Peter works in the bank.
Has Peter got a job?
What is his job?
Does he work there on Monday?
Tuesday?
Wednesday? etc.
Is he in the bank NOW?
Henri plays football.
What sport does Henri like?
Does he play often?
Is he playing football NOW?
Meaning and use
Core meaning
Things which we think of as generally true and unlimited in time ie without a beginning or an ending. Despite its name, the present simple can actually refer to the past, present and / or future (and it isn’t very simple).
Uses
We use the present simple to talk about. . .
1) habits, routines, repeated actions: things that are done usually, often, regularly, occasionally, sometimes etc and things done on certain days or occasions.
I always get the eight o'clock train.
I usually play in defence.
The Blue Café closes on Mondays.
Past Now Future
2) permanent situations, truths and things believed to be true: things that happen all the time. Things that seem permanently true and don’t have any obvious beginning or end.
Here the land rises and falls in gentle hills.
The river flows in a south-westerly direction.
My sister lives next door.
Past Now Future
3) states, senses and feelings that are generally true, using verbs such as believe, know, live, have, feel, like, taste etc.
We live at 23 Brookfield Avenue.
I feel sorry for him.
Past Now Future
4) states, senses and feelings that are happening around now - believe, know, have, feel, like, taste etc.
Your hair feels so soft.
This tea tastes funny.
I don h trust Hillary.
Past Now Future
5) timetabled or planned events in the future.
The match starts at 3 o’clock.
The London train gets in at 10.05.
6) the future after the words when or if (wThen will cannot be used).
Just buzz me when the client arrives.
I can send it to you by email if you give me your address.
7) newspaper headlines (to make a past event seem more ‘live’).
President bans Union
8) live commentary especially of sports events.
Beckham kicks to Ronaldo.
9) jokes and anecdotes.
A bear walks into a petrol station and says . . .
