How to Use Present Simple Tense

In English grammar, verb tenses are crucial and help us to describe things or actions with respect to different periods. Among others, present simple tense is a verb tense that describes things or actions happening in the present time. In addition, present simple is also used for describing habits, routines, and universal truths. 

In this article, you will learn what present simple tense is, how to form sentences, when to use this tense, and when not to use it. 

What is Present Simple Tense?

The simple present, also known as the present indefinite tense, is a verb tense with two main uses. First, We use this verb tense when talking about an action that is happening right now in the present time. We also use this tense to talk about things or actions that are happening regularly.

For example;

• He goes to school.
• He watches TV.
• He works hard.
• He sells cars.
• He plays cricket.
• He eats food.

Depending on the person, the simple present tense is formed by using the root form or by adding s or es to the end.

Examples:

• I am tired. 
• I feel excited. 
• They are hungry.
• She sleeps a lot. 
• He works hard. 

How to use the present simple tense?

To use the present simple tense, we use the root form of the verb.

Subject + base verb + object

If the subject of the sentence is third-person singular pronouns like he, she, it, or singular nouns, then we add -s or—es at the end of the base verb (root verb).

• He works.
• She works.
• It works.
• Ali works.

 With the rest of the pronouns (I, We, They, You) and plural nouns, we simply use the base form of the verb.

• I work.
• We work.
• They work.
• You work.

When to Use Present Simple Tense

Present simple tense is used to talk about actions that are happening right now. 

In addition, this tense is also used to talk about habits, routines, repeated actions, fixed or planned arrangements, and general truths. We will discuss each category with examples below.

1. Universal Truth

We use the present simple tense to discuss general or universal truths. Take a look at the following sentences to learn how present simple describes actions that are considered general truths or universal realities.

• The sun rises in the east.
• The earth revolves around the sun. 
• The sun sets in the west.

2. Habits

Present simple tense is also used to talk about habits or habitual actions because these actions occur repeatedly. Here are some example sentences.

• He wakes up early in the morning.
• He sleeps early at night.
• He finishes his work before leaving.
• He helps others.
• He speaks the truth.
• He always lies.

3. Routine

Some actions or activities are part of our daily routine and we do these actions regularly. To describe routine actions that happen as a part of the routine, we use present simple. For example:

• He drives the car carefully.
• He stops at the stop sign.
• He looks around before leaving the store.
• He cleans his office before sitting.

4. Fixed arrangements

We use the present simple tense to discuss fixed or planned arrangements. The following examples clarify the concept.

• His mother arrives tomorrow.
• The train comes at 5 am.
• The class starts at noon.

5. Instructions

Present simple tense is also used to give instructions on how to do something. See the following examples:

• Open the door.
• Pack your luggage.
• Read the book.
• Look around.
• Write a letter.

6. Repeated Actions

If an action or activity is happening repeatedly, then we use present simple tense to describe a repeated action or activty.

• It rains every day.
• The bus stops on this corner.
• He wakes up early in the morning. 
• He exercises consistently.

7. With Future Tense

Present simple tense is also used with future tense. Take a look at the following examples:

• He will shop before he goes home.
• He will work before he sleeps.
• She will clean before she leaves for work.

How to Make Present Simple Tense

The present simple tense is the first tense in English grammar. To make sentences in the present simple, we use the base form of the verb with the subject. 

Positive Sentences in Present Simple

In the present simple tense, a sentence starts with the subject followed by first form the of the main verb. 

Examples:

• He reads a book.
• He writes a letter. 
• She cooks food.
• She cleans the house.
• I play cricket.
• We sleep early at night.
• You help others.

You may have noticed that we use main verb with s or es with some pronouns. According to English grammar, when we use He, She, It or a singular subject, then we add s or es with the main verb.

Negative Sentences 

In the negative sentences, we use do not or does not before the main verb. The sentence structure would be; Subject + do not/ does not + base verb. If you are using an object in the sentence, then the object will come after the main verb.

Formula 

The formula for making a simple present verb negative is do/does +not + root form of verb. you can also use the contraction don’t or doesn’t instead of do not or doest not.

Subject + does not + root form of verb.

• He does not read the book.
• He does not write a letter.
• She does not cook food.
• She does not clean the house.
• I do not play cricket.
• I do not use a computer.
• We do not sleep early at night.
• We do not talk to them.
• You do not help others.
• You do not go outside.

Question Sentences 

To ask a question using present simple, use Does or Do at the start of the sentence followed by the Subject and base verb. 

Examples:

• Does he read the book?
• Does he write a letter?
• Does she cook food?
• Does she clean the house?
• Do I play cricket?
• Do I use a computer?
• Do we sleep early at night?
• Do we talk to them?
• Do you help others?
• Do you go outside?

Example Sentences of Present Simple Tense

• He tells a lie. 
• She write a letter. 
• They play cricket match. 
• The earth revolves around the sun. 
• The sun rises in the east. 
• Plants need sunlight to grow. 
• I read a newspaper. 
• You wake up early in the morning. 
• He goes hiking every year. 
• He loves swimming. 
• She hates staying up late at night.

Conclusion

Present simple is the verb tense in English used to describe an action happening in the present. It is also used to describe routines, habits, general truths, or repeated actions. We use present simple along with future tense.

To make present simple, we simply use base verb. in case of he, she, it or a singular noun, we add -s or -es to the base form of the verb. for negative sentences, we use do/does not. For question sentences, we use do/does at the start of the sentence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the present simple tense.

What is present simple tense?

Present simple is a verb tense that describes action or things that are happening in the present. It is also used to describes fixed arrangements, routines, habits, or general truth. It is also used along with future tense.

How to make present simple tense?

To make the present simple tense, we use the base form of the verb. With he, she, it, or singular nouns, we add -s or -es with the base form of the verb. 

I hope this article helped you learn what the present simple tense is, how to make sentences in it, and when to use it. 

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