12. Simple Present Tense

In our lesson, we will talk about the ‘Simple Present Tense’.

The simple present tense is one of the most basic tenses in English. It is used to describe actions that are regular, habitual, or generally true. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand and use the simple present tense:

Structure

For most verbs, the simple present tense is formed by using the base form of the verb.
For the third person singular (he, she, it), you usually add an “s” or “es” to the base form

Example Sentences:

  • I walk to school.
  • She walks to school.
  • They play soccer.

Uses

Habits and Routines: Use the simple present to talk about things you do regularly.
“I brush my teeth every morning.”
“He goes to the gym on Fridays.”

General Truths: Use it for facts or things that are always true.
“The sun rises in the east.”
“Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.”

Scheduled Events: Use it for events that are scheduled (like timetables).
“The train leaves at 6 PM.”
“The store opens at 9 AM.”

Forming Questions and Negatives

To form questions, use “do” or “does” before the subject.
“Do you like pizza?”
“Does she play the piano?”

To make negatives, use “do not” (don’t) or “does not” (doesn’t) before the verb.
“I do not (don’t) watch TV.”
“He does not (doesn’t) eat meat.”

Remember to add “s” or “es” for he, she, and it. For example, “He runs fast.”

SubjectAffirmativeNegativeQuestion
II walk.I do not (don’t) walk.Do I walk?
YouYou walk.You do not (don’t) walk.Do you walk?
He/She/ItHe walks.He does not (doesn’t) walk.Does he walk?
WeWe walk.We do not (don’t) walk.Do we walk?
TheyThey walk.They do not (don’t) walk.Do they walk?
Here is a table summarizing the simple present tense:

Affirmative: Use the base form of the verb, adding “s” or “es” for he, she, it.
Negative: Use “do not” (don’t) or “does not” (doesn’t) before the verb.
Question: Use “do” or “does” before the subject.

Tips

Remember to add “s” or “es” for he, she, and it. For example, “He runs fast.”
Use time expressions like “every day,” “always,” or “usually” to indicate frequency.

Summary

The simple present tense is used to describe habitual actions, general truths, and scheduled events. It is formed using the base form of the verb, with an “s” or “es” added for third person singular subjects (he, she, it).

Grammar Exercises

Practice online and check your results with answers.

Practice Exercise


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