Using the simple present tense

The simple present tense is used to talk about routines, facts and opinions. Beginning and intermediate level students can use this quick overview to learn the uses of the simple present tense.

Uses

Permanent or long-standing situations

The simple present tense is commonly used to talk about permanent and long standing situations.

• She works at a bank.
• She sings well.
• All children like stories.
• The sun rises in the east.
• Heat expands bodies.
• My brother makes models from clay.
• Trees shed leaves in autumn.
• My sister lives in Switzerland.

Regular habits and daily routines

The simple present tense is also used to talk about regular habits and daily routines.

• I get up at 6 o’clock.
• My father goes for a walk in the morning.
• We usually have dinner at 8 o’clock.

General Truths

The simple present tense is also used to talk about general truths.

• The sun sets in the west.
• Plants need water and sunlight.

Likes and dislikes

• She likes the hills.
• I don’t eat fish. I hate the smell.
• Do you like the countryside?
• She doesn’t like to live in the city.

Opinions

• I think she is a nice student.
• He believes that modesty is a virtue.

Timetables and schedules

• The school reopens on Monday.
• The train arrives at 6 am.

Adverbs used with the simple present tense

The following adverbs are commonly used with the simple present tense: usually, always, often, sometimes, on Mondays / Sundays, on weekends, rarely, occasionally, never, seldom etc.

• They publish a journal on Mondays.
• He never goes to parties.
• I usually get up at six am.