Present Simple Tense
Master the basic present tense for facts, habits, and general truths
What Is the Present Simple Tense?
The present simple tense is used to express facts, habits, routines, and general truths. It's the most basic form of present tense and describes actions that happen regularly or are always true.
This tense is essential for everyday communication and is often the first tense students learn in English.
How to Form Present Simple
Positive Form
Subject + base form of verb
I work every day.
She likes music.
They play soccer.
Third Person Singular
Add "-s" or "-es" for he/she/it
He works hard.
She watches TV.
It runs fast.
When to Use Present Simple
Habits & Routines
Actions that happen regularly
I wake up at 7 AM every day.
She goes to the gym twice a week.
They have dinner at 6 PM.
Facts & General Truths
Information that is always true
The sun rises in the east.
Water boils at 100°C.
Birds fly south in winter.
Schedules & Timetables
Fixed arrangements and timetables
The train leaves at 3 PM.
School starts in September.
The movie begins at 8 PM.
Negative & Question Forms
Negative Form
Subject + don't/doesn't + base verb
I don't like coffee.
She doesn't work on weekends.
They don't speak French.
Question Form
Do/Does + subject + base verb
Do you like music?
Does she work here?
Do they play tennis?
Interactive Quizzes
Quiz 1: Form Present Simple
Change these verbs to present simple:
1. I (work) every day.
Answer: I work every day.
2. She (like) chocolate.
Answer: She likes chocolate. (add -s for third person)
Quiz 2: Choose the Right Form
Select the correct verb form:
1. He _____ (work/works) in a bank.
Answer: works (third person singular needs -s)
2. They _____ (live/lives) in London.
Answer: live (plural subject uses base form)
Quiz 3: Negative Forms
Make these sentences negative:
1. I like coffee.
Answer: I don't like coffee.
2. She works here.
Answer: She doesn't work here.
Quiz 4: Question Forms
Make these statements into questions:
1. You speak English.
Answer: Do you speak English?
2. She lives in Paris.
Answer: Does she live in Paris?
Important Notes
• For third person singular (he/she/it), add "-s" to most verbs, "-es" to verbs ending in -s, -sh, -ch, -x, -z, -o.
• The verb "be" is irregular: I am, you are, he/she/it is, we are, they are.
• Use present simple for scheduled future events, not for personal plans.
• Time expressions like "always," "usually," "often," "sometimes," "never" are commonly used with present simple.
Pro Tip
Remember the "-s" rule for third person singular! It's one of the most common mistakes in English. Think: "He works, she plays, it runs" - always add that "-s" for he/she/it.