When do we use the Present Simple?

We use this tense for things that are permanent, regular, or generally true. Think of it as the “always or usually” tense. We break it down into three simple categories:

1. General Truths & Professional Roles

These are facts that do not change based on the time of day.

• Employment counsellors look after clients in career centers. (This is a general truth about their professional role.)

• The earth goes round the sun. (This is a permanent universal fact.)

2. Repeating Routines & Habits

These are actions that you do over and over again as part of your lifestyle.

• I usually go away at weekends to relax after a long work week. (This is a repeating personal routine.)

• I check my email every morning before starting my tasks. (This is a regular daily habit.)

3. Fixed Schedules & Timetables

These are official, repeating times for businesses, public transit, or offices.

• The Canexora office opens at 8:30 in the morning. (This is a fixed, repeating corporate schedule.)

• The museum closes at 4 o’clock on Sundays. (This is an official public timetable.)

⚠️ The Golden Rule: Watch the Third-Person “S”

The most important rule to remember is that the verb changes slightly depending on who is doing the action.

• For I, we, you, they, use the base verb exactly as it is.

• For he, she, it (or a single person/thing), you must add -s or -es to the end of the verb.