Present Simple Tense

Form

• The present simple is formed using the base form of the verb:
  • I/you/we/they + base form (e.g., I go, you go, we go, they go)
  • he/she/it + base form + -s (e.g., he goes, she goes, it goes)

Uses

• Habits and routines: to describe actions that are repeated regularly
  • I get up at 7am every day.
  • She always wears a watch.
• General truths: to describe facts or universal truths
  • The sun rises in the east.
  • Water boils at 100°C.
• Schedules and timetables: to describe fixed or planned events
  • The train leaves at 10am.
  • The meeting starts at 2pm.
• Feelings and opinions: to express emotions or opinions
  • I love playing soccer.
  • She hates broccoli.
• Actions in progress: to describe an action that is happening now (although this is not the most common use of the present simple)
  • I am writing an email. (more commonly expressed using the present continuous)

Negation

• The present simple is negated using the auxiliary verb "do" in the negative form:
  • I do not go (I don't go)
  • You do not go (you don't go)
  • He/she/it does not go (he/she/it doesn't go)
  • We do not go (we don't go)
  • They do not go (they don't go)

Questions

• Yes/no questions:
  • Do I go? (Do I go?)
  • Does he go? (Does he go?)
  • Do they go? (Do they go?)
• Wh- questions:
  • What do I do? (What do I do?)
  • Where does he go? (Where does he go?)
  • When do they go? (When do they go?)

Forming the Present Simple

• The present simple is formed using the base form of the verb with the following exceptions:
  • He/she/it + base form + -s (e.g., he goes, she goes, it goes)
• The present simple is used with the following subjects:
  • I, you, we, they (e.g., I go, you go, we go, they go)

Uses of the Present Simple

Habits and Routines

• The present simple is used to describe actions that are repeated regularly
  • Examples: I get up at 7am every day, She always wears a watch

General Truths

• The present simple is used to describe facts or universal truths
  • Examples: The sun rises in the east, Water boils at 100°C

Schedules and Timetables

• The present simple is used to describe fixed or planned events
  • Examples: The train leaves at 10am, The meeting starts at 2pm

Feelings and Opinions

• The present simple is used to express emotions or opinions
  • Examples: I love playing soccer, She hates broccoli

Actions in Progress

• The present simple can be used to describe an action that is happening now (although this is not the most common use)
  • Example: I am writing an email (more commonly expressed using the present continuous)

Negation of the Present Simple

• The present simple is negated using the auxiliary verb "do" in the negative form
  • Examples: I don't go, you don't go, he/she/it doesn't go, we don't go, they don't go

Forming Questions with the Present Simple

Yes/No Questions

• Yes/no questions are formed using the auxiliary verb "do" in the present simple
  • Examples: Do I go?, Does he go?, Do they go?

Wh- Questions

• Wh- questions are formed using the auxiliary verb "do" in the present simple
  • Examples: What do I do?, Where does he go?, When do they go?

Understand how to form and use the present simple tense in English grammar, including habits and routines, general truths, and schedules.