Questions and Answers
Which of the following sentences is structured correctly in the negative form of the simple present tense?
What is the correct interrogative form of the simple present tense for the subject 'they'?
Which verb requires the addition of 'es' to form the third person singular in the simple present tense?
Which of the following sentences illustrates a habitual action in the simple present tense?
Signup and view all the answers
For the verb 'carry', what is the correct third person singular form in the simple present tense?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Simple Present Tense: Form and Structure
-
Definition: The simple present tense expresses habitual actions, general truths, and facts.
-
Structure:
-
Affirmative Sentences:
-
Subject + base form of the verb (add 's' or 'es' for third person singular).
- Examples:
- I walk.
- You walk.
- He/She/It walks.
- We walk.
- They walk.
- Examples:
-
Subject + base form of the verb (add 's' or 'es' for third person singular).
-
Negative Sentences:
-
Subject + do/does not + base form of the verb.
- Examples:
- I do not (don’t) walk.
- You do not (don’t) walk.
- He/She/It does not (doesn’t) walk.
- We do not (don’t) walk.
- They do not (don’t) walk.
- Examples:
-
Subject + do/does not + base form of the verb.
-
Interrogative Sentences:
-
Do/Does + subject + base form of the verb?
- Examples:
- Do I walk?
- Do you walk?
- Does he/she/it walk?
- Do we walk?
- Do they walk?
- Examples:
-
Do/Does + subject + base form of the verb?
-
-
Usage of 's' and 'es':
- Add 's' after the base form for most verbs.
- Add 'es' for verbs ending in:
- -ss (e.g., pass → passes)
- -sh (e.g., wash → washes)
- -ch (e.g., teach → teaches)
- -x (e.g., fix → fixes)
- -o (e.g., go → goes)
-
Spelling Changes:
- For verbs ending in 'y' preceded by a consonant, change 'y' to 'i' and add 'es':
- Example: carry → carries
- For verbs ending in 'y' preceded by a vowel, simply add 's':
- Example: play → plays
- For verbs ending in 'y' preceded by a consonant, change 'y' to 'i' and add 'es':
-
Common Usage:
- To express routine actions:
- Example: She goes to school every day.
- To state facts or general truths:
- Example: Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
- To express scheduled future events (especially in timetables):
- Example: The train departs at 9 AM.
- To express routine actions:
Simple Present Tense: Overview
- Expresses habitual actions, general truths, and facts.
Structure
-
Affirmative Sentences:
- Form: Subject + base form of the verb (add 's' or 'es' for third person singular).
- Examples:
- I walk.
- He walks.
-
Negative Sentences:
- Form: Subject + do/does not + base form of the verb.
- Examples:
- I do not walk.
- She does not walk.
-
Interrogative Sentences:
- Form: Do/Does + subject + base form of the verb?
- Examples:
- Do you walk?
- Does he walk?
Usage of 's' and 'es'
- Add 's' for most verbs in third person singular.
- Add 'es' for verbs ending in:
- -ss (passes)
- -sh (washes)
- -ch (teaches)
- -x (fixes)
- -o (goes)
Spelling Changes
- For verbs ending in 'y' preceded by a consonant, change 'y' to 'i' and add 'es':
- Example: carry → carries
- For verbs ending in 'y' preceded by a vowel, simply add 's':
- Example: play → plays
Common Usage
-
Routine Actions:
- Example: She goes to school every day.
-
Facts or General Truths:
- Example: Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
-
Scheduled Future Events (especially in timetables):
- Example: The train departs at 9 AM.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your understanding of the simple present tense, including its form and structure. This quiz covers affirmative, negative, and interrogative sentence constructions with practical examples. Perfect for those learning English grammar.