Form

verb (+ “s” in third person singular of most verbs – see additional points below)

Meaning

  1. Present simple is used to talk about permanent situations.
    • She doesn’t speak English.
    • Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
  2. Present simple is used to talk about things that happen repeatedly.
    • go to school every day.
    • Jack sometimes plays tennis.
  3. Present simple is used to ask for and give instructions.
    • How do I get to the bathroom?
    • You go up the stairs and turn right.
  4. Present simple is used in narrative (to tell stories).
    • At the start of the film a big spaceship comes to Earth and lands in LA. Then the aliens eat all the people.
  5. Present simple is used to talk about future scheduled events.
    • The meeting starts at 10am.
    • The train leaves at 7.32pm.
  6. Present simple is used in certain introductory expressions.
    • hear you went on holiday to Spain this summer.
    • gather you’re leaving the company.