Verbs refer to actions, and tenses refer to the time of actions. Tenses are of three types—present, past, and future. These three have four variations each, and in total, there are twelve types of them.
Present simple tense indicates habits, regular timetables, fixed plans, universal truths, actions that happen at the time of talking, and conditionals—zero & first. Sentences with such tense always take the verb’s base form; only the 3rd person singular takes “s” or “es” at the end.
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| Habitual Actions | General Truths | Fixed Timetables |
| I walk to the office every day. | If you heat iron, it melts. | The meeting ends at 3 PM. |
Table of Contents
- Structure of Present Simple Tense
- Guide to Using Present Simple Tense in Different Situations
- If Something Is True in the Present, Use the Present Simple Tense
- When Something Happens Regularly, Use the Present Simple Tense
- If Sentences Have Adverb of Frequency, Use Present Simple Tense
- When Something Is Permanent in the future, Use the Present Simple Tense
- For Short Actions, Use the Present Simple Tense
- To Share Past Incidents or Stories, Use Present Simple Tense
- Use Present Simple Tense to Talk about Universal/General Facts
- To Give Instructions, Use the Present Simple Tense
- Use Present Simple to Express Feelings and Reactions
- With Performative Verbs, Use the Present Simple Tense
- Using Present Simple Tense in Formal Statements Helps to Sound Better
- For Future Reference, Use Present Simple in Dependent Clauses
- To Write News Headlines, Use the Present Simple Tense
- For Zero & First Conditional Sentences, Use the Present Simple Tense
- Guide to Using the Present Simple Tense in Relation to Person
- Spelling Rules of Present Simple with 3rd Person Singular Subject
- How to Make Different Types of Sentences in Present Simple Tense
- In Conclusion
Structure of Present Simple Tense
Basic Structure: Subject+ Base Form of Verb+ Extension (Optional)
Example 1: I like desserts.
Example 2: They go to college by bus.
Exception: If the subject is a third-person singular number, the verb takes “s” or “es” and the structure looks like the following:
Subject (3rd Person Singular) + Base Form of Verb+ s/es+ Extension (Optional)
Example 1: Jason likes desserts.
Example 2: He goes to college by bus.
Guide to Using Present Simple Tense in Different Situations
Using the present simple tense while talking is very common in our daily conversation. You already have some ideas about how this tense is used for different purposes in different situations from the above discussion. In this part of the post, I will dive into a more detailed discussion about it.
If Something Is True in the Present, Use the Present Simple Tense
The most common use of the present simple tense is when you need to talk about anything true in the present time. If you want to talk about age, present profession, or the place someone or you currently live, you should use the present simple tense.
Example 1: I am thirty-five years old.
Example 2: He is an ESL instructor.
Example 3: They live in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
When Something Happens Regularly, Use the Present Simple Tense
Use of the present simple tense is mandatory if you want to talk about something that happens regularly in the present. To be more precise, when you want to talk about habitual facts, you use the present simple tense.
Example 1: We play cricket every weekend.
Example 2: They visit the church regularly.
Example 3: He walks to the gym every day.
If Sentences Have Adverb of Frequency, Use Present Simple Tense
Adverbs of frequency—always, sometimes, never, etc. are used to talk about how frequently people do something. As the present simple tense indicates routine or repeated actions, adverbs of frequency are very often used here.
Example 1: He always comes early.
Example 2: I sometimes go to the cinema.
Example 3: They never come on time.
When Something Is Permanent in the future, Use the Present Simple Tense
If you want to talk about something fixed in the future—most commonly a schedule or fixed timetable, you can use the present simple tense.
Example 1: The semester starts in June.
Example 2: The bus leaves at 9 PM.
Example 3: We fly to New York next month.
In the above sentences, every action (start, leave, and fly) is about to happen in a fixed time in the future, but you can use the present simple form of the verb here.
For Short Actions, Use the Present Simple Tense
An action that is such short that it is over immediately after you have uttered the sentence is called short action. You can use the present simple tense to express these kinds of actions. They are very commonly used in sports commentary.
Example 1: Messi gets the first ball, and he scores a goal.
Example 2: He comes, waits for the right ball, and scores a six.
Example 3: They enter, join the team, and win the match.
To Share Past Incidents or Stories, Use Present Simple Tense
If you want to share any experience, incident, or series of actions, you can use the present simple tense. You can also use the same tense to summarize a book, film, or play. Have a close look at the following examples. It will make the idea clearer.
Example 1 (Telling a story):
I was having lunch at McDonald’s the day before yesterday. Suddenly a little girl comes to me and says that she is lost on the street and cannot find her father. She asks for my mobile phone so that she can make a call to her father. She also…
Example 2 (Summarizing):
Shakespeare’s Macbeth opens with three witches telling Macbeth that he will be the King of Scotland. When he shares it with his wife, she encourages him to do everything for the crown. Macbeth kills the king and …
Use Present Simple Tense to Talk about Universal/General Facts
Universal facts are always, which means they remain the same regardless of time. So, general or universal truths can only be expressed in the present simple tense.
Example 1: The earth moves around the sun.
Example 2: Man is mortal.
Example 3: The sun rises in the east.
To Give Instructions, Use the Present Simple Tense
When you give instructions or directions to someone, you are giving directions to follow it now or in the future, but you speak in the present. So it would be best if you use the present simple tense.
Example 1: Plug the cable in, and raise the volume.
Example 2: Go straight and then take the first left.
Example 3: Turn the page, and start writing from the second page.
Use Present Simple to Express Feelings and Reactions
When you express your immediate reactions and feelings regarding anything, you are expected to use the present simple tense. These reactions and feelings are usually expressed with the verb senses. Let’s see some examples.
Example 1: The mango tastes sweet.
Example 2: The meat doesn’t smell ok.
Example 3: I like the color of the shoes.
With Performative Verbs, Use the Present Simple Tense
Performative verbs are used to express actions that convey intents. They are also called speech-act verbs. “Promise,” “apologize,” “predict,” “request,” “insist,” “warn,” etc., are some examples of speech-act verbs. They perform the act that they describe.
Example 1: I promise I will do it on time.
Example 2: I agree with the opinion you have about the new product.
Example 3: I apologize for my fault.
Using Present Simple Tense in Formal Statements Helps to Sound Better
In formal communications (business and legal), using the present simple tense is quite common. While writing business letters, it’s always better to write in the present simple tense whenever possible. It helps you sound formal and professional.
Say, for example, you are a restaurant manager of a five-star hotel. You had a crucial meeting with a supplier last night. Now you want to write an e-mail to thank him for his precious presence.
If you start the e-mail with, “I am writing to thank you…,” it’s alright. But not the best. The best is if you can avoid the progressive form and write in the present simple form. You could say, “I write to thank you….” Now it sounds more formal than the other.
For Future Reference, Use Present Simple in Dependent Clauses
“When,” “before,” “as soon as,” “if,” and “whether” are words very commonly found in complex sentences. A complex sentence has at least two clauses—one independent and one or more dependent clauses. The dependent clause usually takes the verb’s present form when the sentence refers to any future action.
Example 1: They’ll feel better if you go there.
Example 2: I will text you when I meet him.
Example 3: He will buy them after I take mine back.
To Write News Headlines, Use the Present Simple Tense
The headlines are usually written in the present simple tense, even if they talk about past events. Reporters do it to give importance to the immediacy of the happenings.
Example 1: Police Arrest Six Terrorists
Example 2: Donald Trump Meets Joe Biden at the White House
Example 3: Covid-19 Spreads Worldwide
For Zero & First Conditional Sentences, Use the Present Simple Tense
When we talk about conditional sentences which are universally true, we call them zero conditional sentences. This type of sentence has two clauses—one dependent or if clause and one independent clause. Both clauses take the present form of verbs.
Example 1: If you overeat sugar, you get fat.
Example 2: Babies cry when they are hungry.
Example 3: If you fire a dry paper, it burns.
The first conditional sentences take the verb’s present form in the dependent clause and future simple form in the independent clause.
Example 1: If he comes, I’ll go.
Example 2: If John calls me, I’ll discuss the matter.
Example 3: If they give me 25% of the total amount, I’ll arrange the rest.
Please read another post titled Conditional Sentences in English to learn about all four types of conditional sentences in detail.
Guide to Using the Present Simple Tense in Relation to Person
Table: First Person
| Person | Number | Verb Form | Examples |
| First | Singular | The base form of the verb | I teach English. I don’t teach History. Do I teach Literature? Don’t I teach Science? I am a student. I am not a teacher. Am I a player? |
| First | Plural | The base form of the verb | We teach English. We don’t teach History. Do we teach Literature? Don’t we teach Science? We are from Bangladesh. We aren’t from Bangladesh. Are we from Bangladesh? |
Table: Second Person
| Person | Number | Verb Form | Examples |
| Second | Singular | The base form of the verb | You teach English. You don’t teach History. Do you teach Literature? Don’t you teach Science? You are a student. You aren’t a teacher. Are you a player? |
| Second | Plural | The base form of the verb | You teach English. You don’t teach History. Do you teach Literature? Don’t you teach Science? You are good players. You are not good fielders. Are you good players? |
Table: Third Person
| Person | Number | Verb Form | Examples |
| Third | Singular | The base form of the verb+ s/es | S/he teaches English. S/he doesn’t teach History. Dose s/he teach Literature? Doesn’t s/he teach Science? John teaches English. John doesn’t teach History. Does John teach Literature? Doesn’t John teach Science? S/he is a teacher. S/he isn’t an officer. Is s/he a manager? |
| Third | Plural | The base form of the verb | They teach English. They don’t teach History. Do they teach Literature? Don’t they teach Science? My friends teach English. My friends don’t teach History. Do my friends teach Literature? Don’t my friends teach Science? They are good people. They are not teachers. Are they good officers? |
Spelling Rules of Present Simple with 3rd Person Singular Subject
Look at the two following example sentences first.
Example 1: He walks to school.
Example 2: He teaches English.
Example 3: He flies to the USA next week.
You have already learned the basic structure (subject+ base form of the verb+ extension) of the present simple tense from the above discussion. You also know about the only variation of the structure; if the subject of a sentence is a third-person singular number, “s” or “es” is added to the verb’s base form.
In Example 1, we have the verb “walk” with an “s” added, as the subject is “He”—a third-person singular number.
But in Example 2, we have the same subject, “He,” but “es” is added to the verb “teach.”
In Example 3, for the verb “fly,” “y” is replaced by “i,” and then “es” is added just because the subject is a third-person singular number.
Why is that? Why do we use “s” with one verb and “es” with another? Why the verb “fly” is used as “flies?” In this part of my post, I will discuss the spelling rules for present simple verbs when the subject is third-person singular.
Spelling Rule 1: In the case of sentences in the present simple tense, most of the verbs take an “s” at the end when the subject is a third-person singular number.
Example 1: He likes burgers.
Example 2: She loves shopping.
Example 3: Rohan eats more in the morning.
Spelling Rule 2: If a verb ends in “s,” “sh,” “ch,” and “x,” we add “es” to the verb. Words like pass, wish, watch, and mix are some words that end with the “s,” “sh,” “ch,” and “x,” respectively. Let’s see some example sentences.
Example 1: He passes the ball accurately.
Example 2: She wishes to become a doctor.
Example 3: Rajib watches movies every Thursday night.
Example 4: He fixes the gas line every time.
If you notice minutely, you will find that adding “es” instead of “s” after the verb makes them easier to pronounce. If you add “s” with words like pass, wish, watch, fix, etc., it will be harder to pronounce. Right? Do you want to try it?
Spelling Rule 3: If any verb ends with the vowel “o” and there is any consonant like “g” or “d,” we add “es” to the verb while making sentences in the present simple tense. The two most common such words are “go” and “do.”
Simply put, in the case of “go” and “do,” add “es” if the subject is a third-person singular number.
Example 1: S/he goes to work on foot.
Example 2: S/he does it very well.
Example 3: Julie goes to school regularly.
Example 4: Rashed does this well.
Spelling Rule 4: In the case of the verbs ending in “y” having a consonant immediately before it, the “y” is replaced with “i” and then added “es.” “Flies,” “tries,” “cries,” etc., are examples of some such words.
Example 1: Jack tries his best. (Try → tries)
Example 2: The baby cries when it is hungry. (Cry → cries)
Example 3: Jimmy flies from Delhi to New York every December. (Fly → Flies)
However, the verbs ending in “y” having vowels—a, e, i, o, u before it, take “s” as in words like plays, stays, buys, conveys, enjoys, etc. This rule is similar to Rule 1, which is applicable to most of the verbs.
Example 1: He plays football very well.
Example 2: Rishad enjoys watching movies.
Example 3: Mira stays home at the weekend.
How to Make Different Types of Sentences in Present Simple Tense
How to Make Present Simple Affirmative Sentences
To confirm the subject’s permanent situations, we use the present simple affirmative sentences. We also use the same tense in the affirmative form to talk about habits, planned futures, timetables, or events that regularly happen.
Structure 1: Subject+ base form of the verb+ extension
Example 1: I work at a restaurant.
Example 2: We go to work by bus.
Example 3: They play well.
Structure 2: Subject (third-person singular)+ base form of the verb+ s/es+ extension
Example 1: S/he works at a restaurant.
Example 2: Richard cooks well.
Structure 3: Subject + to be verb+ extension
Example 1: I am an ESL instructor.
Example 2: He is a student.
Example 3: They are good players.
To see some more examples and know about the topic more, you can read another write-up on Present Simple Affirmative in Relation to Person and Number.
How to Make Present Simple Negative Sentences
To deny something (i.e., habits, planned future, timetables, permanent situations, etc.) about the subject, we use the present simple tense in the negative form.
Structure 1: Subject+ don’t+ base form of the verb+ extension
Example 1: I don’t work at a restaurant.
Example 2: We don’t go to work by bus.
Example 3: They don’t play well.
Structure 2: Subject (third-person singular)+ doesn’t+ base form of the verb+ extension
Example 1: S/he doesn’t work at a restaurant.
Example 2: Shimul doesn’t cook well.
Structure 3: Subject + to be verb+ not+ extension
Example 1: I’m not a cricket player.
Example 2: He isn’t a teacher.
Example 3: They aren’t good players.
To see some more examples and know about the topic more, you can read another write-up on Present Simple Negatives in Relation to Person and Number.
How to Make Present Simple Interrogative Sentences
We use the present simple tense in the interrogative form to ask something (i.e., habits, planned future, timetables, permanent situations, etc.) about the subject.
Structure 1: Do+ subject+ base form of the verb+ extension
Example 1: Do I work at a restaurant?
Example 2: Do we go to work by bus?
Example 3: Do they play well?
Structure 2: Does+ subject (third-person singular)+ base form of the verb+ extension
Example 1: Does s/he work at a restaurant?
Example 2: Does Richard cook well?
Structure 3: To be verb+ subject + extension
Example 1: Am I a cricket player?
Example 2: Is s/he a teacher?
Example 3: Are they good players?
To see some more examples and know about the topic more, you can read another write-up on Present Simple Interrogative in Relation to Person and Number.
In Conclusion
Present simple tense is one of the four variations of present tense that takes the base form of a verb while making sentences. It talks about generally true or habitual actions—used to take place in the past, used to take place in the present, and will continue taking place in the future.
I hope the above discussion will help you completely understand the present simple tense.
Thanks for reading.
Happy learning.
