Present Simple Tense

How To Form Present Simple Tense

To form the present simple tense, we usually add “s” or “es” to the verb for he, she, or it. So, “He runs fast.” For I, you, we, and they, the verb doesn’t change. Like, “They play soccer.”

When To Use Present Simple Tense

The present simple tense is a basic but essential part of English. In general, this tense helps us talk about things that don’t change much, like habits or facts.

Here are all the ways we can use the present simple tense:

1. Universal Facts

Talking about universal facts, we use the present simple tense. It’s perfect for stating truths that don’t change, like “Two and two make four.” This fact is always true, everywhere, and for everyone. 

It’s like saying the sky is blue or water freezes at 0°C. These are facts that stand strong, no matter what.

2. Permanent Situations

For permanent situations, we also use the present simple tense. It’s great for sharing where we are in life, like “I live in London.”

Present simple tense tells others about a stable part of our lives. They tell us something that doesn’t change easily.

3. Habits and Routines

When talking about habits and routines, we also use the present simple tense. It captures our regular activities, like “I play tennis on the weekend.”

This tense helps us share the patterns of our daily lives, from playing sports to reading before bed. It’s like saying “Birds migrate in winter” or “We sleep at night.”

READ MORE: Daily Routines Worksheet

4. Short Actions Now

For short actions happening right now, the present simple tense can help show excitement. For example, “He hits the ball hard.” is perfect for the fast-paced nature of the action.

It’s similar to “The crowd cheers” or “The camera flashes.” It brings the action to life, making us feel like we’re right there, watching as it unfolds.

5. Future Timetables

For future timetables, we use the Present Simple Tense too. It’s perfect for fixed future events, like “The train leaves at 11 am.”

This tense helps us talk about schedules and plans that are set in stone. This includes bus times or class schedules.

6. Future “In Time” Clauses

In future “in time” clauses, we often use the present simple tense. You’ll see them after conjunctions like “until,” “when,” “as soon as,” to talk about the future.

For example, “She won’t go out until it stops raining.” This structure sets the stage for events that are expected to happen before others can occur.

Forming the Present Simple Tense Structure

Do you want to learn how to form the present simple tense? Below, we’ll show you the structure for forming the present simple structure.

Present Simple Positive Sentences

In present simple positive sentences, we use the base form of the verb for most subjects, simply adding “s” or “es” for “he,” “she,” or “it.” But for “I”, “you”, “we”, and “they”, it remains the same for the base form.

Here is the structure for the present simple positive sentences:

• I swim
• You swim
• We swim
• They swim
• He swims
• She swims
• It swims 

Present Simple Negative Sentences

In present simple negative sentences, we add “do not” or “does not” before the base form of the verb. “Does not” is used for “he,” “she,” or “it,” while “do not” fits with “I,” “you,” “we,” and “they.”

This structure helps us express actions that don’t happen or facts that aren’t true. Here’s its structure:

• I don’t eat meat.
• You don’t eat meat.
• We don’t eat meat.
• They don’t eat meat.
• He doesn’t eat meat.
• She doesn’t eat meat.
• It doesn’t eat meat.

Present Simple Question Form

In the Present Simple Question Form, we start with “do” or “does,” followed by the subject, and then add the base form of the verb. Use “does” for “he,” “she,” or “it” and “do” for “I,” “you,” “we,” and “they.”

This format allows us to ask about habits, facts, or routines, inviting answers that provide information or clarification.

• Do I sleep?
• Do you sleep?
• Do we sleep?
• Do they sleep?
• Does he sleep?
• Does she sleep?
• Does it sleep?

Interrogatives are the questions we ask to learn more.

Short Answers

In short answers with the Present Simple, we use “Yes” or “No,” followed by “do” or “does” and the subject. For “I,” “you,” “we,” and “they,” use “do”; for “he,” “she,” or “it,” use “does.”

Here’s how the structure works for short answers using simple present tense.

• Yes, I / you / we / they do.
• Yes, he / she / it does.
• No, I / you / we / they don’t.
• No, he / she / it doesn’t.

Present Simple Verbs

The present simple tense helps us talk about daily life, truths, and habits. It’s easy to use for making statements, asking questions, and giving quick yes or no answers.

The verb “to be”, which is considered to present simple tense. We typically use the verb “to be” to talk about ages, nationalities, colors, prices, occupations, time, and feelings.

That’s a quick look at the present simple verbs. If you have any questions or want to know more, just ask in the comment section below. I’m here to help.