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Questions and Answers
What is the simple present tense used for in English?
What is the simple present tense used for in English?
How is the present tense formed in the third person for verbs that end in -O, -CH, -SH, -SS, -X, or -Z?
How is the present tense formed in the third person for verbs that end in -O, -CH, -SH, -SS, -X, or -Z?
What is the spelling rule for verbs that end in a consonant + Y in the third person?
What is the spelling rule for verbs that end in a consonant + Y in the third person?
When do we use the present tense in English?
When do we use the present tense in English?
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How do we typically form negative sentences in the simple present tense in English?
How do we typically form negative sentences in the simple present tense in English?
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Study Notes
Simple Present Tense
- The simple present tense is used to describe habits, general truths, and fixed schedules.
- It is also used to talk about things that are always true or universal.
Forming the Present Tense in the Third Person
- For verbs that end in -O, -CH, -SH, -SS, -X, or -Z, the third person singular form is formed by adding -ES to the base form of the verb.
- Examples: do -> does, go -> goes, watch -> watches
Spelling Rule for Verbs Ending in Consonant + Y
- When a verb ends in a consonant + Y, the Y changes to IES in the third person singular form.
- Examples: try -> tries, fly -> flies, buy -> buys
When to Use the Present Tense
- The present tense is used to talk about:
- Habits or routines (e.g., I get up at 7am every day)
- General truths or universal facts (e.g., The sun rises in the east)
- Fixed schedules or timetables (e.g., The train leaves at 5pm)
Forming Negative Sentences
- Negative sentences in the simple present tense are typically formed using the auxiliary verb "do" in the negative form "does not" or "don't" for the third person singular, and "do not" or "don't" for all other persons.
- Examples: I don't eat breakfast, She does not live in Paris, They do not speak English.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the present simple tense in English with this grammar lesson. Learn the rules and usage of the simple present tense for describing regular actions, facts, habits, and general truths. Improve your understanding of English grammar with this interactive quiz.
