Simple present
Presentation outline Uses of the simple present tense Forming the simple present tense Forming negative sentences Forming interrogative sentences Other uses of the present simple Exercises
Uses The simple present is a verb tense with two main uses. We use the simple present tense when an action is happening right now, or when it happens regularly (or unceasingly, which is why it’s sometimes called present indefinite). Depending on the person, the simple present tense is formed by using the root form or by adding s or es to the end. I love apple pie. Olivia travels during the summer.
Form In the simple present, most regular verbs use the root form, except in the third-person singular (which ends in s). First-person singular: I sing. Second-person singular: You sing. Third-person singular: He/she/it sings. First-person plural: We sing. Second-person plural: You sing. Third-person plural: They sing.
Negatives The formula to make the simple present negative is do/does + not + [root form of verb]. You can also use the contraction don’t or doesn’t instead of do not or does not. I don’t love apple pie. Olivia doesn’t travel during the summer.
Questions The formula for asking a question in the simple present is do/does + [subject] + [root form of verb]. Do I love apple pie? Does Olivia travel during the summer?
Other uses Something that it’s fixed in the future. We also use the present simple to talk about: The school term starts next week. The train leaves at 19.45 this evening. We fly to Paris next week. Something in the future after time words like when, after and before and after if and unless I'll talk to John when I see him. You must finish your work before you go home. If it rains we'll get wet.
Exercises a) Start b) Starts c) See d) Enjoys Mechanics usually ____ work at nine o'clock.
a) Start b) Starts c) See d) Enjoys
a) Open b) Starts c) Opens d) Opened The village bank ____ at eight o'clock in the morning.
a) Open b) Starts c) Opens d) Opened
a) Like b) Likes c) Liking d) Liked Children usually ____ watching cartoons on TV.
a) Like b) Likes c) Liking d) Liked
Teacher resources