Why did The New York Times use the present simple to describe a past event? [duplicate]
Statement is as follows:
Obama makes a surprise visit to Afghanistan.
Is this a simple present tense? If yes then please explain
As per the definition of simple present tense, this statement does not fall into any of the following categories:
For repeated or regular actions in the present time period.
For facts.
For habits.
For things that are always / generally true.
This statement is one of the headlines in the New York Times.
This use of the present tense is called "historical present" or "narrative present". Used in journalism or other narrative (including conversation) to make a past event more dramatic or vivid.