What is the simple present tense?

In English, the simple present tense is used to describe repeated or regular actions, facts and general truths, habits, instructions or fixed arrangements. The simple present tense is not used to describe events that are actually occurring in the present, but can be employed to describe future events.

Generally, if an action is regular, true or normal, a speaker or writer uses the simple present tense. In the negative or question form of the simple present tense, the word "does" or the contraction "doesn't" are used to properly construct the sentence. Recipes or driving instructions often use the simple present tense to convey particular directives or imperative actions.