Simple Present Tense

The Simple Present tense is used to express regular actions, habits, and general truths. It's a fundamental tense in English grammar.

Definition: The Simple Present is used for actions that happen regularly or for stating facts.

Formation of Simple Present Sentences

Positive Sentences

1. For most subjects, use the base form of the verb:

   • Peter usually walks to school.
   • Mr Carter works for a computer company.

2. For third-person singular (he/she/it), add '-s' to the verb:

   • Steve smokes ten cigarettes every day.
   • On Tuesday, Sheila plays the piano.

Example: "The child always finishes his/her dinner."

Negative Sentences

1. Use 'do not' (don't) or 'does not' (doesn't) before the main verb:
   • I do not smoke cigarettes.
   • Sally does not go to school anymore.

Highlight: Remember to use the base form of the verb after 'do not' or 'does not'.

Questions

Form questions by placing 'do' or 'does' at the beginning of the sentence:

• Do you smoke?
• Does he like going to the cinema?

Signal Words for Simple Present

Vocabulary: Signal words are indicators that help identify which tense to use.

Common signal words for Simple Present include:

• Always
• Never
• Usually
• Sometimes
• Often
• Every week
• On Mondays

Example: "We clean the rooms twice a week."

Usage of Simple Present

The Simple Present is used for:

1. Regular actions
2. Expressing habits
3. Describing facts

Highlight: The Simple Present is ideal for talking about routines and general truths.