Simple Present Tense: Rules, Formula, Usage, and Examples

The simple present tense is one of the most common and versatile verb tenses in English. It is also known as the present indefinite tense. We use simple present tense to express general truths, habits, routines, or facts. We can also use it to describe actions that are happening now.

How to Form the Simple Present Tense

Forming the Simple Present Tense is quite straightforward. Using the simple present tense rules and structure, you can form sentences.

Simple Present Tense Rules

These are a few simple present tense rules that you need to remember.

i) Verb Form (V1)

The Simple Present Tense uses the base form of the verb, known as V1. This form remains consistent regardless of the subject, except when addressing third-person singular subjects.

ii) Third-person singular

a) Adding “s”: When the subject is third-person singular (he/she/it/name), an “s” is added to the base verb. For example: He plays.

b) Specific Verb Endings for “es”: There are specific rules for certain verb endings. If the verb ends in “o, s, x, sh, or ch,” instead of adding “s” for the third-person singular, “es” is used. For example;

c) Changing “y” to “ies”: If the last letter of the verb is “y,” then replace it with “i” and then add “es”. That means we replace “y” with “ies.” For example;

d) Vowel before “y”: If there is a vowel ( a, e, i, o, u ) before “y” in a verb, add “s.” For example;

Simple Present Tense Structure

To form sentences in the Simple Present Tense, follow this structure:

Subject + Verb + (s or es) + Object

For instance: “She plays the piano.” (Subject: She, Verb: play + s, Object: the piano)

Simple Present Tense Examples

Let’s look at some of the examples of simple present tense. These example sentences express routine actions, facts, habits, or general truths in the present time.

1. She smokes. ( Habit )
2. I listen to music. ( Hobby )
3. They wake up at 5 o’clock in the morning. ( Routine )
4. My mother drinks tea every morning. ( Routine )
5. Water boils at 100 °C. ( Fact )
6. The stars shine at night. ( True statement / Fact )
7. The sun rises in the east. ( True statement / Fact )
8. Cows graze grass. ( True statement )
9. My father goes to the office. ( work/routine )
10. She works at the Airport. ( work/routine )

Uses of Simple Present Tense

The Simple Present Tense helps us discuss habits, routines, and general truths. It also describes actions that occur regularly or are happening right now. You can use this tense to describe your daily activities, beliefs, and thoughts about the world around you.

Let’s explore its various uses in detail.

1. To express fact or truth

Simple Present Tense is used to state facts or undoubted truths. The examples below are either facts or true statements…

• Oil floats on water.
• The Earth orbits around the sun.
• The sun sets in the west.

2. To express habit, hobby, work, or routine

This tense effectively portrays someone’s regular habits, hobbies, or daily routines. Below are a few examples that express someone’s habit, hobby, or routine.

• I get up at 6 a.m.
• The nearby store opens at 8 a.m.
• She teaches History in school.
• The history class starts at 9.30 sharp.
• I watch movies in my spare time.
• We pray before dinner.
• She drinks coffee before a workout.

3. To express something that happens or we do regularly or possibly

We use the Simple Present Tense to express actions occurring consistently. Common time expressions that we use in such sentences are:

Always, every day, every week, every month, every year, sometimes, often, never, usually, once, twice, several times a week/month

Here are some examples expressing regular or frequent actions…

• She never eats meat.
• I usually get up early.
• I always go to the market.
• It rains here serval times a month.
• She writes a blog every week.
• They visit their parents every month.
• Rohan visits the doctor once a year.
• My wife often goes for a morning walk with me.
• We get one month’s holiday every year.
• Alex plays tennis sometimes.
• We see heavy snowfall every winter in this region.

4. To express current events or situation

Use this tense to narrate ongoing events or current situations. Below are some examples that state current events or situations.

• You certainly deserve the promotion.
• She needs a friend in this difficult time.
• You owe me a thousand bucks.
• The government shuts down illegal liquor shops across the country.

5. To express planned future actions

Simple Present Tense can also indicate planned future actions. In the examples below, we are talking about things going to happen in the future…

• Our college re-opens on Monday.
• The meeting ends at 4 o’clock.
• The flights resume tomorrow morning.
• I want to go to Paris in the next couple of years.
• She plans to go to America next year for her higher studies.

6. To express current feelings or state of mind

We express someone’s current feelings, or state of mind using the present simple tense.

• I believe you.
• I hear you.
• He knows it.
• She hates me.
• You love her.
• I doubt it.
• I hope it works.
• I agree with you.
• They understand the situation.
• I forgive you for your mistake.

7. After Subordinate Conjunctions for Future Tense

When used with certain conjunctions, Simple Present Tense denotes future actions. Some subordinate conjunctions are: – as, as soon as, before, after, if, even if, unless, until, till, when

• My dad will help you if you ask for help.
• If you come, I will throw a party for you.
• We will leave as soon as my father comes home.
• David will not return your money until you ask.
• Please wait here till I come back.
• He will tell you everything when the time comes.

8. To express current possession, we use simple present-tense

• This house belongs to Mr. Smith.
• She owns a black Mercedes.
• I own an e-commerce company.

Negatives and Questions in Simple Present Tense

While we have covered affirmative sentences in the Simple Present Tense, it’s important to understand how to form negative and interrogative (question) sentences using this tense.

In the Simple Present Tense, we use the helping verbs “do” and “does” to form negative and interrogative sentences. The choice between “do” and “does” depends on the subject of the sentence:

1. “Do” is used with:
   • I, You, We, They, and other plural subjects.
2. “Does” is used with:
   • He, She, It, and other singular subjects.

Remember, when using “do” or “does” in negative sentences or questions, it’s important to match the appropriate helping verb with the subject to ensure proper subject-verb agreement.

Simple Present Negative Sentence

The structure for negative sentences in the Simple Present Tense is as follows:

Subject + do/does not + base form of the verb + object

Note: “do not” contracts to “don’t,” and “does not” contracts to “doesn’t.”

• I do not play cricket. (or) I don’t play cricket.
• He does not know me. (or) He doesn’t know me.

It’s important to note that in simple present tense negative sentences, we don’t add ‘s’ or ‘es’ to the main verb. For example:

Simple Present Negative Sentence Examples:

• She doesn’t like to go outside.
• I don’t eat junk food.
• They don’t go on vacation every year.
• My sister doesn’t like horror movies.
• He does not respect his co-workers.

Simple Present Interrogative Sentence

To form interrogative sentences in the Simple Present Tense, the structure is:

Do/Does + subject + base form of the verb + object +?

Simple Present Interrogative Sentence Examples

• Does she go to the market every Sunday?
• Do you work here?
• Does Jack teach at the primary school?
• Do they come here every weekend?
• Do you want to meet my parents?

Simple Present Interrogative Negative Sentence

The structure for interrogative negative sentences in the Simple Present Tense is as follows:

Do/Does + subject + not + base form of the verb + object +?

(Note: “Do not” contracts to “don’t,” and “does not” contracts to “doesn’t.”)

Simple Present Interrogative Negative Sentence Examples

• Doesn’t she drive a car?
• Don’t they work with you?
• Don’t you have any money?
• Don’t you want to join us at tomorrow’s party?
• Doesn’t your father come to pick you up every day?

20 Sentences Of Simple Present Tense

Here are 20 sentences of simple present tense that you may use in your day-to-day conversations.

1. I don’t want any trouble.
2. Does it feel good?
3. I don’t cook.
4. My mother cares for me.
5. We admire your work.
6. He keeps in touch with his mother.
7. I wake up early in the morning.
8. I sleep at 10 p.m.
9. Mr. Smith owns two companies.
10. He looks like your brother.
11. She never talks to me.
12. Don’t you believe me?
13. He wants something.
14. My daughter wants a gift for her birthday.
15. The movie starts at 7 p.m.
16. This road goes to my home.
17. Our shop opens at 10 a.m.
18. I always drive to the office.
19. Usually, it takes me an hour to reach my office.
20. Do they want to come with us?

Answering Questions in Simple Present Tense

In the Simple Present Tense, you can use short answers rather than full sentences to respond to questions:

FAQs

What is the simple present tense?

The simple present tense, also known as the present indefinite tense is an English verb tense. It is used to express actions or situations that are habitual, general, or unchanging. In the simple present tense, the base form of the verb is used for most subjects. But, for third-person singular subjects an ‘s’ or ‘-es’ is added to the verb.

When do we use the Simple Present Tense?

We use the Simple Present Tense for actions that are habitual, routines, scheduled events, general truths, or facts. For example: “She reads books every evening” (habitual action) or “The Earth revolves around the Sun” (general truth).

Can the Simple Present Tense be used for the future?

Yes, it can be used to talk about scheduled events or actions in the future when accompanied by time expressions. For example: “The train leaves at 9 PM tomorrow.“

How do I make a question in the Simple Present Tense?

To make a question in the Simple Present Tense, use the auxiliary verb “do” (or “does” for third-person singular) before the subject, and switch the subject and the base form of the verb. So, it goes like this: Auxiliary verb + subject + base form of the verb?

How do I make a negative sentence in the Simple Present Tense?

Making a negative sentence in the Simple Present Tense involves using “do” (or “does” for third-person singular) as an auxiliary verb. Then, add “not” after it. The structure is: Subject + auxiliary verb + not + base form of the verb.

How do we form the third-person singular in the Simple Present Tense?

Follow these general rules to form the third-person singular in the Simple Present Tense:
1. For most verbs, simply add “-s” to the base form (e.g., walks, talks).
2. For verbs ending in -s, -ss, -sh, -ch, -x, add “-es” (e.g., misses, fixes, washes, catches).
3. If the verb ends in a vowel + y, add -s (e.g., plays, stays, enjoys).
4. If the verb ends in a consonant + y, add -ies (e.g., tries, studies, cries).

What is the difference between ‘do’ and ‘does’ in Simple Present Tense?

In the Simple Present Tense, “do” and “does” are auxiliary verbs used to form questions and negative statements. The key difference between them lies in their usage with different subjects.
Do is used with: I, You, We, They
Does is used with: He, She, It