Present Simple Verb Form and Uses

Study Notes

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)

Habits and routines: to talk about things that happen regularly or are true in general
- I get up at 7am every day.
- She loves reading books.
General truths: to talk about facts or universal truths
- The sun rises in the east.
- Water boils at 100°C.
Fixed schedules: to talk about timetables, schedules, or plans
- The bus leaves at 8am.
- The concert starts at 7pm.
States: to talk about permanent or temporary states
- I am a student.
- She is in hospital.

Frequency: with adverbs of frequency (always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never)
- I always eat breakfast.
- She rarely watches TV.
Time: with time expressions (now, at the moment, currently, these days)
- I am studying for my exam now.
- They are building a new hospital at the moment.

The base form of the verb is used for:
- I, you, we, they (e.g. I go, you go, we go, they go)
- He, she, it: add -s to the base form (e.g. he goes, she goes, it goes)

Talk about regular actions or things that are true in general
- Examples: I get up at 7am every day, She loves reading books

Express universal truths or facts
- Examples: The sun rises in the east, Water boils at 100°C

Describe timetables, schedules, or plans
- Examples: The bus leaves at 8am, The concert starts at 7pm

Discuss permanent or temporary states
- Examples: I am a student, She is in hospital

Use with adverbs of frequency (always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never)
- Examples: I always eat breakfast, She rarely watches TV

Use with time expressions (now, at the moment, currently, these days)
- Examples: I am studying for my exam now, They are building a new hospital at the moment