The English language is famous for its flexibility and richness of expressive means. One of the key elements underpinning this status is the variety of tenses and their uses. Present Simple, seemingly one of the most basic and understandable tenses of the English language, actually harbors many interesting secrets. This time is used not only to express the actions taking place at the moment, but also has a number of unique functions that reveal its amazing flexibility and versatility. Let's explore these unexpected, sometimes non-obvious aspects of Present Simple, which can open up new horizons in the use of the English language.
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1. To express the future
The English language is famous for its flexibility and richness of expressive means. One of the key elements underpinning this status is the variety of tenses and their uses. Present Simple, seemingly one of the most basic and understandable tenses of the English language, actually harbors many interesting secrets. This time is used not only to express the actions taking place at the moment, but also has a number of unique functions that reveal its amazing flexibility and versatility. Let's explore these unexpected, sometimes non-obvious aspects of Present Simple, which can open up new horizons in the use of the English language.
1. To express the future
Although Present Simple usually talks about today, we can use it for schedules or plans for the future.
"The plane departs at 9 AM tomorrow." This example shows how Present Simple is used to describe planned future events, in this case, the departure schedule of the aircraft.
"The park opens at 10 AM next Monday." This example highlights the use of Present Simple to indicate a specific park opening time in the future.
"The class begins at 8 AM on Thursday." Here, Present Simple is used to indicate the start time of classes, expressing an accurate plan for the future.
2. We talk about feelings
If we want to express love or other strong feelings, we use Present Simple to show that we have these feelings right now.
"I always enjoy the sunrise." This sentence expresses a constant affection and love for watching the sunrise, using Present Simple to emphasize the constancy of emotions.
"I love the smell of roses in the morning." This sentence uses Present Simple to express a constant love for the morning scent of roses.
"He hates being late." With the help of Present Simple, a constant feeling of dislike for lateness is expressed here.
Such use makes analysis or discussion more active and lively, allowing readers or listeners to realize that, although the work was created in the past, its ideas, themes and characters continue to live in the present. This technique helps to better understand and evaluate the depth and significance of a literary text or an artificial work in practice.
3. Historical narrative
We can use Present Simple to make the story of the past come alive and seem real, as if you can see it for yourself.
"In 1492, Christopher Columbus discovers America, marking the beginning of a new era in human history." The use of Present Simple in describing this momentous event highlights the fact that the event happened instantly, as well as testifies to its significance, making the story more dynamic. So this time involves the listener or reader in the process of discovering America together with Columbus.
"In 1989, the Berlin Wall falls, uniting East and West Berlin and marking the end of the Cold War". Using Present Simple in this context not only takes us back to the moment of the fall of the Berlin Wall, but also highlights its crucial role in history, making the narrative active and giving it even more importance.
"In 1776, America declares its independence from Great Britain, proclaiming the birth of a new nation." The use of the present simple tense in describing this momentous event highlights the instantaneity with which the declaration has an impact on the world. Using Present Simple emphasizes its importance and makes the narrative more fascinating.
4. Verbs that do not communicate an action
There are verbs that speak more about our condition than about what we are doing, for example, 'to love', 'to hate', 'to know'. These verbs are most often used in Present Simple.
"I believe that's not the end." Here, 'believe' is a state verb that is not usually used in the extended tense and expresses the speaker's belief.
"She understands the importance of honesty." Here, 'understands' serves as a verb of state in Present Simple, expressing a constant understanding of the importance of honesty.
"We prefer carrots over cucumbers." This sentence uses the verb of the state 'prefer' in Present Simple to indicate a steady preference for carrots over cucumbers.
5. Statements about art
Another little-known and unusual way to use Present Simple is to create generalizing statements about literary works, films, or other types of art. This style is often used in analytical and academic texts, literary criticism, or content discussion. Using Present Simple helps to create a sense of the constant relevance of the work, to emphasize its versatility and temporary detachment.
"Shakespeare's Hamlet contains questions of fate, revenge, love and moral choice in an existential crisis."
"In George Orwell's '1984', society is controlled by Big Brother, symbolizing the dangers of totalitarianism."
"Fyodor Dostoevsky's 'Crime and Punishment' delves into the psyche of a man tormented by his own moral dilemmas."
Such use makes analysis or discussion more active and lively, allowing readers or listeners to realize that, although the work was created in the past, its ideas, themes and characters continue to live in the present. This technique helps to better understand and evaluate the depth and significance of a literary text or an artificial work in practice.
Exercises
I invite you to do the following exercises:
Exercise 1: Timing
Let's consider in which of the following sentences it is appropriate to use Present Simple, explain your choice.
1. The next train to Berlin _____ (leaves/is leaving) at 5 o'clock tonight.
2. I usually _____ (go/am going) to bed at 11 PM.
3. Our English class _____ (starts/start) at 9 o'clock in the morning on Mondays.
4. My mother _____ (cooks/is cooking) dinner right now.
5. This shop _____ (opens/is opening) early on weekdays.
6. We _____ (meet/are meeting) our new teacher next Monday.
7. The meeting _____ (begins/begin) at 10 sharp tomorrow morning.
8. The library _____ (closes/close) at 7 PM during the weekdays.
9. I _____ (think/am thinking) of visiting Japan next year.
10. He _____ (does/is doing) his homework at the moment.
Provide your answers, indicating where it is appropriate to use Present Simple and why.
Exercise 2: Choosing the correct verb form
Choose the correct verb form in Present Simple or Present Continuous to express feelings in these sentences. Some sentences may have more than one correct option depending on the context, but to express permanent or general feelings, use Present Simple.
1. I __love / am loving__ spending time with my family.
2. My best friend always __makes / is making__ me laugh.
3. We __enjoy / are enjoying__ hiking in the mountains every summer.
4. She __appreciates / is appreciating__ all the help you offer.
5. He __adores / is adoring__ reading books before bedtime.
6. They __cherish / are cherishing__ the memories from their childhood.
7. Mary __likes / is liking__ cooking traditional dishes on weekends.
8. My brother __hates / is hating__ waking up early, but he does it anyway.
9. Our parents __value / are valuing__ spending time together as a family.
10. Sarah and John __admire / are admiring__ each other's dedication to work.
Exercise 3: Translation
Transform the following historical statements using Present Simple to enliven the narrative. Please note that each statement begins with a date, some of which we will change to the present time to create a sense of immediate presence.
1. In 2001, the construction of the International Space Station begins, and dreams of international cooperation in space become a reality.
2. In 1804, Lewis and Clark set off on an expedition to explore the newly acquired territory of Louisiana.
3. In 1914, the First World War begins, changing the world map and world order.
4. In 1990, Nelson Mandela was released after 27 years in prison, becoming a symbol of the struggle for equality and justice.
5. In 476, the Western Roman Empire fell, marking the beginning of the Middle Ages in Europe.
Exercise 4: Choosing the correct verb form
Choose the correct verb form using Present Simple for verbs that do not communicate the action.
1. I __________ (to know) her since childhood.
2. She __________ (to believe) in miracles.
3. They __________ (not to understand) the importance of this discovery.
4. My mother __________ (to love) gardening.
5. We __________ (to prefer) using eco-friendly products.
6. He __________ (not to remember) where he put his keys.
7. You __________ (to need) to see this movie; it's amazing!
8. This book __________ (to contain) a lot of useful information.
9. I __________ (to want) a cup of coffee right now.
10. They __________ (to hate) waking up early on weekends.
Exercise 5: Timing
Choose the correct verb tense (Present Simple or Past Simple) for each of the following sentences.
1. In 2006, VK (launches / launched) as a social network.
2. In 'Uncle Tom's Cabin', Harriet Beecher Stowe (exposes / exposed) the cruelty and immorality of slavery in America, igniting a fire in the heart of the abolitionist movement.
3. Last summer, we (visit / visited) the Grand Canyon and (take / took) some incredible photos.
4. In his symphonies and compositions, Ludwig van Beethoven (confronts / confronted) the tumult of human emotion and the struggle for triumph over adversity, transcending the limitations of his era to shape the future of music.
5. Yesterday, I (forgot / forget) to bring my umbrella and (gets / got) completely soaked in the rain.
After completion, you can compare your answers with the suggested exercise keys.
Keys
The keys to Exercise 1:
1. The next train to Berlin leaves at 5 o'clock tonight. – Using Present Simple to specify a schedule. Even if the action is planned for the near future, it is customary to use Present Simple for schedules and fixed time schedules.
2. I usually go to bed at 11 PM. – Present Simple, as it expresses a common, repetitive habit or action.
3. Our English class starts at 9 o'clock in the morning on Mondays. – Present Simple, because it is a schedule, fixed time.
4. My mother is cooking dinner right now. – Present Continuous, as the action takes place at the moment of speech.
5. This shop opens early on weekdays. – Present Simple, used to indicate a schedule or regular activity.
6. We are meeting our new teacher next Monday. – Present Continuous, here it expresses a future action that is already planned.
7. The meeting begins at 10 sharp tomorrow morning. – Present Simple, as it is used to indicate the schedule or the start of events at a certain time.
8. The library closes at 7 PM during the weekdays. – Present Simple to indicate the library's work schedule.
9. I am thinking of visiting Japan next year. – Present Continuous, used to express thoughts or plans for the future that are not definitively approved or scheduled.
10. He is doing his homework at the moment. – Present Continuous, as it indicates the action taking place right now.
The keys to Exercise 2:
1. I love spending time with my family.
2. My best friend always makes me laugh.
3. We enjoy hiking in the mountains every summer.
4. She appreciates all the help you offer.
5. He adores reading books before bedtime.
6. They cherish the memories from their childhood.
7. Mary likes cooking traditional dishes on weekends.
8. My brother hates waking up early, but he does it anyway.
9. Our parents value spending time together as a family.
10. Sarah and John admire each other's dedication to work.
Explanation: in these sentences, it is preferable to use Present Simple to express feelings, preferences, tastes and permanent states, since it allows you to emphasize their permanent and unchangeable character.
The keys to Exercise 3:
1. In 2001, the construction of the International Space Station begins, turning the dream of international cooperation in space into reality.
2. In 1804, Lewis and Clark set off to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory.
3. In 1914, World War I begins, altering the world map and international orders.
4. In 1990, Nelson Mandela is freed after 27 years of imprisonment, becoming a symbol of the fight for equality and justice.
5. In 476, the Western Roman Empire falls, marking the beginning of the Middle Ages in Europe.
The keys to Exercise 4:
1. know – I know her since childhood.
2. believes – She believes in miracles.
3. do not understand – They do not understand the importance of this discovery.
4. loves – My mother loves gardening.
5. prefer – We prefer using eco-friendly products.
6. does not remember – He does not remember where he put his keys.
7. need – You need to see this movie; it's amazing!
8. contains – This book contains a lot of useful information.
9. want – I want a cup of coffee right now.
10. hate – They hate waking up early on weekends.
Explanation: verbs that do not communicate an action usually refer to our perception, emotions, mental processes, and relationships. Since these states are more permanent than specific actions, they are usually used in Present Simple to express general truths, permanent states, or habits.
The keys to Exercise 3:
1. launched – Past Simple
2. exposes – Present Simple
3. visited – Past Simple; took – Past Simple
4. confronts – Present Simple
5. forgot – Past Simple; got – Past Simple
Learning English always offers a journey to new knowledge and discoveries. Present Simple, although it is one of the most basic times, demonstrates amazing depth and flexibility in use. The ability of this time to express not only habitual actions in the present, but also future events, emotional states, the dynamics of sports moments and even to revive historical stories opens up extraordinary opportunities for more accurate and emotionally intense communication. By unraveling the secrets and exploring lesser-known aspects of Present Simple, we not only improve our language skills, but also enrich our perception of the world through the prism of language. Let this knowledge inspire you to use English more consciously and creatively, pushing the boundaries of your language skills. And if you want to learn more about how to implement your language skills on my project, feel free to contact me for more information.
And now I suggest that you recall some key moment or situation in your English language learning experience when you suddenly felt significant progress or experienced an 'aha moment'. What event or discovery was the turning point for you?