Simple Present Tense

What is Simple Present Tense?

The simple present tense is a verb tense that is used to describe things that happen regularly or are always true. It can also be used to make general statements about things.

The simple present tense is used to describe actions or events that occur regularly, habits, general truths, and things that are always true. It is also used for future scheduled events.

How do you form the simple present tense?

The simple present tense is formed by using the base form of the verb (also known as the infinitive) for all pronouns except for third person singular, which adds an "s" or "es" to the verb. 

Here are some examples of sentences in the simple present tense:

I eat breakfast every morning. (I is first person singular, so the verb does not change)

You eat breakfast every morning. (You is second person singular, so the verb does not change)

He eats breakfast every morning. (He is third person singular, so the verb adds -s)

She eats breakfast every morning. (She is third person singular, so the verb adds -s)

It eats breakfast every morning. (It is third person singular, so the verb adds -s)

We eat breakfast every morning. (We is first person plural, so the verb does not change)

You eat breakfast every morning. (You is second person plural, so the verb does not change)

They eat breakfast every morning. (They is third person plural, so the verb does not change)

When do you use the simple present tense?

The simple present tense can be used in a variety of situations, including:

To describe things that happen regularly or are always true.

Regular actions: I go to school every day.

To make general statements about things.

General statements: The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.

To give instructions or directions.

Instructions: Turn left at the next light.

To talk about fixed arrangements or events.

Fixed arrangements: The meeting starts at 10:00 AM.

To express wishes or desires.

Wishes or desires: I wish I had a million dollars.

Here are more examples describing actions and events:

I eat breakfast every morning. (regular action)

She studies hard for her exams. (habit)

The sun rises in the east. (general truth)

Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius. (always true)

The concert starts at 7 PM tonight. (future scheduled event)

We do not eat meat. (negative sentence)

Does he drink coffee in the morning? (Interrogative)

Do they study English every day? (Interrogative)

Let us check some more examples of how the simple present tense is used:

Regular actions

He exercises at the gym every day.

They always go to bed early.

We usually have dinner together on Friday nights.

Habits

She drinks coffee every afternoon.

He bites his nails when he's nervous.

They watch TV before they go to sleep.

General truths

The earth revolves around the sun.

Dogs are loyal animals.

The sky is blue.

Always true

Water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius.

The speed of light is constant.

Gravity pulls objects towards each other.

Future scheduled events

The class starts at 9 AM tomorrow.

The train leaves at 8 PM tonight.

Our flight departs at noon on Friday.

Can the simple present tense be used to talk about the future?

Yes, the simple present tense can be used to talk about the future in a few specific situations. For example, you can use the simple present tense to talk about future events that are scheduled or planned. You can also use the simple present tense to talk about future events that are inevitable or certain to happen.

Here are some examples:

Scheduled events: The train leaves at 10:00 AM.

Inevitable events: The sun will rise tomorrow.

How to form questions using simple present tense?

Interrogative sentences are formed by using "do" or "does" before the subject, followed by the base form of the verb.

To form questions in the simple present tense, you need to invert the subject and the auxiliary verb "do" and place them at the beginning of the sentence, followed by the base form of the main verb and any other necessary words.

Here are some examples of questions in the simple present tense:

Do you eat breakfast every morning? (question with "you" as the subject)

Does she study for her exams on weekends? (question with "she" as the subject)

Do they play soccer after school? (question with "they" as the subject)

Notice that the auxiliary verb "do" comes before the subject in questions. Also, the order of words in the sentence is auxiliary verb + subject + base form of the main verb + any other necessary words.

It's important to note that when asking for information about a habit or routine, you can use "usually" or "always" in the question to ask for the frequency of the action. For example:

Do you usually eat breakfast at home or at work? (asking for the frequency)

Does she always study in the library? (asking for the frequency)

Do they usually play soccer on weekends? (asking for the frequency)

Therefore, to form questions in the simple present tense, invert the subject and the auxiliary verb "do" and place them at the beginning of the sentence, followed by the base form of the main verb and any other necessary words. Remember to use "do" for first-person and plural subjects (I, we, they), and "does" for third-person singular subjects (he, she, it). When asking for information about a habit or routine, you can use "usually" or "always" in the question to ask for the frequency of the action.

How to form negative sentences using simple present tense?

Negative sentences are formed by adding "do not" or "does not" before the base form of the verb.

To form negative sentences in the simple present tense, you need to use the auxiliary verb "do" in the negative form ("do not" or "don't" for all subjects except third-person singular, and "does not" or "doesn't" for third-person singular) before the base form of the main verb.

Here are some examples of negative sentences in the simple present tense:

I do not drink coffee in the morning. (negative form of "drink")

She doesn't eat meat. (negative form of "eat")

They don't watch TV very often. (negative form of "watch")

Notice that "not" is added after the auxiliary verb "do" to form the negative. Also, remember to use the contracted forms "don't" or "doesn't" in informal speech or writing.

It's important to note that in negative sentences, the word "never" can be added to emphasize that the action has not happened at any time in the past. For example:

I never drink coffee in the morning. (affirmative)

I don't ever drink coffee in the morning. (negative)

I don't drink coffee in the morning. (negative without "ever")

Hence, to form negative sentences in the simple present tense, use the auxiliary verb "do" in the negative form ("do not" or "don't" for all subjects except third-person singular, and "does not" or "doesn't" for third-person singular) before the base form of the main verb. Remember to use "don't" or "doesn't" for contracted forms and "never" can be added to emphasize that the action has not happened at any time in the past.

Can I use "do" for third-person subjects in questions?

No, you cannot use "do" for third-person singular subjects (he, she, it) in questions. Instead, you need to use "does" before the subject. 

The use of "do" and "does" is determined by the subject of the sentence. "Do" is used for first-person (I) and plural subjects (we, they, you), while "does" is used for third-person singular subjects (he, she, it). This is true for both affirmative and negative sentences, as well as questions in the present simple tense.

Here are some examples of correct questions in the present simple tense with third-person singular subjects:

Does she like coffee? (correct)

Does he play tennis on weekends? (correct)

Does it rain a lot in this area? (correct)

Notice that "does" is used before the third-person singular subject in each of these questions.

So, when forming questions in the present simple tense with third-person singular subjects, you must use "does" before the subject, not "do".

Summary

the simple present tense is used for actions or events that occur regularly, habits, general truths, and things that are always true. It is also used for future scheduled events. Remember that for third person singular (he, she, it), you need to add an "s" or "es" to the verb in the simple present tense.