40 min
Present Simple
1 topic
2 tasks
1.
You are very likely to know that we use Present Simple in IF/WHEN-clauses when talking about the future.
Well, it’s not only IF/WHEN-clauses that can act this way, but other subordinate clauses as well. Look at this:
This is particularly so with -ever words:
Wherever you go, I’ll be two steps behind you,
Whatever you do, and I’ll be there to remind you… (a love song by Def Leppard, a hard-rock band from Sheffield)
Well, it’s not only IF/WHEN-clauses that can act this way, but other subordinate clauses as well. Look at this:
- I’ll kill anyone who calls me a coward.
- I will pray that you get the job.
- I’ll go where you go.
- This discovery means that we will spend less on food. → This discovery will mean that we spend less on food.
This is particularly so with -ever words:
Wherever you go, I’ll be two steps behind you,
Whatever you do, and I’ll be there to remind you… (a love song by Def Leppard, a hard-rock band from Sheffield)
2.
The phrases I HOPE, I BET, IT DOESN’T MATTER, I DON’T CARE/MIND, tend to use Present Simple for an apparent 'future' meaning.
Let’s check with Google, just in case.
"I hope you like it." – 61.5M results
"I hope you'll like it." – 3.37M results
"I hope you will like it." – 3.87M results
- I hope she is on time.
- I bet you pass with flying colours.
- It doesn’t matter who you invite.
- I don’t care what she says.
Let’s check with Google, just in case.
"I hope you like it." – 61.5M results
"I hope you'll like it." – 3.37M results
"I hope you will like it." – 3.87M results
3.
Present Simple is quite common after SO THAT.
- I’ll explain everything to him so that he knows exactly what’s going on.
- Make sure you leave early so that you don’t have to hurry.
4.
In formal correspondence, Present Simple is preferred over Present Continuous with performative verbs.
- We write to advise you to keep your nose out of our business.
- I enclose my cheque for 500 pounds as a good will gesture.
5.
Present Simple replaces Present Continuous in sporting events commentaries when it's quicker this way.
- Raul passes back to Ronaldo, nice ball – and Ronaldo shoots!
6.
Suggestions and instructions
- Why don't we call a taxi?
- How do I get to Mount Olympus?
7.
WHO SAYS / I TELL YOU WHAT / I HEAR
- Who says I can’t jump off the balcony? Watch me! (= WHO SAID…)
- I tell you what. If you can’t stand the kitchen, get out of the heat or something. (= I’LL TELL YOU…)
- I hear you’ve been fired and your wife admitted she’s not who you think she is? (= I’VE HEARD…)
8.
HERE COMES / THERE GOES
Even if what you are talking about is happening right now, these structures still use the Present Simple.
- Here comes the sun.
- There goes your father.
9.
HISTORICAL PRESENT / SUMMARIES
Just like in Russian, you can use the present tense to tell a story.
Here's a song illustration:
I practice every day to find some clever lines to say
To make the meaning come through
But then I think I'll wait until the evening gets late and I'm alone with you
The time is right, your perfume fills my head, the stars get red and, oh, the night's so blue
And then I go and spoil it all by saying something stupid like "I love you"
- So I open the door, and I look out into the garden, and I see this man.
- I'm like, oh my God! = I said, 'Oh my God!'
- He goes, why don't you leave me be? = He said, 'Why don't you leave me be?'
- In Act 1, Hamlet sees the ghost of his father.
Here's a song illustration:
I practice every day to find some clever lines to say
To make the meaning come through
But then I think I'll wait until the evening gets late and I'm alone with you
The time is right, your perfume fills my head, the stars get red and, oh, the night's so blue
And then I go and spoil it all by saying something stupid like "I love you"
10.
HEADLINES
Headlines tend to use Present Simple to refer to past events.
- Storm Strengthens To 'Catastrophic' Category 5
- Frances Gets Stuck In Lift For 25 Minutes
11.
SET PHRASES
- Because I say so.
- Easy does it. = Move slowly
- I know./You don't say! = I agree completely.
- Says you! = 1) that's what you think; 2) Look who's talking!
- That does it! = that's enough
- What brings you here? = Why did you come here?
- What do you care? = Why do you think it concerns you?
- What do you say? = What will/would you say?
- What gives? = How are things?
- Who goes there? = Who is there?
- to take the biscuit = to be extraordinarily good or bad
- to have what it takes = to have enough courage, strength etc.
END OF GUIDE
Don’t relax just yet — graded assignments are coming up.
Go ahead and move on to the task; you need to reinforce what you’ve learned.
Go ahead and move on to the task; you need to reinforce what you’ve learned.
