1.2 THE PRESENT SIMPLE TENSE _ THE USE

NB: ELEMENTARY 2

THE PRESENT SIMPLE TENSE / THE USE

1. general truths and realities:

The present simple tense is used to express general truths and realities. it means to speak about things which are always true and we believe they are part of reality. We talk about them in general and not related to a specific time or event.

      Examples:

• almost all boys like football.
• she speaks English very well, but she doesn't speak Italian.
• My uncle smokes a lot.
• Anita learns Dutch.

compare:

General	Specific
He smokes.   she doesn't like football. I talk with my sister by phone. He makes a lot of noise.	but now, he isn't smoking. but now, she is watching a match with her father but at this time, I'm chatting with her. but at this moment, he is doing a serious work.

2. Habits in the present :

when we want to express habits in the present, we usually use ADVERBS OF FREQUENCY:

HINT:

These adverbs should be placed before the main verb and after the auxiliary and verb TO BE.

• He always comes the first.
• She has often got a good mark.
• they are sometimes absent.

      

     Examples:

3. Scientific Facts & Permanent situations:

• Water boils at 100 degrees Celcius
• One plus four equals five.
• The sun rises from the East.
• The earth turns around itself.
• If you heat ice, it melts.

Continue with the exercise

For more details, visit  http://www.englishtenses.com/tenses/present_simple

Or see this video: