The Usages of Present Simple Tense

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive lesson on the Present Simple Tense in English grammar. It covers its key uses, such as expressing facts, general truths, habits, routines, and non-continuous verbs. The speaker also explains how the tense is used for future plans, instructions, and directions. Through clear examples, viewers learn when to add ‘s’ or ‘es’ for third-person singular subjects, as well as the use of adverbs like 'always' and 'usually.' The lesson is designed to simplify the rules, making the Present Simple Tense easier to understand and apply in everyday English.

Takeaways

• 😀 Present simple tense is used for facts and general truths that don’t change over time.
• 😀 Examples of present simple for facts: 'The stars shine brightly,' 'Plants need sunlight and water to grow.'
• 😀 Present simple tense is used for routines and habits, things that happen regularly.
• 😀 Examples of present simple for habits: 'I read the newspaper every morning,' 'They usually watch TV before dinner.'
• 😀 When using present simple with he, she, or it, remember to add 's' or 'es' to the verb.
• 😀 Non-continuous verbs (thoughts, feelings, five senses, possessions) use the present simple tense, like 'I think,' 'He loves,' and 'They have.'
• 😀 The present simple can be used to talk about future events, especially scheduled ones (e.g., 'The class begins tomorrow').
• 😀 Use present simple tense to describe things happening in the near future, such as 'The bus arrives at 10 PM' or 'He leaves tonight at 6 PM.'
• 😀 Present simple tense is often used for giving instructions or directions (e.g., 'Sit down,' 'Go along this street').
• 😀 In instructions and directions, verbs are usually in the infinitive form, and the subject is often omitted.

Q & A

What is the primary use of the present simple tense?

The present simple tense is primarily used to talk about facts or general truths, things that happen regularly, and non-continuous actions or states such as thoughts, opinions, and possessions.

Can you give an example of the present simple tense used to express a fact?

Sure! An example of using the present simple tense to express a fact is: 'The stars are bright.' This is a fact that remains true over time.

What happens when we use present simple tense with non-continuous verbs?

When using the present simple tense with non-continuous verbs, we describe actions or states that are not temporary or changing. These verbs relate to thoughts, emotions, senses, and possessions.

What is the rule for adding 's' to verbs in the present simple tense?

In the present simple tense, when the subject is third person singular (he, she, it), we add 's' or 'es' to the verb. For example, 'She reads' or 'He runs'.

How do we use the present simple tense for routines or habits?

The present simple tense is used for actions that happen regularly or as part of a routine. For example: 'I read the newspaper every morning.' The adverbs 'always', 'usually', and 'every' signal regular actions.

Is the present simple tense ever used to talk about the future?

Yes, the present simple tense can be used to talk about the near future, especially when referring to scheduled or planned events, like 'The class begins tomorrow' or 'The bus arrives at 10 p.m.'

What are non-continuous verbs?

Non-continuous verbs are verbs that describe actions or states that do not typically change or are not temporary. They include verbs related to thoughts, opinions, emotions, senses, and possessions, like 'think', 'love', 'smell', and 'have'.

How does the present simple tense apply to instructions or directions?

In instructions or directions, the present simple tense is used without a subject, typically in the infinitive form of the verb. For example: 'Sit down and open your book' or 'Turn right at the crossroads.'

What is the difference between the present simple tense and the present continuous tense?

The present simple tense is used for actions that are general, habitual, or factual, while the present continuous tense is used for actions happening right now or in progress. The present simple is not used with continuous verbs.

Why is the sentence 'He loves his parents' in the present simple tense?

The sentence 'He loves his parents' uses the present simple tense because 'loves' is a verb expressing an emotion, which is a non-continuous verb. The verb 'love' stays in the present simple tense even if it's happening right now.