The Simple Present Tense

 

The Simple Present Tense

Definition:-

The simple present tense is used to describe habits, general truths, routines, and fixed schedules.

Structure:

1. Affirmative: Subject + base verb (+s/es for he/she/it)

I wake up early.

She wakes up early.

2. Negative: Subject + do/does not + base verb

I do not (don’t) like coffee.

He does not (doesn’t) like coffee.

3. Interrogative: Do/Does + subject + base verb?

Do you play football?

Does she like ice cream?

Usage:

Habit/Routine: I go to school every day.

General Truths: The sun rises in the east.

Water boils at 100°C.

Fixed Schedules: The train leaves at 5 PM.

Feelings & Opinions: She loves chocolate.

Rules of Simple Present Tense

1. Use the base form of the verb

I/You/We/They → Use the base verb

Example: They play soccer.

He/She/It → Add -s or -es to the verb

Example: She plays soccer.

2. Add “-s” or “-es” for third-person singular (he/she/it)

Most verbs → Add -s

Example: He reads books.

Verbs ending in s, sh, ch, x, o → Add -es

Example: She watches TV.

Verbs ending in consonant + y → Change y to i and add -es

Example: He studies hard.

Verbs ending in vowel + y → Just add -s

Example: She plays the piano.

3. Use “do” and “does” for negatives and questions

Negative:

I/You/We/They do not (don’t) like milk.

He/She/It does not (doesn’t) like milk.

Questions:

Do you like pizza?

Does she like pizza?