Introduction to present Tense

One of the most important things for beginners to remember about the present tense (beginners can worry later about what "indicative" means) is that English has more than one way to express what is expressed in this one Spanish verb form.

Therefore...Ella habla can be translated as -->She speaks
-->She is speaking
-->She does speak


Following are the different ways the simple present tense is used in Spanish. Note that in general the same ways are used in English.

To describe something that is happening right now: In English, these are often translated using the "-ing" form of the verb. Examples: Ella canta. "She is singing." Él come. "He is eating." Anda a la casa de su abuela. "He is walking to his grandmother's house." Estoy en casa. "I am at home."

To describe something happening in the near future: In both English and Spanish, the present and future tenses are often interchangeable for this purpose. Most often a time element is indicated in the sentence for this usage of the present. El tren sale a las ocho de la noche. "The train leaves at 8 p.m." La clase comienza temprano. "The class begins early." Vuelo el lunes. "I am flying on Monday."

To tell a general truth or describe an action that is repeated habitually or regularly: Such statements generally describe events or conditions happening in the past, present and future. Él toca el piano. "He plays the piano." Duermo mucho los sábados. I sleep much on Saturdays. María escribe bien. "María writes well." Mi hija es inteligente. "My daughter is intelligent."

In a narrative, to tell of the past: When telling a story or giving an account of an event, it is sometimes possible to provide the narrative in the present tense. Va al supermercado y pega un tiro al gerente. Entonces huye a México. "He goes to the supermarket and shoots the manager. Then he flees to Mexico."

In questions, to get instructions: In English, such a usage often uses the verb "do." ¿Pago ahora o después? "Do I pay now or later?" ¿Dónde cambio de ropa? "Where do I change clothes?"