Hello!

Following our last lesson on the 'Present Continuous (Unit 1)', today we are moving on to the 'Present Simple', which is the most fundamental aspect of grammar, yet is often misunderstood by many because of its slightly misleading name.

Those encountering this tense for the first time might easily assume, "It's the present tense, so it must be used for things happening 'right now'?" However, in reality, we rarely use the present simple for actions occurring at this very moment.

Let's break down the rules, starting from the basic forms to more advanced applications.

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1. Basic Form of the Present Simple

The basic structure of the present simple is to use the verb in its base form (the dictionary form). One unique point is the 'third-person singular' rule. Most people understand or use this rule correctly when reading or writing, but in spoken English, it is quite common to hear people omit the -(e)s and simply state the base verb.

• I / You / We / They → drive, work, do (Use as is)
• He / She / It → drives, works, does (Add (e)s)
• Example:
  • She works in a bank.
  • She work in a bank. (x)

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2. Don't Think of it as 'Right Now'

Because of its name, you might make mistakes if you only associate the present simple with the 'present' or 'now'. It is better to remember it as the 'Always Tense' or the 'Fact Tense'. It is primarily used to describe general facts, universal truths, or regular habits, rather than temporary actions happening for just a brief moment.

① 'General Facts' or 'Scientific Truths' that do not change

Just like the earth orbiting the sun, laws of the universe or facts that remain constant regardless of time are expressed in the present simple.

• The earth goes round the sun.
• Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
• Light travels faster than sound.

② Regular and Repetitive 'Jobs' or 'Habits'

The question, "Is the action happening right in front of me now?" is irrelevant. If it is a routine or a professional duty that is repeated regularly, we use the present simple.

• Nurses look after patients in hospitals.
  • Even if nurses are currently taking a break in a cafe rather than looking after patients at this very moment, we use the present simple verb (look after) to match the plural subject (Nurses) because it is their profession and a recurring reality.
• I usually get up at 7 o'clock. (A routine repeated every day)
• I always start work at 9 am and leave work at 6 pm. (Performing a 9-to-6 schedule every day)

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3. [Application] Performative Verbs

Now, this is the most important highlight of today's post and an advanced concept that will add depth to your English.

There are special verbs in English where "the action is accomplished the moment I utter the words." Grammatically, these are called 'Performative Verbs'. There is a strict rule that these verbs must always be used in the present simple and can never be used in the continuous (-ing) form.

Make sure to remember these four representative verbs:

Verb	Meaning	Practical Conversation Example (Present Simple Only)
promise	To tell someone that you will certainly do something.	(o) I promise I won't be late. (x) I'm promising~
apologise	To say that you are sorry for doing something wrong.	(o) I apologise for what I said. (x) I'm apologising~
suggest	To offer a plan or idea for someone to consider.	What do you suggest I do?
advise	To give an opinion or suggestion to someone about what they should do.	I advise you to take a rest.

• Why can't we use the continuous form?
  • The phrase "I am promising right now!" sounds unnatural even in Korean. Apologizing or promising is completed in the very instant the words are spoken; it is not an action that continues steadily over a period of time.

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Closing

To summarize the core of Unit 2 in one sentence: "The present simple is not for actions happening right now, but for things that are always repeated, universal truths, and words that are performed the moment they are spoken (like promises or apologies)!"

While reviewing this, I also relearned that verbs like promise or suggest cannot be used in the continuous form. I didn't even remember if I had learned it before. In particular, I used to use suggesting quite often. As I study grammar not just as a formula for exams, but as a foundation for speaking, listening, writing, and reading properly, I feel like I am finally learning the mindset of native speakers.

After studying today's summary well, try creating your own sentences.

See you in the next Unit 3 with more useful content. Good luck!