Though the present simple’s main use is for general rules, and grammatically represents timeless facts, native speakers often use it in an colloquial setting for storytelling. This can be to recount a past event, a film or book plot, or for running commentaries, as the following uses explain.
The present simple in storytelling
The present simple is regularly used depicting past narratives for informal storytelling. It can create a sense of immediacy, urgency or informal friendliness, so it may be used for dramatic or comedic effect. This is common in spoken English.
- “So I go to pay for my sandwich, and the guy asks me for two pounds – but I don’t have any money on me!”
The present simple is also commonly used to give narratives of consumed stories, for example the plots of films, books and plays.
- The main character finds the diamonds, saves the girl and stops the baddie. It’s great.
- She says she’s seen something, and you don’t know if it’s in her head or not.
This is used to put the listener in the moment of the story. This technique is sometimes used in creative writing, as well as in spoken language.
You may also find the present simple in advertising and other texts designed to put the reader in a particular scene or state of mind.
- A hot summer’s day; you feel the cool breeze as you slip into the warm embrace of the golden sand. A bird sings above you.
The present simple and commentaries
The present simple is often used for running commentaries. This provides an ongoing narrative, describing events as they happen, which is especially common for sports.
Sports broadcasters and other live reports use the present simple to commentate on events in real time (now), to save time and create drama:
- Ronnie passes to Jim, he shoots, he scores!
- The ball hits the net, and she loses the point.
For more tips about different uses of the English tenses like these, please check out the full grammar guide I have published. This article, and many others on this site, are derived from the book.
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It was very interesting I have never seen before it . I have no idea we could use the present to express the past!
Glad you found it interesting – indeed this isn’t a use that’s typically taught, I suppose because it is rather nuanced.
Could you please give an example of present simple tense used in advertisement?
Hi Raju, there are many ways it could applied, but I expect the most common would be in presenting product benefits like rules:
“Our soap produces the best results.”
Or to make state/condition claims:
“We have more sun on the south coast than anywhere else.”
Thank you Williams, a very helpful information