Simple Present Tense

Master the foundation of English: habits, facts, routines, and general truths

What is Simple Present?

The simple present is the most fundamental verb tense in English. Despite its name, it's not just about the "present moment" – it's about what happens regularly, what is always true, and what is scheduled to happen.

Think of simple present as your default tense for describing the world as it normally exists: your daily routines, scientific facts, permanent situations, and scheduled future events. Master this tense first, and you'll have a solid foundation for all other tenses.

When to Use

1. Habits and Routines

Use simple present to describe actions you do regularly or repeatedly.

I drink coffee every morning.
She goes to the gym three times a week.
We have team meetings on Mondays.
He walks his dog after dinner.
They visit their grandparents every weekend.
My brother plays video games in the evening.

2. Facts and General Truths

Use simple present for things that are always true or scientifically proven.

Water boils at 100°C.
The Earth revolves around the Sun.
Cats are mammals.
Ice melts when you heat it.
The sun rises in the east.
Two plus two equals four.
London is the capital of England.

3. Scheduled Events and Timetables

Use simple present for fixed future events that follow a schedule.

The train leaves at 6:30 PM.
The meeting starts at 9 AM tomorrow.
School begins on September 1st.
The store opens at 10 o'clock.
The concert ends at midnight.
My flight departs next Monday morning.

4. Permanent Situations and States

Use simple present for situations that are generally true or don't change often.

She lives in New York.
I work as a teacher.
He speaks three languages.
They own a restaurant.
We believe in hard work.

Formation

Positive Form: Subject + base verb (+ s/es for he/she/it)

I work from home.
You study every day.
He works in an office. (add -s)
She teaches English. (add -es after ch/sh/s/x/z)
It rains a lot here.
We live in Tokyo.
They enjoy classical music.

Negative Form: Subject + do/does + not + base verb

I don't work on weekends.
You don't need a car.
He doesn't like spicy food.
She doesn't speak French.
It doesn't snow here.
We don't watch TV.
They don't eat meat.

Question Form: Do/Does + subject + base verb?

Do you work here?
Do they live nearby?
Does he play tennis?
Does she know the answer?
Does it cost a lot?
Where do you study?
What time does the class start?

Common Mistakes

❌ She go to school every day. → ✅ She goes to school every day.
❌ He don't like coffee. → ✅ He doesn't like coffee.
❌ Does they work here? → ✅ Do they work here?
❌ I doesn't understand. → ✅ I don't understand.
❌ She studys every night. → ✅ She studies every night. (y → ies)
❌ Do he speaks English? → ✅ Does he speak English?
❌ They doesn't know me. → ✅ They don't know me.
❌ The sun rise in the east. → ✅ The sun rises in the east.

Practice Tips

🎯 Start with your daily routine: Describe your morning, afternoon, and evening activities using simple present. This builds natural fluency.
📱 Use frequency adverbs: Practice with words like "always," "usually," "often," "sometimes," "rarely," "never" to make your sentences more natural.
⚡ Remember the -s rule: He/she/it always gets an -s (or -es). Say it out loud: "He works, she goes, it runs."
🗣️ Talk about what you know: Describe facts about your city, job, or hobbies. Simple present is perfect for this.
✍️ Write about schedules: Practice with timetables – train schedules, class times, store hours – to master the future use of simple present.