The Present Simple Tense

The Present Simple tense is one of the most important tenses in English. It’s used to talk about habits, routines, facts, and general truths.

1. When Do We Use the Present Simple ?

We use the Present Simple to:

  • Talk about habits and routines:
    • I wake up at 7 a.m.
    • She drinks coffee every morning.
       
  • State facts and general truths:
    • The sun rises in the east.
    • Water boils at 100°C.
       
  • Express likes, dislikes, and preferences:
    • I like chocolate.
    • He doesn’t like rainy weather.
       
  • Talk about schedules and timetables:
    • The train leaves at 8 p.m.
    • School starts at 9 a.m.

2. Forming the Present Simple

Positive Sentences
Structure: Subject + base verb (add -s or -es for he/she/it).

    • I play football.
    • She plays the piano.

       

Negative Sentences
Structure: Subject + do not (don’t) / does not (doesn’t) + base verb.

    • I don’t like coffee.
    • He doesn’t eat meat.

       

Questions
Structure: Do / Does + subject + base verb?

    • Do you speak English?
    • Does she work in an office?

3. Spelling Rules for He/She/It

Add -s: He reads a book.

Add -es for verbs ending in -ch, -sh, -ss, -x, or -o:

    • She watches TV.
    • He goes to school.

Change -y to -ies if the verb ends in a consonant + y:

    • He studies hard.

4. Common Time Expressions

Use these words with the Present Simple:

  • Every day/week/month: I go to the gym every day.
  • Once/Twice/Three times a week: I go to the cinema once a week.
  • Always, often, sometimes, never: She always arrives on time.
  • In the morning/afternoon/evening: We study in the evening.

5. Examples

Positive Sentences

    • I read books in my free time.
    • He works at a bank.

Negative Sentences

    • They don’t play tennis.
    • She doesn’t watch movies.

Questions

    • Do you like pizza?
    • Does he live in London?

 

Present Simple

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