English Grammar (The Simple Present): Lesson 4-Talk about the Present

TALK ABOUT THE PRESENT USING THE SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE

This is the fourth post in the Simple Present Tense series.

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to talk about the present using the Simple Present Tense or the Present Simple Tense.

REMEMBER: We can also use this tense to:

  • talk about facts and general truths.
  • talk about habits and daily routines.
  • give instructions and directions
Talk about the Present (English Grammar_The Simple Present (5)_Learn English With Africa_May 2020)

The Simple Present Tense: Talk about the Present (1)

Descriptions

We usually use the Simple Present Tense when we describe someone or something in the present.

Examples:

  • He is tall and slender.
  • It is big.
  • These flowers are beautiful.
  • That house looks expensive.
  • She seems nice.

Longer Description

Jane is a fifteen-year-old student at Hillview High School. She has got two brothers and one sister. Her parents are primary school teachers and they work not far from their house.

This young teenager is slightly tall and plump. However, her hair is short and curly. She is a beautiful girl and she knows it!

Jane likes sports and films. Her current favourite football team is Real Madrid. She also loves comic strips and wants to become a writer in the future.

Her friends think she is a lovely person but sometimes she gets quite angry if you are not too careful about what you say to her.

All in all, this girl has got a cheerful disposition and she believes that the world is good if only you give it a chance.

YOUR TURN: Can you describe someone or something using the Simple Present Tense? Give as much information as you can!

Talk about the present, Describing Objects, Vocabulary, Things Vocabulary, Learn English With Africa

Dialogues

We often encounter The Simple Present Tense in dialogues. This is not surprising because conversations take place in the present moment.

The Simple Present: Talk about the Present (2)

Sample Dialogue:

Takondwa and Rachel are classmates. Takondwa wants to become an engineer in the future and Rachel wishes to become a top model. They are on the phone.

Takondwa: Hi Rachel! How are you today? How is the quarantine?

Rachel: Hi Takondwa, long time no see! I’m fine, what about you? Oh, the quarantine is boring!

Takondwa: It is, I agree with you. I’m doing well considering the circumstances. I want to go back to school though. I miss our friends and even the teachers!

Rachel: Ha, ha, ha, you bet! I miss Mr Phiri, can you imagine that? I miss his punishments!

Takondwa: Well, at least we are not sick. The situation is quite bad at the moment.

Rachel: I know. 2020 is a strange year, I tell you. Right now, the future looks very uncertain. I just hope that things get back to normal very soon. I’m tired of not knowing.

Takondwa: Me too but we should make the most of the free time that we have now. Who knows? Maybe this is the only free time we will have in a very long, long, time.

Rachel: How is school though? I mean, are you still studying?

Takondwa: Yes, I am. I have a private tutor and my parents help me too. I still want to become an engineer, you know. How about you? Who is helping you?

Rachel: My parents do help me from time to time and I also got a private tutor. We have the lessons using Skype. It’s not as good as when we are at school but that will do for the time being.

Takondwa: I wish you good luck Rachel. We are both ambitious girls and we will not let Rona get the best of us!

Rachel: Thank you Takondwa! Good luck too and all the best!

Takondwa: Talk to you later!

Rachel: Bye for now! Thank you for calling Takondwa.

Takondwa: It was my pleasure! Bye Rachel!

Rachel: Bye!

YOUR TURN: Imagine a dialogue in which the characters use the Simple Present Tense. Be as creative as possible!

English Grammar-TO BE-Summary, Affirmative, Negative and Interrogative Forms, Learn English With Africa, September 2017-Picture 1

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