Present Simple Tense in English Grammar

Present Simple is the tense that helps us talk about what we usually do.

What do you read usually?
I read newspapers.
What does she eat usually?
She eats rice and curry.
What do they do every day?
They go to school every day.

Present Simple Tense also conveys information about our present states or situations.

Tense of a sentence is defined by its verb. Did you notice the verbs of above example sentences? The verbs are underlined there. Let’s list them according to different categories first. Then we can analyze the verb forms and how they are used.

Verbs used in Present Simple Tense in English

When we need to communicate what happens and what we do usually and when we talk about our current states we can use the above verbs appropriately.
Choosing the correct verb for your sentence is important. You need to consider the Subject – verb agreement in doing so.

Similarly, when we use action verbs we consider the number (Whether Singular / Plural) of the subject before we choose the verb.

• I work hard.

(With the subject “I”, we use the plural form / base form of the verb; “work”)

• She works hard.
• John works hard.

(With any singular subject such as “She”, “John” we use the singular form of the verb; “works”)

• We work hard.
• Children work hard.

(With any plural subject such as “We”, “They”, “Children” we use the plural form of the verb; “work”)

Let’s talk about Present States (Use of State Verbs in Present Simple Tense in English)

Use of correct verb according to different subjects:-

The following table gives elaborates how we should use the verb for different purposes;-

• Conveying a positive idea. (Say Yes)
• Conveying a negative idea. (Say No)
• Interrogations (Asking Questions)

Talking about our current situation / position :-

Talking about things we possess:-

Talking about our emotions.

Let’s talk about Present Actions (Use of Action Verbs in Present Simple Tense)

Use of correct verb according to different subjects:-

The following table gives elaborates how we should use the verb for different purposes;-

• Conveying a positive idea. (Say Yes)
• Conveying a negative idea. (Say No)
• Interrogations (Asking Questions)

Practical Usage of Present Simple Tense in English

To talk about Habitual Actions

• I usually eat rice and curry.
• He always works hard.

To talk about Universal Truths

• The sun gives us light.
• The earth revolves around the sun.

To talk about Facts / Permanent Things / States

• Dogs bark.
• It rains at night these days.
• Kawya sings well.
• I live in London.
• I am a teacher.

To talk about Feelings (love, hate, like)

• I love you.
• She hates me.

For Common Statements

• Whenever it is sunny it feels good.

In Time Clauses / fixed programmes

• She cooks her breakfast before she goes to work every day.
• When is the next train?

In If Type 01 (Conditional Sentences)

• If I run fast, I will catch the bus.
• If she works hard, she can pass the exam.

In Commands & Suggestions

• Let’s make milk rice.
• Do not smoke.
• Please be silent.
• Go home.

Clue words used in Present Simple Tense in English

Following words are very commonly seen in Present Simple Sentences.

• Every Sunday
• On Wednesdays
• Twice a week
• Usually
• Always
• Often
• Daily
• Everyday
• Normally
• Sometimes
• Never

Simple Present Tense – Speech Activity

50 Simple Present Tense Sentences in English