Present Simple

[Scarlet]

Present simple

The present simple is used for:
permanent states:

I am English (and I always will be English).
I work in Valencia (I do now and will do for the forseeable future).
I teach English.

habits and routines:

I drive to work every day (it’s part of my daily routine).
I don’t wear white shoes (it’s my habit not to).
I like going to the cinema at weekends.

permanent truths and facts:

The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
Water boils at 100ºC (212ºF in case you wanted to know).
New technology makes it easier to learn English.

It isn't always easy to see where one category ends and the next begins, but getting the verb into the right category isn't the objective here. Just remember that the present simple is used more than anything for facts and/or habits and/or things that are permanent. The category doesn't matter.

Where else present simple is used?
Thank you very much for the answer.

[Tdol]

For actions of short duration at the exact moment they occur. You'll hear it used this way in sports commentaries, for instance: He has the ball. He shoots- he scores!

[Harry Smith]

When there is a timetable: The train leaves at 8.45 or The plane takes off at 9.45 etc.

[Mariner]

In many occasions to describe "calendar" future events (very similar to the "general truth" category)

The school opens on September 4th

Also, some verbs denoting activity/process/momentary events don't take the progressive aspect even if it would seem natural to use:

I can see someone through the window
*I am seeing someone through the window

I can't hear what they're saying
*I'm not hearing what they're saying

I suppose we should buy that
*I'm supposing we should buy that

[Harry Smith]

Originally Posted by Mariner

In many occasions to describe "calendar" future events (very similar to the "general truth" category)

The school opens on September 4th

Also, some verbs denoting activity/process/momentary events don't take the progressive aspect even if it would seem natural to use:

I can see someone through the window
*I am seeing someone through the window

I can't hear what they're saying
*I'm not hearing what they're saying

I suppose we should buy that
*I'm supposing we should buy that

Do schools open on September 4 everywhere?

[Omar!]

Thanks a lot for this useful topic and answers .
I really enjoyed .

[Harry Smith]

Originally Posted by Kopite32

Thanks a lot for this useful topic and answers .
I really enjoyed .

Any time!