1. Uses of the SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE
In the following examples, the simple present expresses perceptions, feelings, or states that occur or exist at the moment of speaking. The perceptions, feelings or states may, of course extend somewhat beyond the moment of speaking, but the focal point is the immediate present.
QUESTION
How many planes do you see?
Do you hear anything?
What’s the matter?
ANSWER
I see four.
No, I don’t hear anything.
I smell something burning.

2. This medicine tastes bitter to me. Your hand feels cold.
MOMETN OF SPEAKING
PAST
FUTURE
PERCEPTION
Other examples:
This medicine tastes bitter to me.
Your hand feels cold.
You look worried.
I want a cup of coffee.

3. In the following examples, the simple present expresses activities(states, conditions, feeling, etc.)that extend for varying lengths of time beyond the moment of speaking . The activities have existed before, and will probably continue to exist after , the moment of speaking . But the beginning and ending are unknown or unimportant.
QUESTION
Does your brother play the violin?
Do you agree with me?
What does Professor White teach?
ANSWER
Yes , he plays very well.
Yes , I agree with you completely.
He teaches physics.

4. MOMETN OF SPEAKING
PAST
FUTURE
Beginning
(unknown or unimportant)
Ending
(unknown or unimportant)
Other examples:
Charles prefers classical music.
They like Japanese poetry.
People everywhere want peace.
He dislike talkative women.
She misses her family very much.
She is an excellent secretary.
We have faith in you.

5. In the following examples, the simple present expresses activities which have occurred at intervales before, and will probably continue to occur at intervals after, the moment of speaking. Adverbs of frequency(every day , usually , etc) often help the verb in expressing intervals of activity.
QUESTION
Does Steve go home often?
When do you play golf?
Do you walk school every day?
ANSWER
Yes , he goes home every week-end.
I play almost every Sunday morning.
No , I take the bus.

6. MOMETN OF SPEAKING
PAST
FUTURE
INTERVALS
Other examples:
Mary goes to church every morning.
Mr. Smith broadcasts every Sunday.
Mrs. Rich usually pays her bills on time.
They seldom go to the movies.
I often hear my neighbors arguing.

7. In the following examples , the simple present expresses activities that are relatively permanent . (some of the statements are general truths.)
QUESTION
Where is Chicago?
What is the freezing pointt of water?
What is the function of the liver?
ANSWER
It is in Illinois.
Water freezes at 32 Fahrenheit.
It secretes bile and performs
metabolic functions.

8. MOMETN OF SPEAKING
PAST
FUTURE
Other examples:
The sun rises in the east.
The earth revolves around the sun.
It snows a great deal in some part of north west.
Children need love and affection.
Poetry intensifies man’s experiences.
The law of supply and demand sets prices in a freely competitive market.

9. In the following examples , the simple present expresses activities that will take places in future time. Adverbs indicating future time(tomorrow , next week , etc) usually modify the verb.
QUESTION
When do they leave?
When does the play begin?
When does the plane arrive?
ANSWER
They leave tomorrow.
It begins at 8:30.
It arrives at five o’clock.

10. MOMETN OF SPEAKING
PAST
FUTURE
Other examples:
The bonds start on their trip tomorrow.
The next semester begins in three weeks.
John gets back from the south tonight.
I go to Damascus next summer.