The Function of Simple Present Tense with Conversation Examples
The simple present tense is a grammatical form used to express actions, events, or situations that are general, habitual, or permanent in nature. It’s often used to describe facts, routines, habits, and things that are generally true.
The primary functions of the simple present tense are:
1. Describing truths or general facts.
The Simple Present Tense is used to state facts or truths that are not only applicable in the present but also have existed since the past and may continue into the future.
Notice the following conversation examples:
Conversation 1:
+: You see, the planets go around the sun.
++: Right, and the moons go around the planets.
+ : I agree with you.
Conversation 2:
+: The river Amazon is located in Brazil.
++: Yes, and it flows along the Amazon forest.
+: It must be a big river.
Conversation 3:
Angie: Mom, where does the nurse work?
Mom: It’s easy, honey, everyone knows that the nurse works in the hospital.
Angie: Thanks, Mom.
2. Expressing activities done repeatedly as a habit or daily routine. Sentences like these are usually accompanied by adverbs of frequency such as always, usually, often, never, etc.
Notice the following conversation examples:
Conversation 1:
Deborah : I usually get up at 5. What about you?
Lina : Well, I get up at 6, and then I take a bath and go to school.
Deborah : Don’t you have breakfast?
Conversation 2:
Stacy : What time do you usually have lunch?
Lily : Lunch? I usually have lunch at 12, but my boss usually has lunch a bit later.
Stacy : Do you have lunch in the office canteen?
Conversation 3:
Angie : How often do you swim?
Ana: Oh, me? I never swim. To tell you the truth, I can’t swim. And you?
Angie: I love swimming. I go swimming twice a week.