Present Simple
From TEFL World Wiki
Formation
To make the present simple we use the base form of the verb but we add a final -s with the third person:
{subject} + {base form}
I live in Scotland.
He plays football at the weekend.
They go out every night.
Usage
We use the present simple in 7 main ways:
talking about habits and routines; things we do regularly:
I go to the cinema at least once a week.
We do not wake up before 8 o'clock in the morning.
Do the children go to bed at nine o'clock every night?
talking about a situation that lasts for a long time:
He draws maps for a living.
She is not married.
Does she work in the wool factory?
talking about a situation which is permanent:
Venus and Mercury are closer to the Sun than the Earth.
Metal does not float in water.
Do all mammals breathe oxygen?
talking about feelings, thoughts and characteristics:
I believe in Father Christmas.
She doesn't like you.
How does it smell?
giving instructions:
You walk out the door and then you turn left.
You don't do it like this, you do it like that!
Note: we more often use the imperative in this situation.
talking about a future timetabled arrangement:
She leaves tomorrow.
It starts next Thursday.
Note: We often use this with a time adverb.
to tell a dramatic story, a joke or give a commentary:
- A man is in a hospital bed. The doctor walks in and says, "There's some good news and some bad news."
- "Give me the bad news," says the man.
- "We've had to cut off both your legs," says the doctor.
- The man screams a bit and gets upset but after a while the doctor calms him down.
- "What's the good news?" he asks the doctor.
- "The man in the next bed wants to buy your shoes."
