Cambridge Grammar of English Hardback with cd-rom a comprehensive Guide

Regular and habitual events

339b

Regular or habitual events are usually referred to in the present simple:

We always 

have breakfast at around eight o’clock.

(We’re always having breakfast at around eight o’clock.)

I 

get up before six o’clock every day.

[this advertisement for running shoes is aimed at people who run regularly for

fitness]

SAT ELLIT E

. You 

play, you lift, you train, you run. And you wear the Reebok

Satellite, a lightweight cross training shoe with running profile.

Û

539 Glossary for any unfamiliar terms

Present time | 599

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Immediate reactions

339c

The present simple can be used to talk about feelings and reactions experienced at

the moment of speaking:

That 

looks too risky.

It 

tastes very bitter. Are you sure it’s chocolate?

It can also be used to describe immediate perceptions and feelings:

Quick! Open the car window! I 

feel sick!

[child to parent trying to comb the child’s unruly hair]

Ow, mummy! That 

hurts!