Usage The Present Indefinite is used to denote:

1) repeated/ habitual actions: He usually goes to bed at 11.

2)permanent situations or states: She works as a nurse.

3)permanent truths or laws of nature: Water freezes at 0ºC.

4)timetables/programmes (future meaning): The match finishes at 7.

5)reviews/sports commentaries/dramatic narrative: Meryl Streep acts brilliantly in this film.

6) future actions after words ‘ when’, ‘ until’, ‘ after’, ‘ before’, ‘as soon as’ in a future sentence: I will call you when I have time. (Not ‘will have’).

The following time expressions can be used with the Present Indefinite: every day/ week/ month/ year, usually, often, always, rarely, never, sometimes, from time to time, in the morning/ afternoon/ evening, at night, on Sundays, etc.

Exercises

1. Explain the use of the Present Indefinite forms. Translate into Russian. Start like this:

Model: I often go to the theatre. (The verb to go is used in its Present Indefinite tense form to denote a repeated action.)

1. Every summer we go to the south to have a rest.

2. As a rule, we have 6 lessons on Mondays.

3. Does he ever eat meat? – No, he never eats meat. He is a vegetarian.

4. It often snows in winter in Belarus.

5. A square has four equal sides.

6. Our hero goes off to search for the treasure, which he eventually finds after many adventures.

7. Usually it takes me three days to drive to Los Angeles.

8. Every day she takes her son to school before she goes to work.

9. My plane arrives at 7:30 tomorrow morning.

10. This shop opens next week.

11. My favorite film starts at 7 tonight.

12. The days are cold in winter.

2. Transform into negative and interrogative forms.

1. Peter has poor eyesight, so he always wears glasses.

2. She drinks coffee in the morning.

3. On Sundays we go to see our friends.

4. They sometimes miss the 7 o'clock train and have to wait for the next one.

5. The sun rises in the east.

6. I hear somebody knocking at the door.

7. The book contains a lot of useful information.

8. Her parents live in the country.

9. The last train leaves at midnight.

10. We understand you quite well.

11. Magnet attracts iron.

12. Our classes usually begin at 9 o'clock.

3. Ask your fellow-student:

1. how long it takes him/her to get to his/her work;

2. if he/she studies well;

3. where they spend their holidays;

4. when it rains much in Belarus;

5. what time his/her classes begin;

6. what he/she does when the weather is good;

7. what kind of sportsman he/she is;

8. why he/she doesn't know the rule;

9. what this word means;

10. how many cinemas there are in this city;

11. when the train leaves;

12. how well his/her friends speak French;

4. (A) Say that somebody or something does the same. Give your reasons:

Model: I work in the library every day. And Mary?

Mary also works in the library every day. She does her homework there.

1. My parents prefer to travel by air. And your father?

2. Mr Wilson is on business in China. And your boss?

3. She tries to avoid working overtime. And they?

4. Mr Black likes to walk in fine weather. And you?

5. They are fond of pop music. And your friends?

6. His brother watches TV every evening. And his parents?

7. Andy always has breakfast at 8 o'clock. And you?

8. They often go to the theatre. And your sister?

9. She often speaks on the phone. And her younger sister?

10. We usually have 6 lessons a day. And your brother?

11. My friends are students. And your friends?

12. It often rains in September. And in October?

(B) Say that somebody or something doesn't do the same. Give your reasons:

Model: I borrow books from the library. And your friend?

My friend doesn't borrow any books from the library. He has a lot of books at home.

1. Bob usually reads newspapers in the evening. And his brother?

2. It snows in winter. And in summer?

3. Mary is fond of playing the guitar. And you?

4. There are lots of sights in this large city. And in this small town?

5. I usually have a substantial breakfast. And you?

6. Lots of students make mistakes in spelling. And he?

7. You always agree with Bill. And your friend?

8. I think cats are very intelligent animals. And you?

9. She is very sociable and has many friends. And you?

10. Some people like autumn. And your mother?

11. I am always in time for my lessons. And you?

12. Tom is 18 and he has got a driving license. And his friend?