
• Do you usually have bacon and eggs for breakfast
• We start work at 9.

Facts

Here, we are talking about facts. 

• We have two children. 
• Water freezes at 0° C or 32° F. 
• What does this expression mean? 
• The Thames flows through London. 
• Penguins don’t live in the Sahara.
  

Future Facts

Here, we are talking about future facts, usually found in a timetable or a chart. 

• Christmas Day falls on a Monday this year. 
• The plane leaves at 5.00 tomorrow morning. 
• Ramadan doesn’t start for another 3 weeks. 
• Does the class begin at 10 or 11 this week?
• The library doesn’t close until 6.30.
  
  

Thoughts and feelings

Here, we are talking about our thoughts and feelings at the time of speaking. Although these feelings can be short-term, we use the present simple and not the present continuous.

• They don’t ever agree with us. 
• I think you are right. 
• She doesn’t want you to do it. 
• Do you understand what I am trying to say.
• I wonder what she is doing now.
  

Exercise On the Present Simple