Simple Present Tense: Where Do We Use It?

1. General Facts or Truths To state facts or things that are always true.
   • The sun rises in the east.
   • Water boils at 100°C.
2. Habits and Routines To describe regular or habitual actions.
   • I go to school every day.
   • She drinks coffee every morning.
3. Timetables and Fixed Events For schedules or events that are fixed in the future.
   • The train leaves at 9 AM.
   • The movie starts at 6 PM.
4. Instructions or Directions To give instructions or directions.
   • Turn right at the next street.
   • Add sugar to the tea.
5. Opinions, Feelings, or Mental States To express thoughts, opinions, feelings, or mental states.
   • I think he is right.
   • She loves chocolate.
6. Proverbs and Universal Truths For expressing proverbs or universal truths.
   • Honesty is the best policy.
   • Time waits for no one.
7. Commentaries or Descriptions For providing commentary or describing events as they happen (narration style).
   • He dribbles the ball and scores!
8. Scientific or Technical Writing For scientific facts or processes.
   • Photosynthesis requires sunlight.

Special Rules for Third-Person Singular

1. Add -s to the Verb
   • He works in a bank.
   • She writes novels.
2. For Verbs Ending in ‘y’
   • Change -y to -ies if preceded by a consonant: fly → flies, cry → cries
   • Keep the -y if preceded by a vowel: play → plays, pray → prays
3. Add -es to Verbs Ending in -ss, -x, -sh, -ch
   • She passes the salt.
   • He fixes the car.

Examples

Affirmative:

• He plays cricket.
• They watch movies on Sundays.

Negative:

• He doesn’t play cricket.
• They don’t watch movies on Sundays.

Interrogative:

• Does he play cricket?
• Do they watch movies on Sundays?

Interrogative Negative:

• Doesn’t he play cricket?
• Don’t they watch movies on Sundays?

Notes

The simple present tense is not used to express actions happening now. For actions happening at the moment, use the present continuous tense (e.g., “I am playing”).

Conversation Using Simple Present Tense

Situation: Two friends discussing their daily routines and hobbies.

Aman: Hi Riya! What do you usually do in the mornings? Riya: Hi Aman! I wake up at 6 AM, do some yoga, and then have breakfast. What about you? Aman: I wake up late. I usually skip breakfast and head straight to work. Riya: That’s not healthy! Do you exercise? Aman: Not really. I go for a walk sometimes, but I don’t exercise regularly. Riya: You should! I go to the gym every evening. It keeps me active. Aman: That’s great! What do you do in your free time? Riya: I read books or watch documentaries. Do you read? Aman: Not much, but I play the guitar.

Narrating in the present tense makes the story feel more immediate and engaging. Use the simple present tense for the main events and the present continuous for ongoing actions.

Example: Narrating a Movie Story

“The Lion King” Story in Present Tense:

Simba, a young lion, lives in the Pride Lands with his parents, Mufasa and Sarabi. Mufasa, the king, teaches Simba about the circle of life and their responsibilities. One day, Simba’s uncle, Scar, plots to take over the throne.

Scar tricks Simba into a dangerous situation and causes a stampede of wildebeests. Mufasa saves Simba but loses his own life. Scar blames Simba for the tragedy, and Simba runs away.

In exile, Simba meets Timon and Pumbaa, who teach him to live a carefree life. As he grows, he learns about Scar’s tyranny back home. Eventually, Simba returns to the Pride Lands, confronts Scar, and reclaims his place as king, restoring balance to the kingdom.

Tips for Narrating a Story or Movie in Present Tense

1. Set the Scene: Start with a brief introduction of the main characters and the setting.
   • “Simba lives with his parents in the Pride Lands, a beautiful savannah.”
2. Describe the Events Chronologically: Use the present tense for actions and events.
   • “Scar tricks Simba into a dangerous situation.”
3. Add Dialogue or Quotes (optional):
   • “Scar says, ‘Long live the king!’ before causing Mufasa’s fall.”
4. Use Present Continuous for Ongoing Actions:
   • “The wildebeests are running wildly, creating a massive stampede.”
5. Conclude with the Resolution: Finish by summarizing how the story ends.
   • “Simba reclaims the throne and brings peace to the Pride Lands.”

By narrating in the present tense, you create a vivid and engaging storytelling experience!