7 Uses of the Simple Present Tense in English: A Comprehensive Guide for ESL Learners

The nature of the present tense in English

Verb tenses in English are quite challenging to learn and master. They sometimes confuse language learners. The present tense in English is not an exception. It has its own structure and appropriate use that are usually misused by students.

Have you ever asked yourself how to use the present tense in English? For example, “I study English” and “I am studying English” convey the same intended meaning but actually differ in context. The sentence “I study English” is in the present form, while the sentence “I am studying English” is in the present continuous form.

You must be confused about the two tenses where in fact they are both in the present form. However, we have to consider the context of each sentence and examine the structure as well as the semantics. The present tense in English may be far different from the concept of the present tense in your own language, which may result in a different perception of the tense when used in the new language.

The present tense in English is not too easy to understand and analyze. There are 4 types of present tense in English simple present, present continuous, present perfect, and present continuous tenses.

In this article, we will focus more on the simple present tense in English and give you further insights into it. This article is mainly intended for language learners to learn more about the present tense in English and understand it better for proper usage in sentences.

Understanding the Simple Present Tense in English

The simple present tense in English talks about an action that is done as a habit or happens regularly. It also refers to a permanent situation.

Check out the timeline below to understand this tense.

For example: He lives in a house by the lake.

The sentence means that the doer of the action permanently lives in a house by the lake. He does not change his address or transfer to any other areas.

Another example:

                        The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean on earth.

Notice that the sentence talks about the truth about the Pacific Ocean and that it is a fact that it is the largest ocean on Earth. This is an example of a permanent situation.

Learning the simple present tense in English is essentially helpful for learners to understand its concept. This is considered a timeless tense because it expresses the idea that actions are repeatedly done or convey general truths.

Please note that simple present or present simple is acceptable.

Uses of the Simple Present Tense

• Of all the tenses, the simple present tense in English is used to denote truths about the following:

◙ habitual actions: My mother smokes 20 cigarettes a day.
◙ general truths: Ice melts when heated.
◙ permanent human truths: My father lives on the farm.
◙ recurrent truths: Typhoons usually arrive in my country in December.
◙ internal truths: I know you’re coming.
◙ mathematical and scientific truths: Two plus two equals four (2+2=4).
◙ eternal truths: The 10 commandments tell us to honor our parents.
◙ geographical truths: Mt. Fuji is located in Japan.
◙ permanent human truths: I like soda, but my mom likes beer.

• The simple present tense is also used to give instructions, directions, or demonstrations

• • • • Give me the book, please.
      • Go straight to the Green Street.
      • Saute the garlic, onions, and tomatoes, then add water.

• The simple present tense in English is often used as a narrative device especially when expressing dramatic effects about something, usually in sports.

• • • • He passes the ball to Player 23.
      • Player 10 smashes the shuttlecock with force.
      • Coach Lyndon talks to the injured player.

• The simple present is used in headlines and captions.

• • • • President Park warns illegal recruiters of their actions
      • The Philippines bags numerous awards at the South East Asian Games
      • Taylor Swift is still number one in Swifties’ hearts

• The simple present tense is used to describe feelings.

• • • • I feel anxious about my new job.
      • Maria feels scared when she sees her professor.
      • My mother feels excited about my sister’s graduation.

• With a future time marker, the simple present tense in English gives a timetable for the future.

• • • • My plane departs at 3:00 P.M.
      • You must not be late because the meeting starts at 9 o’clock.

• The simple present tense uses the base form of the verb. However, it is better to observe the usage depending on the plurality or singularity of the subject and verb in the sentence.