International TEFL InstitutePresent and Past Simple Tense Functions
In addition to referring to different times, sentences that use the same tense can have quite different functions (present and past simple).
Look at the following four sentences. All of them use the present simple tense construction yet they all have different functions.
These sentences express a scientific or general truth:
- Tadpoles turn into frogs.
- It snows in winter.
- It’s cold in outer space.
The sentences express a routine.
- I play squash at least once a week.
- I write two pages of my novel every day.
- Martin drives for a living.
These sentences are newspaper headlines and describe recent past events.
- Two Hundred Die in Plane Crash.
- Man Gives Birth
- Bush Invades Iraq
These sentences contain information that is found on schedules or timetables and refer to a future time.
- The exam starts at 8:30 tomorrow.
- The plane sets off in 30 minutes.
- The train leaves at ten o’clock tonight.
Now, look at the following four examples that all use the First Conditional. Notice how each sentence uses the same structure yet the function or meaning is different. The present tense verb in each of the first clauses is highlighted.
These are practical suggestions.
- If you practice every day, you’ll play the piano well.
- If you treat people well, they will love you.
- If you eat well, you’ll be healthy.
These are warnings.
- If you use that CD as a coaster, you’ll damage it.
- If you don’t stop, you’ll hurt yourself.
- If you go too fast, you’ll get caught.
These are threats.
- If you go near my girlfriend again, I’ll smack you.
- If you damage my car, you’ll have to pay for it.
- If you come near me again, I’ll call the police.
The difference between warnings and threats may not be immediately apparent. However, in warnings, the speaker tells the listener what will happen if the listener takes a certain course of action, whereas in threats the speaker tells the listener what the speaker will do to the listener if the listener takes a certain course of action.
Similar to the present simple, the past simple tense can also have a variety of functions.
It can be part of reported speech.
Reported (or indirect) Speech retells what someone has said as opposed to quoting the person. For example:
Direct Speech: Larry said: “I want to go to Spain.”
Indirect (reported) Speech: Larry said that he wanted to go to Spain.
It can refer to a past state.
- She liked rock music
- He owned a mansion
It can refer to a hypothetical situation (being part of the second conditional).
- If you knew her better, you wouldn’t be surprised.
- It would be easy if you tried.
It can convey a present regret or wish.
- If only I wasn’t so shy!
- I wish you spoke to him.
It can refer to a past habit or routine.
- She listened to her favourite CDs every morning.
- Whenever I phoned Lucy she said she was so busy.
It often describes a completed action at a specified time in the past.
- The fireworks began at 8 o’clock.
- I invited him to the party yesterday.
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