Tim先生の One-point Lesson #6

Hello everyone!

 

Today we are going to think about another common grammar problem that Japanese speakers of English often have. That is, using the PRESENT SIMPLE too much.

 

The present simple is used MOSTLY for describing things that are ALWAYS true, or that happen REGULARLY. So, hobbies, habits, and very regular events can use this tense.

 

Here are some examples of the present perfect used in this way:

I play tennis. (regularly, as a hobby)

I eat sushi every day. (regularly, as a habit)

Do you play tennis? (this question is asking, 'is tennis your hobby?', NOT asking about a future plan)

The world is round. (always)

I like sushi. (always)

 

Unlike in Japanese, the present simple is ALMOST never used to describe future plans. Future plans use the future simple tense, or sometimes the present continuous tense. Like this:

 

Future simple tense:     I will eat sushi tonight. (NOT 'I eat sushi tonight')

Present continuous tense:   I am playing tennis tomorrow (NOT 'I play tennis tomorrow')

Present continuous tense:   I'm going shopping later (NOT 'I go shopping later')

 

There is an exception to this rule. SOMETIMES the present simple is used for future plans, but ALMOST ALWAYS when we are talking specifically about TRANSPORT plans, and ALWAYS using a specific time word. For example:

 

The train leaves at 8.00.

My plane leaves on Tuesday.

 

Just remember: except for a few special cases, the present simple is only for things that REGULARLY HAPPEN or are ALWAYS TRUE.

 

Thanks for reading, and see you next week!

- Tim

 

 

 

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