The Present Simple Tense

Usage:
We use the Present Simple Tense to talk about habits (things we do regularly), routines, and general facts or truths.

Formation:

A. Affirmative Statements (Positive Sentences)

  • Rule: For most subjects (I, They, We, You, and plural nouns), use the base form of the verb. For He, She, It (and singular nouns), add s/es/ies to the verb.
  • Examples:
    • I drink coffee every morning. (Base verb)
    • They play soccer on weekends. (Base verb)
    • He reads a book before bed. (Added 's')
    • She watches movies on Fridays. (Added 'es')
    • The baby cries when he is hungry. (Added 'ies' - replacing 'y')

Notes on Spelling:

  1. Add [s] to the verb with He / She / It.
  2. Add [es] to the verb with He / She / It if the verb ends in [ss, ch, sh, o, x].
  3. Add [ies] to the verb with He / She / It if the verb ends in a consonant + y (change the 'y' to 'i' first).
  • Examples:
    • He kisses his mother goodnight. (ends in 'ss')
    • She goes to the gym daily. (ends in 'o')
    • He studies hard for his exams. (ends in consonant + 'y')

Key Words:
These words are often used with the Present Simple: always, usually, often, sometimes, never, every.

  • Rule: These words come before the main verb but after the verb "to be" (am/is/are).
  • Examples:
    • She always eats breakfast. (Before main verb)
    • He is never late. (After 'to be')

B. Negative Statements

  • Rule: For I / You / We / They (and plural nouns), use don't + base verb. For He / She / It (and singular nouns), use doesn't + base verb.
  • Examples:
    • We don't like spicy food.
    • He doesn't play the piano.

Note: Using never gives the negative meaning without adding [don't/doesn't] at the end of the verb with pronouns (He, She, It) or a singular noun.

  • Example: She never drinks soda. = She doesn't drink soda.

C. Yes/No Questions (Interrogative)

  • Rule: Start with Do (for I/you/we/they) or Does (for he/she/it), then add the subject, then the base form of the verb, and the rest of the sentence.
  • Examples:
    • Do you speak English? -> Yes, I do. / No, I don't.
    • Does she live in London? -> Yes, she does. / No, she doesn't.

2. Present Simple with the verbs "be/have/do"

Note: The verbs "be", "have", and "do" change their form in the Present Simple depending on the subject.

1. Using the verb "be" (am, is, are):

  • I -> am = 'm
  • He / She / It (singular subject) -> is = 's
  • You / They / We (plural subject) -> are = 're
  • Examples:
    • I am happy today.
    • She is a teacher.
    • They are at the park.

2. Using the verb "have" (have, has):

  • He / She / It (singular subject) -> has
  • I / You / They / We (plural subject) -> have
  • Examples:
    • He has a new laptop.
    • We have two dogs.

3. Using the verb "do" (do, does):

  • He / She / It (singular subject) -> does
  • I / You / They / We (plural subject) -> do
  • Examples:
    • She does her homework every night.
    • I do the dishes after dinner.