Present Simple

Here are some uses for the present simple:

USE 1 Repeated Actions

We use the Simple Present to express the idea that an action is repeated or usual. The action can be a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens. It can also be something a person often forgets or usually does not do.

Examples: 

• I play tennis. 
• She does not play tennis. 
• Does he play tennis? 
• The train leaves every morning at 8 AM. 
• The train does not leave at 9 AM. 
• When does the train usually leave? 
• She always forgets her purse. 
• He never forgets his wallet. 
• Every twelve months, the Earth circles the Sun. 
• Does the Sun circle the Earth? 

 

The timeline above exresses how the action is being performed.

USE 2 Facts or Generalizations

The Simple Present can also indicate the speaker believes that a fact was true before, is true now, and will be true in the future. It is not important if the speaker is correct about the fact. It is also used to make generalizations about people or things.

Examples:

• Cats like milk.
• Birds do not like milk.
• Do pigs like milk?
• California is in America.
• California is not in the United Kingdom.
• Windows are made of glass.
• Windows are not made of wood.

USE 3 Scheduled Events in the Near Future

Speakers occasionally use Simple Present to talk about scheduled events in the near future. This is most commonly done when talking about public transportation, but it can be used with other scheduled events as well.

Examples:

• The train leaves tonight at 6 PM.
• The bus does not arrive at 11 AM, it arrives at 11 PM.
• When do we board the plane?
• The party starts at 8 o'clock.
• When does class begin tomorrow?

For more information visit http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/simplepresent.html

Educatina made a good video with excercises if you wish to practice a bit.