The Use and The Function of Simple Present Tense
Simple present tense function is one type of tense in English that we know is used in everyday conversation. However, please note that there are several uses of this tense that are rarely known by people.
In this article, we will discuss the use of the simple present tense and examples of its use in full sentences.
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| The Use and The Function of Simple Present Tense |
The Function and The Use of Simple Present Tense
Table of content:
- Definition
- Formula
- Time signal
- Function
- Closing
The Definition of Simple Present Tense
According to Grammarly, the simple present tense is a sentence in English that uses a verb or verb that contains the meaning of the current event. The verb or verb used is none other than V1 for the verbal sentence.
In addition, it also uses to be present such as is, am, and are for nominal sentences. We know a lot about the use of this sentence only for everyday conversation which is often and commonly used. However, there are actually several other functions and uses.
Simple Present Tense Formula
The sentence formula that can be used as a rule in the preparation of this sentence is as follows,
S (subject), O (object), C (complement), QW (question word (5W1H etc.)), ANA (adjective/ noun/ adverb).
1. Verbal sentence formula
Verbal sentences use the predicate in the form of V1.
- (+) S + V1/V1(s/es/etc) + O/C
- (-) S + do/does + not + V1 + O/C
- (?) Do/Does + S + V1 + O/C + ?
- (?) QW + do/does + S + V1 + O/C + ?
Examples:
- I bring a bottle of mineral water.
- She doesn't know what you need.
- Do you know my name?
- Where do you live?
2. Nominal sentence formula
Nominal sentences use the predicate in the form of to be present (is/am/are).
- (+) S + is/am/are + ANA
- (-) S + is/am/are + not + ANA
- (?) Is/Am/Are + S + ANA + ?
- (?) QW + is/am/are + S + ANA + ?
Examples:
- I am a student.
- She is not my sister.
- Are we to school by car?
- With whom are you there?
Time Signal for Simple Present Tense
The following are some adverbs of time that are commonly used in sentences using simple present:
- often
- usually
- seldom
- always
- sometimes
- as a rule
- frequently
- normally
- commonly
- generally
- every...
- each...
What are the Functions and Uses of the Simple Present Tense?
The functions and uses of the simple present are:
1. To state the general truth (general truth)
A general truth is something that many people agree on is true. For example, everyone agrees that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, so to state such things you can use this.
Examples:
- The sun rises from the east.
- Water freezes at zero degrees.
- Water evaporates at 100 degrees Celsius.
- Soekarno is the first president of Indonesia.
- Fire is hot.
2. To express a habit
Activities that are repeated or become habits can be expressed using this tense. For example, every day we go to school at 6 am, so when we say it can use this. Usually, use adverbs such as every ..., each ..., etc.
Examples:
- I go to school at 6 o'clock every day.
- My brother works out twice a week.
- Every morning, my father waters the flower.
- She always brings her own food to school.
- Some students usually finish the exam early.
3. To give orders
When we give orders to others, then we use this tense in conveying the command. The use of V1 which is followed by an object or complement then ends with an exclamation point.
Examples:
- Open the door! (Open the door!)
- Clean the whiteboard, please! (Clean the blackboard!)
- Be quiet, please! (Please be quiet!)
- Make yourself feel comfortable! (Make yourself comfortable!)
- Bring your own bag! (Bring your own bag!)
4. To give a prohibition
If previously it was an order, this time this tense can also be used to express a prohibition to do something. It is enough to use "Don't" followed by V1 and its object or complement and ending with an exclamation point.
Examples
- Don't go there!
- Don't swim here!
- Don't make him angry!
- Don't disturb me, please!
- Don't throw the rubbish here!
5. To express an invitation
This tense can also be used to express an invitation to people. Invitation means that we as people who invite also do that. In the invitation sentence, it is enough to use V1 after the word "let's".
Examples:
- Let's go to the canteen!
- Let's do it together!
- Let's finish the exam!
- Let's have breakfast first!
- Let's enjoy the party!
Closing
Simple present tense is a type of tense in English that has quite a lot of functions and uses. Starting from stating various commands, prohibitions, and so on.
Thus, I hope this article will help readers in their search for the uses and functions of the simple present tense.
