The present

5.7 In situations where you are discussing an existing state of affairs, you use a verb which is in the present tense. Usually, the verb tense is sufficient to indicate that you are referring to the present. You normally only use an adjunct of time for emphasis, or to refer to something which is unrelated to the present moment.

The present in general: the simple present

5.8 If you want to talk about your thoughts and feelings at the present moment, or about your immediate reactions to something, you use the simple present.

I'm awfully busy.

They both taste the same.

God, he looks awful.

I want a breath of fresh air.

You can also use the simple present to talk about a physical feeling that is affecting you or someone else.

I feel heavy. I do. I feel drowsy.

My stomach hurts.

Note, however, that if you are talking about physical perceptions such as seeing and hearing, you normally use the modal 'can', although the simple present is occasionally used.

I can see the fishing boats coming in.

I can smell it. Can't you?

I see a flat stretch of ground.

I hear approaching feet.

general present including present moment 5.9 If you want to talk about a settled state of affairs which includes the present moment but where the particular time reference is not important, you use the simple present.

My dad works in Saudi Arabia.

He lives in the French Alps near the Swiss border.

He is a very good brother. We love him.

She's a doctor's daughter.

Meanwhile, Atlantic City faces another dilemma.

general truths 5.10 If you want to say that something is always or generally true, you use the simple present.

Near the equator, the sun evaporates greater quantities of water.

A molecule of water has two atoms of hydrogen and one of oxygen.

A chemical reaction occurs in the fuel cell.

Windmills intended for electricity generation rotate rapidly and have a small number of vanes.

regular or habitual actions 5.11 If you want to talk about something that a particular person or thing does regularly or habitually, you use the simple present.

Do you smoke?

I get up early and eat my breakfast listening to the radio.

used in reviews 5.12 You usually use the simple present when you are discussing what happens in a book, play, or film.

In the film he plays the central character of Charles Smithson.

In those early chapters, he does keep himself very much in the background.

USAGE NOTE 5.13 You can use the simple present of the verb 'say' when you are describing something you have read in a book.

The criminal justice system, the author says, has failed to keep pace with the drug problem.

The Bible says love of money is the root of all evil.

used in commentaries 5.14 On radio and television, commentators often use the simple present when describing an event such as a sports match or a ceremony at the time that it is happening.

Andy Gray takes the ball upfield again, passes to McInally on the edge of the box. He turns, shoots—and a fine save from Grobbelaar.

used in reporting 5.15 When you are reporting what someone said to you at some point in the recent past, you can use the simple present of a reporting verb such as 'hear' or 'tell'.

I've never been greyhound—racing myself, but they tell me it's a fascinating sport.

There are some fine railings in Westminster Abbey, I hear.

I hear you're moving.

Grace says you told her to come over here.

For more detailed information about reporting verbs, see Chapter 7.

5.16 When commenting on what you are saying or doing, you use the simple present of a performative verb such as 'admit', 'promise', 'reject', or 'enclose'. For more information on performative verbs, see paragraphs 10.102 to 10.105.

This, I admit, was my favourite activity.

I enclose a small cheque which may come in handy.

I leave it with confidence in your hands, Emmanuel.