The present simple tense, or the simple present, is probably the first verb tense that students are introduced to. It can be used in several ways that you might not expect. Let’s take a look at seven different ways that native speakers use this tense.

Things that are generally or always true

Level: Beginner

We use the present simple when we are talking about things that are true in general or facts that are always true.

Apples grow on trees.

It is generally accepted that apples grow on trees.

The Earth goes around the sun.

This is always true.

Permanent Situations

Level: Beginner

When situations are more or less permanent (not temporary) we use the present simple.

Sam lives in New York.

Sam permanently lives in New York and has no intention of moving.

Joe works at the library.

Joe is a permanent employee of the library.

Habits or repeated actions

Level: Beginner

The present simple is also used when we want to talk about daily habits or repeated actions. We can often use expressions like “every day” and “on Tuesdays,” or adverbs of frequency such as “sometimes,” “never,” and “often.”

They wake up late on weekends.

They wake up late every Saturday and Sunday.

Joe always drives to work.

Joe travels to work by car 100% of the time.

Scheduled Events (future usage)

Level: Beginner

The present simple can refer to future events that are included in a timetable or on a regular schedule.

Here are some examples in context:

My flight arrives tomorrow at 10am.

Here “tomorrow at 10 am” describes a future event, but since it is scheduled, we can use the present simple.

The show starts in 30 minutes.

The phrase “in 30 minutes” describes an action in the future. Movies are always scheduled, so we can use the present simple.

So remember, if the event is on a regular schedule, or in a timetable, you can use the present simple!

Summarizing plots of films or books

Level: Intermediate

When you want to describe the plot of a book you read or a movie that you watched in the past, use the present simple. It might feel like you are using the present to describe something you experienced in the past but think of it as describing details of the story. This is more like describing facts.

In the movie, Jack meets Rose, and they fall in love. Their ship hits an iceberg and sinks.

Running Commentary

Level: Intermediate

Sports broadcasters use present simple when providing running commentary for sporting events.

He looks down the field. He kicks the ball. It’s good! He scores!

Next time you watch a sporting event in English, listen for the present simple.

Telling stories – the historic present

Level: Intermediate

It might seem strange, but the present simple can be used to talk about the past when telling stories. This gives the reader/listener the feeling of being there in the present. This is also known as the historic present.

So, I walk into my hotel room, I look around, and I realize that everything is gone. I start to panic. Fortunately, after about five minutes, the cleaner sees me and tells me that I’m in the wrong room!

Let me know what you think!

Need further clarification? Do you have any suggestions on how to improve our examples or explanations? We look forward to seeing your comments below.