If you look in a grammar book on uses of the present simple, you will usually find the following explanation:
The simple present tense is used to express a variety of grammatical functions, including habits, general truths, scheduled events, and instructions or directions. It’s also used to describe unchanging situations, emotions and wishes.
What is often missed is this very common additional usage: writers often use the present tense in narrative fiction to make readers believe that a story is happening as they are reading it. There’s a certain sense of immediacy and urgency, and an air of suspense. This usage is common in newspaper headlines.
Here are some examples:
Newspaper headlines
Headlines use it for dramatic effect. See these underlined examples from today’s media:
The Guardian
- Epstein confidante’s lawyer confirms discussions with government after deputy attorney general Todd Blanche said he wants to ask her ‘what do you know?’
- Coca-Cola says it will launch Coke with cane sugar in US after Trump post
New York Times (note US use of capital letters)
- Iran’s Leaders Turn to a New Brand of Nationalism After Israeli and U.S. Attacks
- Justice Dept. Seeks Interview With Epstein Conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell
- Israel Expands Offensive in Gaza and Raids a W.H.O. Office
BBC
- US Justice Department asks to meet Epstein conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell
- New figures from the Hamas-run ministry include 12 children who have died, as the UN says Israel must allow aid into Gaza.
- French cities impose curfews on children after drug violence
Narration in novels
In the novel I am currently reading by Colleen Hoover, It Ends With Us, it is used for narration throughout with or without drama:
I hear footsteps approaching from behind, and then he leans against the railing next to me.
He looks at me. His eyes meet mine and he just stares …. (p. 9)
From Sally Rooney’s Intermezzo:
They look at one another a moment longer, embarrassed, irritable, guilty. Then she turns onto her back. It’s cool, she says. (p. 6)
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Author: Carol Waites
Presentation/editing by Christina O’Shaughnessy
https://worldwidewriting.org/
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Carol Waites (PhD)
Email: carolswritingtips@gmail.com
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