1.1.2.3. Generic This expresses the facts which we have as the common sense and are not changed in the future obviously. (8) a. Twice two is four. b. The moon sets in the west. c. Water boils at 100 degrees. The above is known generically and these are not changed in the future. In the utterance, the speaker does not treat them as the past naturally, the present tense is used. These are called the generic present. And the present tense is also used to the proverbs. (9) a. There is no royal road to learning. (There is no shortcut to learn.) b. There is no smoke without fire. (There should be some fact if it is heard.) c. Walls have ears. (It is easy to leak confidential talks.) d. Nothing venture, nothing gain. (It needs a risk to succeed.) e. Ignorance is bliss. (If you know it, you will be bad.) The above is the proverbs and these are known generically. It is natural that the present tense is used.

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