Learn how to talk about facts and general truths using the Simple Present tense!
This is the beginning of the Simple Present Tense series.
At the end of this first lesson, you will be able to talk about facts and general truths using the Simple Present.
REMEMBER: The Simple Present Tense is also known as the Present Simple Tense.
The Simple Present Tense: Talk about General Truths
We use the Simple Present Tense to talk about things that are generally true at the moment of speaking or writing.
Examples:
- There are 54 countries in Africa.
- More than 1 billion people live on this continent.
- The earth revolves around the sun.
- Koalas sleep about 18 hours per day.
- Lemons contain more sugar than strawberries.
- Europe lies in the northern hemisphere.
- Many people value education.
- Lungs help us to breathe.
- A cell is the smallest unit of life.
- Herbivores eat plants only.
These are unchanging and permanent things or situations. It is true all the time that herbivores eat plants only. This will never change.
YOUR TURN: Can you think of at least five sentences in which you talk about something that is generally true and use the Simple Present Tense at the same time?
The Simple Present Tense: Talk about Facts
We also use the Simple Present Tense to talk about factual information. You often see this in the news.
Examples
- COVID-19 is an infectious disease that is caused by a coronavirus.
- Most countries are under lockdown.
- Hippopotamuses kill more people in Africa than any other animal.
- Environmental issues often spark vicious debate.
- China produces a lot of goods compared to the rest of the world.
- Depression affects people from all social backgrounds.
- Young man invents an easy-to-use app to track daily expenses. (Mostly found in newspaper headlines)
- Ships usually rescue stranded immigrants in the Mediterranean Sea.
- France welcomes around 90 million tourists each year.
- Apple sells more touchscreen phones than Samsung.
Journalists are supposed to report facts or events that have happened. A ‘fact’ is something that exists. It is real and can be proved with evidence. A ‘fact’ should not be made up with fake news.
YOUR TURN: Can you think of at least five sentences in which you give information and use the Simple Present Tense at the same time?
Further Exploration: (Talk about facts and general truths)
Do a Quiz:
Below is a quiz to review what you have just learned.
Read:
- English Grammar in Context: HAVE GOT (Simple Present), with Captivating Dialogue and Detailed Worksheets, Learn English With Africa, October 2017.
- English Grammar in Context: HAVE (Simple Present), with Interesting dialogue and Colourful Worksheets, learn English With Africa, October 2017.
- English Grammar in Context, BE (Simple Present), with Witty Dialogue and Engaging Pictures, Learn English With Africa, September 2017.
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