simple present or present simple?

Is there any difference? Why do we find "simple present" in some grammar books and find "present simple" in others? I know this isn't very important, but it may be a bit confusing for young learners.

[RonBee]

Originally Posted by charlotte

Is there any difference? Why do we find "simple present" in some grammar books and find "present simple" in others? I know this isn't very important, but it may be a bit confusing for young learners.

To me it's the simple present because it isn't complicated by anything. I suppose some grammarians call it present simple for the sake of consistency with present perfect and present progressive, but I don't really know. I would just tell people they mean the same thing. Most grammar references I know of, by the way, say simple present.

:)

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by charlotte

Is there any difference? Why do we find "simple present" in some grammar books and find "present simple" in others? I know this isn't very important, but it may be a bit confusing for young learners.

I agree with Ron. I use both at times, but "simple present" is probably the better choice.

ok, thank you, I use "simple present" but it was good to know your opinion :wink:

[Tdol]

I use both, but if I had to choose one, I'd choose present simple, so that it fitted in with present perfect and present progressive\continuous.

[Red5]

TDOL, I think we should mention both forms in our glossary entry for this topic, as people will be searching for both.