aka Present Indicative
The English simple present tense is the most common way of expressing present time, such as
- facts
- actions taking place once, never or several times
- actions taking place one after another
- actions set by a timetable or schedule (i.e. habits, routine)
The following words typically signal the use of the simple present:
- always
- every...
- if
- never
- normally
- often
- seldom
- sometimes
- usually
For example
- Affirmative
- I seldom walk.
- He often walks.
- Negative
- We don't usually walk.
- She doesn't walk either.
- Interrogative
- Do you ever walk?
- Does she walk sometimes?
The Simple Present can also express future time. For example:
- The train leaves at 2 o'clock.
- It is my birthday on Sunday.
- If I hear any news, I'll let you know.
