Present Simple: Rules and Usage

• The present simple is a verb tense with two main uses.
• We use the present simple tense when something is happening right now, or when it happens regularly.
• Depending on the person, the present simple tense is formed using the root form or by adding -s or -es to the end.

Formation

• For regular verbs, the present simple form is usually the base form of the verb.
• For the third-person singular (he, she, it), add -s to the base form of the verb.
• There are some exceptions to the rule of adding -s for the third-person singular:
  • For verbs ending in -ss, -x, -ch, -sh, or -o, add -es (e.g., he watches, she goes).
  • For verbs ending in a consonant + y, remove the y and add -ies (e.g., he studies).
• The verb "to be" has irregular present simple forms:
  • I am
  • you are
  • he/she/it is
  • we are
  • you are
  • they are
• The auxiliary verbs "to do" and "to have" also have specific forms:
  • do/does (for questions and negatives)
  • have/has (for possession, etc.)

Uses

• The present simple is used to describe habits, routines, and repeated actions.
• Example: I drink coffee every morning.
• It is used to express general truths and facts.
• Example: The sun rises in the east.
• It is used to describe fixed arrangements, scheduled events, and timetables
• Example: The train leaves at 10 AM.
• It is used to describe states, feelings, and opinions.
• Example: I am happy. / He likes pizza.
• The present simple can be used in storytelling to describe the unfolding of events, especially in summaries or narrations.
• Example: The hero enters the forest, faces challenges, and ultimately triumphs.
• It is often used with adverbs of frequency to indicate how often an action occurs.
• Example: always, often, sometimes, rarely, never
• Example: She always arrives on time.
• The present simple is also used in conditional sentences (type 0 and type 1) to describe possible situations and their results.
• Example (Type 0): If you heat water to 100 degrees Celsius, it boils.
• Example (Type 1): If it rains, I will stay home.

Statements

• The structure of a present simple statement is usually: Subject + Verb (base form or with -s/-es).
• Example: I play the guitar. / She plays the piano.

Negations

• To form negative sentences, use "do not" (don't) or "does not" (doesn't) before the base form of the verb.
• Example: I do not (don't) like onions. / He does not (doesn't) like onions.
• The verb "to be" forms negatives by adding "not" after the verb.
• Example: I am not a teacher. / They are not students.

Questions

• To form questions that can be answered by yes/no, use "Do" or "Does" before the subject and the base form of the verb.
• Example: Do you speak English? / Does she speak French?
• With the verb "to be", invert the subject and the verb.
• Example: Are you ready? / Is he here?
• To form questions that require more information, use question words (who, what, where, when, why, how) before "do/does" and the rest of the structure.
• Example: Where do you live? / Why does she study so hard?

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting the -s or -es in the third-person singular.
• Incorrect: He work at the bank.
• Correct: He works at the bank.
• Incorrect use of "do/does" in statements.
• Incorrect: I do like ice cream. (unless for emphasis)
• Correct: I like ice cream.
• Misuse of the verb "to be" in questions and negatives.
• Incorrect: You not are ready.
• Correct: You are not ready.
• Incorrect: Are you not ready?
• Correct: Are not you ready?/ Aren't you ready?
• Using the present simple for actions happening now (use present continuous instead).
• Incorrect: I am going to the store now.
• Correct: I am going to the store.

Tips for Use

• Be mindful of the subject-verb agreement, especially in the third-person singular.
• Use adverbs of frequency appropriately to indicate how often an action occurs.
• Distinguish between temporary actions (use present continuous) and habitual actions (use present simple).
• Remember the special forms for "to be", "to do", and "to have".