Using the present simple and continuous

Using the present simple tense

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Present time use: At the moment of speaking

In clauses representing actions or events, the present simple tense can be used to refer to actions or events that take place at the moment of speaking. Note, however, that this use of the present simple is very restricted, and occurs in a small number of situations only. These are typically television and radio commentaries on games (such as football, tennis and cricket), live demonstrations (such as television cooking shows), and performing verbal actions (such as apologising, promising and thanking).

Television and radio commentaries

McKenzie moves in, bowls, and Barrington pulling his bat away takes that high on the thigh, and it pops out to short leg, and it must've come back at him a bit. (Cricket Game)

This is an excerpt from a live commentary on a cricket match, and the actions are taking place as the commentator is speaking. The use of the present simple tense suggests that the actions denoted by the verbs moves, bowls, takes, and pops are very short in duration. In fact, these actions may have finished before the sentence describing them has been uttered.

Demonstrations

Then I add a cup of sugar. (Television Cooking Show)

This is very similar to the first example, except that the speaker is commenting on his or her own action rather than commenting on someone else's action.

Performing verbal actions

When the subject is I or we and the verb is a performative verb , the present simple tense can be used to perform the actions denoted by the verb:

I apologise to anyone who might have been hurt. (Bank of English)

In saying this sentence, the speaker is making the actual apology. Here are some further examples:

We promise to investigate your query thoroughly and promptly. (Bank of English)

I thank you most warmly and wish you a very Merry Christmas. (Bank of English)

We advise you not to enter as you will be breaking your area's laws.
(Bank of English)

These sentences perform the actions of promising, thanking, and advising respectively.

Introduction
Present time use: With verbs such as know, like, be and have
Timeless use: With actions and events
Present time use: At the moment of speaking
Past time use
Future time use