The Present Simple Tense.

The Present Simple Tense.

We use the present simple:

a) for permanent states, repeated actions and daily routines.

He works in a bank. (permanent state)

He takes the train to work every morning. (daily routine/repeated actions)

b) for general truths and laws of nature.

The sun sets in the west.

c) for timetables (planes, trains, etc.) and programmes.

The plane from Brussels arrives at 8:30.

d) for sports commentaries, reviews and narration.

a. Peterson overtakes Williams and wins the race. (sports commentary)

b. Mike Dalton plays the part of Macbeth. (review)

c. Then the prince gets on his horse and quickly rides away. (narration)

e) to give instructions or directions (instead of the imperative).

You sprinkle some cheese on the pizza and then you bake it. (Instead of: Sprinkle some cheese on the pizza ...)

The present simple is used with the following time expressions:

-      -  usually, often, always, seldom, sometimes, never, etc. (the adverbs of frequency);

-      -  every day/ week/month/year, etc.;

-      -  in the morning/afternoon/ evening, at night, etc.;

-      -   at the weekend, on Mondays, on Wednesdays, etc.

The rules of adding -s, -es:

1)    in most cases → +s;

2)  the verb ends in -z, -ss, -sh, -ch, -x, -o → +es

3) the verb ends in a consonant +y → we change y→i +es

4)  the verb ends in a vowel +y → -y+es

The pronunciation of endings -s, -es:

1) [s]: if a word ends with a voiceless consonant sound ([p], [t], [k], [f], or [θ])

2) [z]: If a word ends with a voiced consonant sound ([b], [d], [g], [v], [d], [l], [r], [m], [n], [ŋ]), or a vowel sound

3) [iz]: If a word ends with the sibilant sounds (a hissing or buzzing sound) ([s], [z], [ʒ], [ʃ], [tʃ], [dʒ])

Structure:

+ Subject + V / V_{-s, -es (for he, she, it)}

- Subject + don’t / doesn’t_{(for he, she, it)} + V

? Do / Does_{(for he, she, it)} + Subject + V