Table. 3 Simple present: an extraction of essential rules
Simple present | |
|---|---|
Time-unrelated rules (exclusive characteristic of this tense) | |
Series of actions and events | |
Instructions (directions/recipes) (You go straight, turn right...) | |
Intentionally turning the past into present (storytelling) | |
Story/anecdote/commentary (for liveliness) (So he knocks, walks in, and…) | |
Summary of event (for liveliness) (In 1945, the war comes to an end…) | |
Headlines (news) (Investigation Sheds Light on...) | |
Time-related rules (which derive into simple past) | |
Shared understanding of “now” (also occurs in past and future) | |
With explicit specification | |
Habit/recurrent action | |
With expressions of frequency (I clean the garden every day. I usually clean…) | |
In time clauses (I clean the garden when I find time.) | |
Set scheduled event (The plane leaves at 8 p.m. tomorrow/on Tuesdays.) | |
Event/action that prepares for future action/event | |
In time clauses (As soon as he arrives, I will prepare dinner.) | |
Without explicit specification | |
Statement of “general” truth | |
Generalization, fact, truth (The sun rises from the east.) | |
Long-lasting state or situation (Grizzly bears live in Alaska.) | |
Description of states (stative-meaning verbs) | |
Being/existing (The beauty of this area consists in its gorgeous temples.) | |
Cognitive/mental states | |
Thinking/belief/opinion/likes/dislikes (I understand. I know/think he’s wrong. I like sushi.) | |
State of mind/feeling (I expect you to arrive early. I am happy to help you. I love you.) | |
Sense perception (This soup tastes wonderful.) | |
Appearance (You look great.) | |
Possession (He has a beautiful car.) | |
Scientific states/relations between concepts (X depends on feedback loops. The sum equals 34.) | |
Other (This pumpkin weighs 10 kg.) | |
Case of exception | |
Performative verbs (I promise not to tell anyone.) | |
Certain expressions (Here comes the bus!) |