English Grammar: Present Simple Tense

Formation

• The present simple tense is formed using the base form of the verb:
  • Positive sentences: Subject + Base form of the verb
  • Negative sentences: Subject + does not/do not + Base form of the verb
  • Questions: Does/Do + Subject + Base form of the verb

Uses

• To describe habits, routines, and general truths:
  • I wake up at 7 am every day.
  • The sun rises in the east.
• To express universal truths and facts:
  • Water freezes at 0°C.
  • The capital of France is Paris.
• To describe permanent situations:
  • I live in New York.
  • She is a doctor.
• To talk about schedules and timetables:
  • The bus leaves at 5 pm.
  • The shop opens at 9 am.

Time Expressions

• Common time expressions used with the present simple tense include:
  • always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never
  • every day/week/month/year
  • on Mondays, at 5 pm, in the morning

Spelling Changes

• Verbs ending in -o, -ch, -sh, -ss, -x, -z add -es:
  • go -> goes
  • watch -> watches
• Verbs ending in a consonant + -y change the -y to -ies:
  • try -> tries
  • study -> studies

Formation of Present Simple Tense

• Uses the base form of the verb in positive sentences
• Adds "does not" or "do not" to the base form for negative sentences
• Uses "does" or "do" to form questions

Uses of Present Simple Tense

• Describes habits and routines: e.g. I wake up at 7 am every day
• Expresses universal truths and facts: e.g. Water freezes at 0°C
• Describes permanent situations: e.g. I live in New York
• Talks about schedules and timetables: e.g. The bus leaves at 5 pm

Time Expressions with Present Simple

• Common expressions include: always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never
• Uses specific times: e.g. every day, on Mondays, at 5 pm, in the morning

Spelling Changes for Present Simple

• Verbs ending in -o, -ch, -sh, -ss, -x, -z add -es: e.g. go -> goes
• Verbs ending in a consonant + -y change the -y to -ies: e.g. try -> tries