Language for Interpersonal Skill: Ask questions politely to get information
Read the following interview using the simple present tense
Hisham: Hello, Can I ask you some questions for an interview?
Jennifer: Yes, I can answer some questions.
Hisham: Thank you for taking the time. Now, first question: What do you do?
Jennifer: I work in a library. I'm a librarian.
Hisham: Are you married?
Jennifer: Yes, I am.
Hisham: What does your husband do?
Jennifer: He works as a doctor.
Hisham: Do you usually have dinner together?
Jennifer: Yes, we do.
Hisham: How often does your husband exercise?
Jennifer: He sometimes exercises three times a week. But, he usually exercises only twice a week.
Hisham: Where do you like going on holiday?
Jennifer: We seldom go on holiday. However, we like going to the beaches if we can.
Hisham: What type of books do you read?
Jennifer: I often read mystery stories.
Hisham: Thank you very much for answering my questions.
Jennifer: You're welcome!
Notice from the above dialogue and following chart that the present simple is often used to describe what we do every day. We use verbs of frequency (always, sometimes, usually, etc.) which indicate a habit.
Permanent or long-lasting situations
Where do you work?
The store opens at 9 o'clock.
She lives in New York.
Regular habits and daily routines
I usually get up at 7 o'clock.
She doesn't often go to the cinema.
When do they usually have lunch?
Facts
The Earth revolves around the Sun.
What does 'strange' mean?
Water doesn't boil at 20°.
Feelings
I love walking around late at night during the summer.
She hates flying!
What do you like? I don't want to live in Texas.
Opinions and states of mind
He doesn't agree with you.
I think he is a wonderful student.
What do you consider your best accomplishment?
Timetables and schedules
The plane leaves at 4 p.m.
When do courses begin this semester?
The train doesn't arrive until 10.35.
Common present time expressions include:
usually, always, often, sometimes, on Saturdays, at weekends (on weekends US English), rarely, on occasion, never, seldom
Structure
For further understanding of simple present tense, study this table and try this exercise
