Use of the Simple Present

When do we use the Simple Present?

The Simple Present is frequently used in English. It is also called Present Simple.

1. repeated actions (every day, always, often, sometimes, never)

My friend often draws nice posters.

I never drink orange juice.

We usually go to the Baltic Sea in summer.

2. things in general

The sun rises in the east.

Cats drink milk.

3. fixed arrangements, scheduled events (e.g. timetable)

The plane flies to London every Monday.

We have English on Tuesdays and Fridays.

4. sequence of actions in the present (first – then, after that)

First I get up, then I have breakfast.

After school I switch on my computer, then I check my emails and after that I play my favourite game.

5. with special verbs – which are normally not used with the Present Progressive (These verbs express states, possessions, feelings etc.) be, believe, belong, hate, hear, like, love, mean, prefer, remain, realize, see, seem, smell, think, understand, want, wish

I understand English.

He doesn't like fish.

She believes in life after death.

Do you prefer tea or coffee?

6. in the part of complex sentences that begins with after, as soon as, before, if, in case, unless, until, when

When I finish the essay, I'll meet Jack.

I'll bring my GPS in case we get lost.

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