[Update] Simple Present Tense (do-does) – Learn with Games and Exercises | simple present tense – NATAVIGUIDES

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What is simple present tense shortly?

Simple present tense (present simple tense) is a verb tense that describes the events and situations that do not change. “Do” and “does” are the auxiliary verbs of simple present tense. However, “do” and “does” are not used in positive sentences. They are used only in negative and question sentences. The auxiliary verb “does” is used for third person singular (He, She, It). In other subjects (I, You, We, They), the auxiliary verb “do” is used.
The following animated sentences are examples of present simple tense:

 

 

Does

 

Why does

Where does

Emily

likes

eats

eat

does not eat

eat

buy

ice-cream.

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Formation of simple present tense

For affirmative sentences we use the infinite form of the verb. For negative sentences we use “not” after the auxiliary “do” and “does”. For questions we put “do/does” before the subject.

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Which auxiliary (helping verb) to use for simple present tense?

The auxiliary verb in simple present tense is “do / does“. However we use “am, is, are” to talk about a general state or condition.
Examples:

• I work in the office.
• I don’t work in the office.
• Do you work in the office?

• I am in the office.
• I am in the office.
• Are you in the office?

SIMILAR PAGES:
❯❯ Learn verb to be here
❯❯ Learn present continuous tense here
❯❯ Learn future simple tense (will) here
❯❯ Learn be going to future tense here
❯❯ Learn simple past tense here
❯❯ Learn past continuous tense here
❯❯ Learn present perfect tense here

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Positive (Affirmative) sentences in simple present tense

For the formation of positive sentences in simple present tense we do not use “do” or “does” in front of the verb. This may sound strange. Because we know that the auxiliary verbs that precede the verbs help us understand the tense of the sentence. However, the verb is alone here. In addition, for the subjects “He, She, It”, the suffix “-s” is added at the end of the verb.

• I like pizza.
• We go abroad every summer.
• She speaks three languages.
• Lions eat meat.
• Oliver walks to school.
• They play computer games.
• Maria prefers action movies.

✎ NOTE:
The verb “have” changes into “has” when it gets “-s” at the end.

• She has breakfast.
• She doesn’t have breakfast.
• Does she have breakfast?

✎ NOTE:
In positive sentences, when the subject is “He, She, It”, we change “-s” into “-es” or “-ies“. The reason is as follows:

• For the verbs ending with “-s, -ss, -sh, -ch, -x, -o” we add “-es” at the end of the verb.
  brushes, kisses, catches, fixes, goes, does etc.
• If the verb has “-y” at the end and it precedes with a consonant letter, we drop the “-y” and add “-ies”
  try> tries, fly> flies, carry> carries etc.

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Negative sentences in simple present tense

For the formation of negative sentences in simple present tense we use “not” together with “do / does“. The short forms are “don’t / doesn’t”

• I don’t like cigarette.
• Sarah doesn’t need help.
• He doesn’t forget names.
• They don’t go out alone.

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Interrogative sentences in simple present tense

For the formation of question sentences (interrogative) in simple present tense we put “do / does” before the subject. This also applies to the “Wh- questions” which we call “information questions” as well.

• Do you like lemonade?
• Does she keep secret?
• Where do you live?
• Why does Molly wear pink dresses?

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Sentence forms in simple present tense

Simple present tense Formula with example sentences
(+) Affirmative sentences
(-) Negative sentences
(?) Interrogative sentences

 I speak
 I don’t speak
 Do you speak?

 You speak
 You don’t speak
 Do you speak?

 He speaks
 He doesn’t speak
 Does he speak?

 She speaks
 She doesn’t speak
 Does she speak?

 It speaks
 It doesn’t speak
 Does it speak?

 We speak
 We don’t speak
 Do we speak?

 They speak
 They don’t speak
 Do they speak?

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Example Sentences

• (+) They like basketball.
• (-) They don’t like basketball.
• (?) Do they like basketball?
• (?) What do they like?

• (+) He likes basketball.
• (-) He doesn’t like basketball.
• (?) Does he like basketball?
• (?) What does he like?

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Explanations and usages of simple present tense

Lets go on with the explanations, usages and time adverbs of simple present tense

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1- Facts or generalizations.

It is used for events and situations that never change.
Examples:

• People need food in this village.
• The wind blows a lot here.
• Trains carry many passengers.
• Smart phones cause some health problems.
• Water boils at 100C degrees.
• The earth revolves around the Sun.
• Lions don’t eat grass.
• Plants give us oxygen.
• Pandas live in China.

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2- Habits, routines or repeated actions.

We use simple present tense to talk about habits and routines.
Examples:

• I get up at 8 o’clock every day.
• Do you drink coffee every day?
• She always brushes her teeth.
• Leo plays his guitar in his room.

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3- Likes and dislikes

We can also use simple present tense to talk about likes and dislikes. Some commonly used verbs are as follows: “like”,”love”, “hate”, “dislike”, “enjoy” etc.
Examples:

• I love ice-cream.
• Do you like playing chess?
• She hates lies.
• Sandra doesn’t like tea with sugar.
• We like to swim.
• I dislike cold weather.

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4- Scheduled events in near future

Examples:

• The train arrives at 9 AM.
• The bus arrives at 3 o’clock in the afternoon.
• When do we board the plane?
• When does the wedding ceremony start?
• The films starts at 8.30
• The bus arrives at 6PM.
• The English lesson starts at 10.30.

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5- With non-progressive verbs

Some verbs in English doesn’t have continuous forms. These verbs are called non-progressive or non-continuous verbs. We use simple present tense with these verbs.

Some non-progressive verbs are: believe, know, remember, understand, need, hate, like, love, prefer, want, feel, mean etc.
Examples:

• I know the answer. – CORRECT
  I am knowing the answer. – INCORRECT
• I want some sugar. – CORRECT
  I am wanting some sugar. – INCORRECT
• Brian feels cold. – CORRECT
  Brian isn’t feeling cold. – INCORRECT
• I don’t remember her name. – CORRECT
  I am not remembering her name. – INCORRECT
• Do you understand? – CORRECT
  Are you understanding? – INCORRECT

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6- Narrating events

Example:The man opens the door and goes out slowly. He looks around carefully. Then he sees a little cat under the tree. He grabs it and says “Oh. Are you hungry?”

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Adverbs of Frequency

What are Adverbs of frequency?
Simple present tense indicates repetitive actions, so it is good to say the frequency of these actions. In this case, we use some words called “Frequency adverbs”. These words are used just before the verb. This list of frequency (Frequency Adverbs) is as follows:

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List of frequency adverbs

• always
• usually
• generally
• often
• normally
• frequently
• sometimes
• occasionally
• seldom
• rarely
• hardly ever
• never

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Examples of frequency adverbs

Read the example sentences with the frequency adverbs and try to make similar sentences.
Examples:

• I often eat eggs for the breakfast.
• I never smoke.
• Lisa always walks to school.
• Do you usually get up early?
• You hardly ever say “Thanks”.
• They don’t normally go out for dinner.
• My father often forgets my birthday.
• I generally have breakfast before I go out.

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Memory cards to learn the adverbs of frequency

The cards below have adverbs of frequency. Click on them and try to say the meaning of them in your native language.

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Time adverbs to use in simple present tense.

every ….

• I play football ever weekend.
• We go holiday ever summer.
• She gets up late every day.

once, twice, three times, ten times etc.

• I go to cinema once a month.
• She goes out with her friends twice a week.
• I call my son at least 3 times a day.

on Mondays, at the weekends, in the mornings

• I call my grandparents on Saturdays.
• In the evenings I take a taxi to go back home.

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Verb to be (am, is, are)

We use am, is, are when we talk about a state rather than an action.

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  I work in London. (Action verb)

• ⬤

  I am in London. (State verb)

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Action verbs examples (do, does)

• Frank works at the hospital.
• Frank doesn’t work at the hospital.
• Does Frank work at the hospital?
• Where does Frank work?

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Verb to be examples (am,is,are)

• Frank is at the hospital.
• Frank isn’t at the hospital.
• Is Frank at the hospital?
• Where is Frank?

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Learn simple present tense with images and example sentences

Look at the images below and read the simple present tense sentences

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A dialogue about simple present tense

Here is a dialogue to learn simple present tense. Read and try to make similar dialogues.

1. Do you go holiday every summer?

2. Yes. I do.

   I like summer holidays very much.

3. Where do you go for holiday?

4. In fact, I don’t go to seaside.

   I like camping in the mountains.

5. Really?

   Where do you go for camping?

6. It is up to us.

   We usually decide before we go.

   If you want, you can join us.

7. Why not?

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Translate the sentences about simple present tense.

You will see some examples of simple present tense below. Translate them into your native language.

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Sentence scramble game about simple present tense

You will see scrambled words of simple present tense sentences. Click on the words in order to make a meaningful sentence.

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Example sentences to learn simple present tense

Here are examples of simple present tense below. Some are affirmative some sentences are negative and some are interrogative.

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10 example sentences :

1. I always get up early.
2. I don’t like hot weather.
3. Mr. Anderson usually forgets to lock the door.
4. She keeps secrets.
5. Cats don’t like swimming.
6. She rarely writes emails.
7. Steven looks happy.
8. I like reading poems a lot.
9. The children brush their teeth every day.
10. When I buy something, I read the instructions.

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Questions and answers as simple present tense examples

You will see 10 questions with their answers below. Try to understand the formation of the sentences.

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10 questions and answers

1. How do you go to school?
   I go to school by bus.
2. Do you like ice-cream?
   Yes, I like ice-cream.
3. Why do you always wear sunglasses?
   Because I have a problem with my eyes.
4. Does your father help your mother at home?
   Yes, he does.
5. What time do you go to bed?
   I go to bed at about 11 PM.
6. Do you make noise in the classroom?
   No, I don’t.
7. Where are you from?
   I am from Canada.
8. How often do you watch TV?
   I sometimes watch TV.
9. Do you agree with me?
   No, I don’t agree with you.
10. Are you OK?
    Yes, I am OK.

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Reading passage – Daily routine

My daily routine
My name is Lydia Collins. I live in a flat. My day daily routine starts very early. Every morning I wake up at six o’clock and wear my school uniform. Then I have breakfast with my father and mother. My little brother doesn’t have breakfast with us. Because it is too early for him. After breakfast I go out and wait for the school bus. At about 7 AM I get on the bus. I come back home at 3 PM. I feel tired when I come back. I have a rest and play with Dody, our cat. Then I start doing my homework. I try to finish it before 7 PM. So that I can go out and play with my friends. We have dinner at 8 PM. We often have chicken for dinner but I hate chicken. I eat it because mum gets angry. After dinner I watch TV for an hour. I go to bed early because I’m always very tired at the end of the day.

External resources:
You can go on learning with our other games and activities on this category page. You can also learn simple present tense on Wikibooks page here, or watch a video for examples here.

4.7/5 – (15 votes)

What Is the Simple Present Tense? (with Examples)

The simple present tense is used:

• To describe facts and habits. For example:
• He

  plays

  chess.

• To describe scheduled events in the future. For example:
• The plane

  lands

  in 5 minutes.

• To tell stories (particularly jokes). For example:
• He

  asks

  the policeman for directions.

(This use of the simple present tense is quite rare.)

The simple present tense is quite easy to form, but it quite difficult to use. In fact, it’s complicated. (There’s more on this below.)

A Video Summary

Here is a short video summarizing the simple present tense:

Theis used:The simple present tense is quite easy to form, but it quite difficult to use. In fact, it’s complicated. (There’s more on this below.)Here is a short video summarizing the simple present tense:

Infographic for the Simple Present Tense

Here is an infographic explaining the simple present tense:

More Examples of the Simple Present Tense

The simple present tense is used:

(1) To describe facts and habits:

• I

  like

  chocolate. (Fact)

• Angela

  runs

  a youth club full of glue-sniffers. (Fact)

• I

  ride

  horses in the summer. (Fact and habit)

• It always

  snows

  here in January. (Fact and habit)

• Dawn

  plays

  chess in the evenings. (Fact and habit)

(NB: These activities do not have to be happening right now.)

This type of sentence, especially if it’s describing a habit, will usually include a time expression like “always,” “every year,” “never,” “often,” “on Mondays,” “rarely,” “sometimes,” or “usually.”

(2) To describe scheduled events in the future

• The train

  arrives

  at 5 o’clock.

• It

  is

  low tide at 0234.

(Yes, we know! It’s supposed to be the present tense!)

(3) To tell stories (particularly jokes) to make your listener or reader feel more engaged with the story.

• A horse

  walks

  into a bar, and the barman

  says

  , “why the long face?”

(Compare to: A horse walked into a bar, and the barman said, “why the long face?”)

• We heard the helicopter overhead. Suddenly, the radio

  bursts

  into life.

(This is sometimes called the fictional present or the historic present.)

Forming the Simple Present Tense

The simple present tense is quite easy to form.

Here is an infographic explaining the simple present tense:Theis used:(NB: These activities do not have to be happening right now.)This type of sentence, especially if it’s describing a habit, will usually include a time expression like “always,” “every year,” “never,” “often,” “on Mondays,” “rarely,” “sometimes,” or “usually.”(Yes, we know! It’s supposed to be the present tense!)(This is sometimes called the fictional present or the historic present.)Theis quite easy to form.

base form

or

or

base form

+

“s”

Let’s look at the verb to run (whose run). In the simple present tense, run looks like this:
PersonExample
First person singularI run
Second person singularYou run
Third person singularHe/She/It runs
First person pluralWe run
Second person pluralYou run
Third person pluralThey run

In other words, it only changes in the third person singular (he / she / it). It adds either s, es or ies.

The Negative Version

To create a negative sentence, use “do not” + [base form of the verb]. (Use “does not” with third person singular (he / she / it).)

Let’s look at the verb(whose base form is). In the simple present tense,looks like this:In other words, it only changes in the third person singular (he / she / it). It adds eitherorTo create a negative sentence, use. (Usewith third person singular (he / she / it).)

“do not” or “does not”

+

[base form of the verb]

• I

  do not like

  chocolate.

• Angela

  does not run

  a youth club full of glue-sniffers.

• I

  do not ride

  horses in the summer.

• It

  does not always snow

  here in January.

• Dawn

  does not play

  chess in the evenings.

In speech and writing (especially informal writing), “do not” is often shortened to “don’t,” and “does not” is often shortened to “doesn’t.” If you want to add some emphasis, use one of the long versions (i.e., “do not” or “does not”), and emphasize the word “not.”

The Question Version

If you need to ask a question, you can use the following word order for a yes/no question:

In speech and writing (especially informal writing), “do not” is often shortened to “don’t,” and “does not” is often shortened to “doesn’t.” If you want to add some emphasis, use one of the long versions (i.e., “do not” or “does not”), and emphasize the word “not.”If you need to ask a question, you can use the following word order for a yes/no question:

“do” or “does”

+

[subject]

+

base form of verb

• Do you like

  chocolate?

• Does Angela run

  the youth club?

You can use the following word order for a

You can use the following word order for a question-word question

[question word]

+

“do” or “does”

+

[subject]

+

base form of verb

• Why does Tony talk

  so quickly?

• When do the farmers plant

  the corn?

You can use the following word order for a choice question:

You can use the following word order for a choice question:

“do” or “does”

+

[subject]

+

base form of verb

+

choice A

+

or

+

choice B

• Does Mark sing or dance?
• Do they want hamburger or sausages?

The Spelling Rules

For regular verbs, just add s:

• talk > talks
• improve > improves

For verbs that end in s, ss, sh, ch, x and o, add es:

• guess > guesses
• mash > mashes
• fix > fixes
• go > goes

For verbs ending , change the y to i and add es:

• fly > flies
• study > studies

Verb Tense Widget

Use this widget to learn about the different tenses. How do you use this widget? Well, if there’s a button, a drop-down menu, or a , then you can click it!

to

base form

(

verb)

verb)

Select the tenses.

Present Tenses

Simple Present Tense
The simple present tense is mostly used to describe facts and habits. More…(opens new tab)
I base form
you base form
he/she/it 3rd pers sing present
we base form
you base form
they base form

Present Progressive Tense
The present progressive tense is used for an ongoing action in the present.
More…(opens new tab)
I am present participle
you are present participle
he/she/it is present participle
we are present participle
you are present participle
they are present participle

Present Perfect Tense
The present perfect tense is used for actions that began in the past. (Often, the actions continue into the present.)
More…(opens new tab)
I have past participle
you have past participle
he/she/it has past participle
we have past participle
you have past participle
they have past participle

Present Perfect Progressive Tense
The present perfect progressive tense is used for a continuous activity that began in the past and continues into the present, or a continuous activity that began in past but has now finished (usually very recently).
More…(opens new tab)
I have been present participle
you have been present participle
he/she/it has been present participle
we have been present participle
you have been present participle
they have been present participle

Past Tenses

Simple Past
The simple past tense is used to describe a completed activity that happened in the past.
More…(opens new tab)
I past tense
you past tense
he/she/it past tense
we past tense
you past tense
they past tense

Past Progressive Tense
The past progressive tense is used to describe an ongoing activity in the past. Often, it is used to set the scene for another action.
More…(opens new tab)
I was present participle
you were present participle
he/she/it was present participle
we were present participle
you were present participle
they were present participle

Past Perfect Tense
The past perfect tense is used to emphasize that an action was completed before another took place.
More…(opens new tab)
I had past participle
you had past participle
he/she/it had past participle
we had past participle
you had past participle
they had past participle

Past Perfect Progressive Tense
The past perfect progressive tense is used to show that an ongoing action in the past has ended.
More…(opens new tab)
I had been present participle
you had been present participle
he/she/it had been present participle
we had been present participle
you had been present participle
they had been present participle

Future Tenses

Simple Future
The simple future tense is used for an action that will occur in the future.
More…(opens new tab)
I will base form
you will base form
he/she/it will base form
we will base form
you will base form
they will base form

Future Progressive Tense
The future progressive tense is used for an ongoing action that will occur in the future.
More…(opens new tab)
I will be present participle
you will be present participle
he/she/it will be present participle
we will be present participle
you will be present participle
they will be present participle

Future Perfect Tense
The future perfect tense is used to describe an action that will have been completed at some point in the future.
More…(opens new tab)
I will have past participle
you will have past participle
he/she/it will have past participle
we will have past participle
you will have past participle
they will have past participle

Future Perfect Progressive Tense
The future perfect progressive tense is used for an ongoing action that will be completed at some specified time in the future.
More…(opens new tab)
I will have been present participle
you will have been present participle
he/she/it will have been present participle
we will have been present participle
you will have been present participle
they will have been present participle

The Other Present Tenses

The simple present tense is one of four present tenses. They are:

Slider Showing All the Tenses

The following slider shows all 12

For regular verbs, just addFor verbs that end inand, addFor verbs ending, change thetoand addUse this widget to learn about the different tenses. How do you use this widget? Well, if there’s a button, a drop-down menu, or a, then you can click it!Theis one of four present tenses. They are:The following slider shows all 12 tenses . The simple present tense is highlighted with a yellow background.