1、表示普遍的真理
The world is round.世界是圆的
Great minds think alike.英雄所见略同
Knowledge is power.知识就是力量
Opportunities always favor the prepared minds.机会总是留给有准备的人
2、表示重复的活动（经常发生或习惯）
He often goes to the gym.他经常去健身房
He walks to school every day.他每天走路去上学
I like rice for dinner.我晚饭喜欢吃米饭
He seldom comes late.他很少迟到
3、表示正在发生的动作
Here comes your wife.你妻子来了
There goes our bus,we'll have to wait for the next one.我们的车开走了，只好等下一辆了
*注:一般现在时态用在there或here开头的句子中，表示目前短暂动作。
4、表示将来发生的动作
Please let me know when he comes back.他回来时请让我们知道
What are you going to do when you leave school.你毕业以后想干什么
I'll give the book to him as soon as I see him.我一见到他就会把书给他
I will get everything ready before you come back.你回来之前我会把所有东西都准备好
*注：以上句型通常用在条件状语从句（if 和 unless）和时间状语从句（when,as soon as ,before 和 after）中，表示将来动作。
The train starts at 2 o'clock.火车两点钟开
We move next week.我们下周搬家
They leave for Shanghai by train tomorrow evening.他们明晚出发去上海
*注：以上句型通常用在未来计划和时间安排表的时候，而且往往是短暂性动词，如go,come,leave,start,move等。
5、表示过去发生的动作
The newspaper reads , "The criminal who killed eight women has been executed."报纸上说：“杀害八名妇女的那个罪犯已经被处决了。”
6、代指现在完成时
I hear (have heard) that you're getting married.我听说你要结婚了
I find (have found) that you have your hair cut. You look terrific !我发现你理发了，看上去棒极了！
*注：能这样使用的动词不多，通常有：hear,find,see,learn,tell和read等。
