# English in Use/Present Simple Tense

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The present simple (also simple present) is the grammatical tense expressing actions which took place in the present or future. It is used similar to presente simples do indicativo, presente do subjuntivo and futuro simples do subjuntivo in Portuguese.

## Uses of Present Simple

* We use the present simple for describes general truths, facts and scientific laws.
* We use the present simple for directions.
* We use the present simple for habits and routines.
* We use the present simple for things that are true and that normally happen.
* We use the present simple for things which you like or dislike.
* We use the present simple for permanent situations.
* We use the present simple for procedures.
* We use the present simple for perceptions.
* We use the present simple for conditions.
* We use the present simple for future plans and schedules. (though much less commonly than in many other languages):
Note
Note from: Present simple by Wikipedia on 19 January 2006.
* When using some verbs, we are committing ourselves to action. In this case, you must use present simple.
* We use the present simple for many verbs of thinking, feeling and sensing. This verbs are called stative verbs or 'state' verbs.
| emotion: | like | love | want | wish |
| mind: | agree | believe | mean | know |
| appearance: | look like | resemble | seem |
| possession: | belong | consist | contain | have | need | own |
| perception: | see | hear | taste |
See also: Stative verb by Wikipedia
* We usually use the present simple in jokes, anecdotes and film or book summaries.
The present simple is also very often used in jokes and when telling a story to make the joke or story seem more immediate. This use of the present simple is sometimes called the graphic present. It is also used to retell what happens in a book or film. +
Q: A child, an honest politician, and Santa Claus all spot a $20 bill on the ground. Who picks it up?
A: The child. The other two don't exist.
A couple is touring a graveyard when they spot a tombstone that reads:
"Here lies an honest man and a politician."
The man says to the woman:
- "Look honey, there are two people in that grave."
Q: What do you call a thousand lawyers at the bottom of the ocean?
A: A good start.
Examples of jokes from: Joke by Wikipedia on 11 January 2006.

## References

* Present Simple in English Grammar (Gramática da Língua Inglesa), wikibook in English and Portuguese
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "English grammar".

## External links
### Lessons

* Lesson 1: Present simple and exercises (Introduction & 2 exercises)
* Lesson 2: Present simple (Introduction)
* Lesson 3: Present simple (Form)
* Lesson 4: Present simple (Use with pictures)
* Lesson 5: Present simple (Exceptions in spelling)
* Lesson 6: Present simple (Short forms)
* Lesson 7: Present simple (Summary)

### Exercises

* Exercise 1: Present Simple - Gap-fill exercise (Affirmative form)
* Exercise 2: Present Simple - Gap-fill exercise (Affirmative form)
* Exercise 3: Present Simple - Gap-fill exercise (Affirmative form)
* Exercise 4: Present Simple - Gap-fill exercise (Negative form)
* Exercise 5: Present simple - Mixed-up sentence exercise (Question form)
* Exercise 6: Present simple - Gap-fill exercise (Affirmative, negative and question form)
* Exercise 7: Present simple - Rewrite the sentences (Learn more about the short and long negative forms)