Present Tense in English Grammar

Definition

The present tense is a verb form that expresses an action that is currently happening or is true in general.

Forms

• Base form: The base form of a verb is used to form the present tense, except for the third person singular (he, she, it).
• -s/-es form: The third person singular (he, she, it) adds -s or -es to the base form to form the present tense.

Regular Verb Forms

• I/you/we/they: base form (e.g., I go, you go, we go, they go)
• he/she/it: base form + -s/-es (e.g., he goes, she goes, it goes)

Irregular Verb Forms

• Some verbs have irregular present tense forms (e.g., be, have, do)
• These verbs must be memorized

Uses

• Actions happening now: The present tense is used to describe actions that are currently happening.
• General truths: The present tense is used to describe facts that are always true.
• Habits: The present tense is used to describe habits or routines.
• Future plans: The present tense is sometimes used to describe future plans or scheduled events.

Examples

• I am studying English. (action happening now)
• The sun rises in the east. (general truth)
• She eats breakfast at 7am every day. (habit)
• We are leaving for Paris tomorrow. (future plan)

Special Cases

• Stative verbs: Verbs that express a state or condition, such as be, have, know, and like, are often used in the present tense to describe a permanent or long-term situation.
• Verbs of perception: Verbs that express a sense or feeling, such as see, hear, and smell, are often used in the present tense to describe an immediate experience.

Learn about the present tense in English grammar, including its forms, uses, and special cases. Understand how to form the present tense with regular and irregular verbs, and see examples of its usage.