Present Simple Tense Grammar Rules

The present simple tense is used for temporary or changing situations.

The -s form is used for third person singular and plural subjects.

Declarative sentences typically follow the SOV (subject-object-verb) pattern.

The sentence 'I goes to the store' is an example of correct use of the present simple tense.

The verb form 'watches' is an example of the -es form used for verbs that end in -o, -is, -ch, -sh, or -ss.

What does the preposition 'on' indicate?

Where would you find the keys according to the sentence 'The keys are in the box'?

What does the preposition 'next to' indicate?

Where would you find the restaurant according to the sentence 'The restaurant is opposite the cinema'?

What does the preposition 'near' indicate?

Verb Forms

The present simple tense has the following verb forms:
- Base form (e.g., go, eat, write)
- -s form (e.g., goes, eats, writes) used for:
  - Third person singular (he, she, it)
- -es form (e.g., watches, catches) used for:
  - Verbs that end in -o, -is, -ch, -sh, or -ss

Common Mistakes

Incorrect use of the present simple tense:
- Using the present simple for temporary or changing situations (use present continuous instead)
- Using the present simple for future plans or schedules (use future simple or be going to instead)
Confusing verb forms:
- Using the base form instead of the -s form for third person singular
- Using the -s form for plural subjects (use the base form instead)

Sentence Structure

Typical sentence structures:
- Declarative sentences:
  - Subject + verb + object (e.g., I eat breakfast)
- Interrogative sentences:
  - Do/does + subject + verb + object? (e.g., Do you eat breakfast?)
- Negative sentences:
  - Subject + do/does not + verb + object (e.g., I do not eat breakfast)
Word order:
- Typically follows the SVO (subject-verb-object) pattern
- Can be changed for emphasis or style, but be careful not to change the sentence's meaning

Test your understanding of the present simple tense, including verb forms, common mistakes, and sentence structures. Review the rules for using the base form, -s form, and -es form, and practice constructing declarative, interrogative, and negative sentences.