The Present Tense is usually the first verb form learned by new English speakers.
How do we use it? (Here is a basic explanation with examples)
To talk about...1) Something (an action) that happens regularly; a habit
I go shopping every Saturday.
They wash the dishes every evening.
I wake up at 7:30. (This means every morning)
We travel to Boston every summer.
I always forget to bring my keys!
For a list of TIME WORDS often used with the present simple, CLICK HERE)
3) A state (non-action verbs) in the present
I like chocolate.
They want a new car.
We have two cats.
I am a teacher. (NOTE: "TO BE" IS IRREGULAR- for more information, CLICK HERE)
For a list of some other non-action verbs that we may use in the present tense, CLICK HERE)
4) A permanent situation (NOT TEMPORARY)
I live in Michigan. (and probably plan to stay here)
They work in the insurance office. (they don't plan to change jobs soon)
What is special about present verbs with HE, SHE, and IT?
We add an s or es to the end of the verb. This is referred to as "Third Person Singular"He liveS in Rhode Island.
She workS in a school.
He washES the dishes in the morning.
For more information about this topic, with some spelling rules, CLICK HERE
How do we form the negative?
1) Usually, we add the word DON'T (which is a contraction of DO + NOT) before the verb:
I don't live in Spain.
We don't have dogs.
They don't play volleyball in the rain.
2) With HE/SHE/IT subjects, we add the word DOESN'T (DOES + NOT)
He doesn't live in Iran.
She doesn't have a car.
He doesn't play football.
How do we form a question?
1) Usually, we add the word DO before the subject:
Do you live in Spain?
Do they have dogs?
Do they play volleyball?
2) With HE/SHE/IT subjects, we add the word DOES before the subject:
Does he live in Iran?
Does she have a car?
Does he play football?
Do you need more information?
For more explanations of the present simple, visit these sites:- ENGLISH PAGE (with exercises at the bottom)
- EDUFIND
Would you like to practice?
Try these!- Exercise 1
- Exercise 2
- Exercise 3
- Exercise 4
- Exercise 5 (a practice activity video)
