Simple Present Tense
Learn how to use the simple present tense to talk about habits, facts, and general truths
What Is Simple Present Tense?
The simple present tense is used to describe actions that happen regularly, facts that are always true, and general statements. It's one of the most commonly used verb tenses in English and is essential for everyday communication.
Uses of Simple Present Tense
1. Habits and Routines
I wake up at 7 AM every day.
Regular habit
She brushes her teeth twice a day.
Daily routine
2. Facts and General Truths
The sun rises in the east.
Universal fact
Water boils at 100°C.
Scientific fact
3. Scheduled Events
The train leaves at 3 PM.
Fixed schedule
School starts in September.
Regular schedule
Simple Present Verb Forms
| Subject | Verb Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I, You, We, They | Base form | I play, You work, We study |
| He, She, It | Base form + s | He plays, She works, It runs |
Simple Present Tense Examples
I work in an office. (Habit)
She speaks three languages. (Fact)
The movie starts at 8 PM. (Schedule)
They live in New York. (General truth)
Interactive Quiz 1: Identify Simple Present
Which sentences use simple present tense?
1. I work every day.
Show Answer
Answer: Yes - simple present (habit)
2. I am working right now.
Show Answer
Answer: No - present continuous
3. The sun rises in the east.
Show Answer
Answer: Yes - simple present (fact)
Interactive Quiz 2: Choose the Correct Verb Form
Complete with the correct verb form:
She _____ English. (speak)
Show Answer
Answer: speaks (he/she/it + s)
They _____ in London. (live)
Show Answer
Answer: live (they = base form)
He _____ to work by bus. (go)
Show Answer
Answer: goes (he/she/it + s)
Interactive Quiz 3: Simple Present Uses
Identify the use of simple present in each sentence:
I wake up at 6 AM every day.
Show Answer
Answer: Habit/Routine
The Earth revolves around the Sun.
Show Answer
Answer: Fact/General truth
The train leaves at 5 PM.
Show Answer
Answer: Scheduled event
Interactive Quiz 4: Simple Present vs Other Tenses
Choose the correct tense for each situation:
Talking about a habit: "I _____ coffee every morning."
Show Answer
Answer: drink (simple present for habits)
Talking about right now: "I _____ coffee right now."
Show Answer
Answer: am drinking (present continuous for current action)
Talking about a fact: "Water _____ at 100°C."
Show Answer
Answer: boils (simple present for facts)
Tips for Using Simple Present Tense
Remember the -s Rule
Add -s to verbs with he, she, it subjects.
Use for Regular Actions
Simple present describes habits and routines.
Use for Facts
Simple present describes general truths and facts.
Quick Reference
Pro Tip
Simple present is used for actions that happen regularly or are always true!