The simple present tense is one of several forms of present tense in English (also called present simple or present indefinite). It’s used to describe situations in which an action happens often or repetitively in the present. Most often, this verb tense is used when describing habits.
Grammar Tips:
- It may seem odd that the simple present tense is not used to describe things happening right now. In those cases, you’ll use the present continuous tense.
- Adverbs of frequency such as often, always, never, all the time, sometimes, are often used with the simple present tense.
Simple Present Tense Uses
1. Habits or things you do often
Repeated actions have been done and will be done in the future. Because of this, we use the simple present tense to describe these.
Examples:
I write newspaper articles.
She eats sushi for lunch all the time.
He asks many questions everyday.
The teacher assigns lots of homework.
I meet my friend for brunch on weekends.
Sometimes, I work from home.
I never talk while chewing.
Cassandra usually helps me with my assignments.
2. Statements of Fact or Generalizations
The simple present tense is also used for facts or generalizations. In these sentences, the speaker believes the fact has been true in the past, is true now and will continue to be true. For these reasons, the present tense is used to describe these types of information.
Examples:
I live in an apartment.
The pie smells like cinnamon.
He is upset.
She likes chocolate.
The students are eager to learn.
Soccer is fun.
3. Scheduled Events in the Near Future
Sometimes, the simple present will be used to discuss events that will happen in the future. Many of the sentences in this use case involve transportation.
Examples:
The train leaves at 8:00 am tomorrow.
The plane departs at 6:00 pm tonight.
She arrives at 4:00 tomorrow.
In the morning, he leaves for Japan.
The bus comes in 10 minutes.
However, you’ll use future tense with time words such as when, if, unless, until or before.
In the morning, he will leave for Japan unless the offer comes through.
Her dog will wait until she comes to the door.
I will go to the apartment before going to the airport.
4. Now (Non-Continuous Verbs)
Sentences with facts that are true now or in this instance will use the simple present tense.
The specific verbs used in these sentences will be non-continuous verbs. These are verbs describing an action that cannot be seen such as to like, to be, to want, to cost, to seem, to exist, to like to mind, to belong to, looks, seems, appears etc.
Examples:
- I am happy.
- Mr. Smith looks annoyed.
- She wants a new computer.
- The hamburger costs ten dollars.
- He has a nice backpack.
- They need help with their car.
- That phone belongs to me.
- Mark seems to be in a good mood.
5. Directions or Instructions
When telling someone how to do something or directing them to do something, we use the simple present tense.
In these sentences, they often start with the verb.
The sentence may also start with an adverb or adverb clause to indicate where it comes in a sequence of steps.
Examples:
- Open the door.
- Go to the bus station.
- Walk up the stairs.
- To turn on the computer, press the power button.
- To use the microwave, select your time and press start.
- First boil water.
- Then, add pasta to the water.
- Next, strain the pasta and add sauce.
- After adding the sauce, put the pasta in a bowl and enjoy!
Advanced Use Cases
6. Describing Past Narratives
The simple present tense is regularly used when describing events in stories and jokes. This is an extremely informal usage that creates a sense of friendliness and immediacy.
Telling a Story.
Example:
So I go to school the other day.
Everything seems perfectly like any other day.
Suddenly, the principal calls me to his office.
He tells me I won an award.
I say to him. “Are you sure?”
It turns out, I won the essay contest!
Telling a Joke
Example:
A neutron walks into a convenience store.
He says to the cashier “What do I owe you?”
The cashier replies “For you, neutron, no charge.”
Summarising a Book, film or play:
This can draw in the listener and help with story immersion.
Example:
Harry carefully and slowly walks down the hallway.
He hears a sudden noise.
It’s the Vampire!
He reaches for his crossbow.
He aims and takes a shot.
7. Delivering commentary
Even though things have just happened a short while ago, commentary often describes things in the simple present as well. Sports is where this is used most.
Example:
Smith runs the ball up the field.
He shoots.
He scores.
Our Team Wins! Our Team Wins!
Conjugating Verbs in Simple Present Tense
1st person and 2nd person
In the 1st person and 2nd person, the verb doesn’t need to change form.
Examples:
I work at the book store.
I play video games in my free time.
We take piano lessons on the weekends.
Tina, Eric, and I do homework together.
3rd person
3rd person singular
In the third person singular, the verb will have to change form. There are three general rules on changing the verb form for third-person subjects in the simple present tense.
- For regular verbs, add s
He works for the post office.
She helps her mother with dinner.
Mary sits at the front of the bus.
2. For verbs that end in s, ss, sh, ch, x and o, add es
My mom stresses the importance of studying.
He pitches the baseball better than anyone on the team.
She vexes me.
3. For verbs ending consonant-y, change the y to i and add es
She flies home for Christmas every year.
3rd person plural
With the third person plural, the verb also doesn’t need to change form.
They help me with the dishes.
They try their hardest.
The students raise their hands.
Asking Questions in Simple Present Tense
To ask a question in the simple present, place do or does in front of the subject. The main verb will stay in its base form regardless of subject.
Structure
Do/does + subject + verb
Examples:
Does he play guitar? (Third person singular)
Does she take algebra lessons? (Third person singular)
Do you like coffee? (Second person)
Do they serve breakfast? (Third person plural)
Do I look okay? (First person singular)
Do we play basketball or football on Thursdays? (First person plural)
Negative in Simple Present Tense
To make a negative in the simple present, place do not or does not in front of the verb.
Structure
Subject + do not/does not + verb
I do not like tomatoes. (First person singular)
We do not have sandwiches. (First person plural)
He does not play tennis. (Third person singular)
You do not need a pencil for this. (Second person)
She does not ride the bus. (Third person singular)
They do not practice enough. (Third person plural)
Wrap Up
The present simple tense is one of the more simple tenses to form. Just be careful about the difference between it and the present continuous. The present simple is used in several ways but mostly for repeated actions. Browse our blog for more English education content. If you’re looking for more ways to learn and practice English or any other subject, contact us for a free consultation on what programs are right for you.
