Simple Present Tense: Rules, Examples & Usage | English Grammar
Last Updated: 01 Jul, 2025
Welcome! In this lesson, you'll learn all about the Simple Present Tense in English grammar. We'll cover the rules, formation, usage, and provide plenty of examples. You'll find real-life examples, a quick quiz, and pro tips to help you master this fundamental tense.
What is Simple Present Tense?
Simple Present Tense Definition: Simple present tense is used to describe actions that happen regularly, general truths, permanent situations, and scheduled events. It's the most basic and commonly used tense in English.
Why is Simple Present Important? It's the foundation of English communication, helping us talk about daily routines, facts, habits, and current states.
Simple Present Tense Structure
| Sentence Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | Subject + Verb (s/es for he/she/it) | I work / He works |
| Negative | Subject + don't/doesn't + Base Verb | I don't work / He doesn't work |
| Question | Do/Does + Subject + Base Verb? | Do I work? / Does he work? |
The structure changes based on the subject and sentence type.
When to Use Simple Present Tense
1. Habits and Routines
- I brush my teeth every morning.
- She goes to the gym three times a week.
- They have dinner at 7 PM.
- We watch movies on Fridays.
2. General Truths and Facts
- The sun rises in the east.
- Water boils at 100°C.
- Birds fly in the sky.
- English is a global language.
3. Permanent Situations
- I live in New York.
- He works as a teacher.
- She owns a restaurant.
- They speak French fluently.
4. Scheduled Events
- The train leaves at 8:30 AM.
- The movie starts at 7 PM.
- School begins in September.
- The store opens at 9 AM.
Formation Rules
Adding -s or -es to Verbs
| Rule | Base Verb | He/She/It Form |
|---|---|---|
| Most verbs: add -s | work, play, eat | works, plays, eats |
| Ends in -s, -x, -ch, -sh, -o: add -es | watch, fix, go | watches, fixes, goes |
| Ends in consonant + y: change y to ies | study, try | studies, tries |
| Irregular verbs | have, be | has, is |
📌 Simple Present Challenge!
Complete the sentences with the correct form:
- She _____ (play) tennis every Sunday.
- I _____ (not/like) spicy food.
- _____ you _____ (speak) English?
- The bus _____ (arrive) at 9 AM.
Show Answers
- She plays tennis every Sunday.
- I don't like spicy food.
- Do you speak English?
- The bus arrives at 9 AM.
Common Time Expressions
Frequency Adverbs
- always, usually, often
- sometimes, rarely, never
- seldom, frequently
Time Expressions
- every day/week/month
- on Mondays, in the morning
- at night, once a week
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting -s for third person: ❌ "He work here" ✅ "He works here"
- Wrong auxiliary in negatives: ❌ "He don't like" ✅ "He doesn't like"
- Using -s in questions: ❌ "Does he works?" ✅ "Does he work?"
- Double negatives: ❌ "He doesn't never come" ✅ "He never comes"
- Wrong spelling: ❌ "She studys" ✅ "She studies"
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Choose the correct form
- I (go/goes) to school by bus.
- She (don't/doesn't) eat meat.
- (Do/Does) they live here?
- The cat (sleep/sleeps) all day.
- We (study/studies) English every day.
Show Answers
- go
- doesn't
- Do
- sleeps
- study
Frequently Asked Questions
What is simple present tense?
Simple present tense is used to express habits, general truths, permanent situations, and scheduled events. It follows the structure: Subject + base verb (add s/es for he/she/it).
When do we add -s or -es to verbs in simple present?
Add -s or -es to the base verb when the subject is he, she, or it (third person singular). Examples: He works, She watches, It runs.
What are some examples of simple present tense?
Examples include: I work every day, She plays tennis, The sun rises in the east, We live in London, They study English.
How do you make negative sentences in simple present?
Use don't (do not) with I/you/we/they and doesn't (does not) with he/she/it. Examples: I don't like coffee, He doesn't play football.
How do you ask questions in simple present tense?
Use Do with I/you/we/they and Does with he/she/it. Examples: Do you speak English? Does she work here?
What's the difference between simple present and present continuous?
Simple present expresses habits and general facts (I work every day), while present continuous expresses actions happening now (I am working now).
Can simple present be used for future events?
Yes, simple present can express scheduled future events, especially with time expressions. Examples: The train leaves at 8 AM, The movie starts at 7 PM.
What are common time expressions with simple present?
Common time expressions include: always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never, every day/week/month, on Mondays, in the morning.
Conclusion
Simple Present Tense is the foundation of English grammar. Master its formation, usage, and common patterns to express habits, facts, and permanent situations clearly and correctly!