Present Simple: Complete Grammar Guide with Examples
The Present Simple is one of the most commonly used tenses in English. It is essential for beginner learners at CEFR levels A1 to A2, and it is used to describe habits, routines, general facts, and permanent situations.
What Is the Present Simple? (Definition)
The Present Simple is a verb tense used to describe:
- Regular habits and routines
- General truths and facts
- Permanent situations
- Scheduled events (especially timetables)
Form:
Base verb (for I/You/We/They)
Verb + s/es (for He/She/It)
When to Use the Present Simple? (Specific Uses)
Habits and Routines
To talk about things we do regularly.
I wake up at 7 a.m.
She goes to the gym every day.
General Facts and Universal Truths
Facts that are always true.
The sun rises in the east.
Water boils at 100°C.
Permanent Situations
Something that is generally true for a long time.
They live in Brazil.
He works in a bank.
Schedules and Timetables
For fixed events, like transport or class schedules.
The train leaves at 9 a.m.
School starts at 8 o’clock.
Present Simple Rules (Grammar Rules)
Affirmative Sentences:
Subject + base verb (for I/You/We/They)
Subject + verb + s/es (for He/She/It)
- I play football.
- She plays football.
Negative Sentences:
Subject + do/does + not + base verb
- I do not (don’t) play football.
- He does not (doesn’t) play football.
Questions:
Do/Does + subject + base verb?
- Do you like pizza?
- Does she play tennis?
Spelling Rules for He/She/It
| Ending | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Most verbs | +s | play → plays |
| Verbs ending in -ch, -sh, -ss, -x, -o | +es | watch → watches |
| Verb ending in consonant + y | change y → ies | study → studies |
| Verb ending in vowel + y | +s | play → plays |
Common Time Expressions with Present Simple
- Every day / week / month
- Always
- Usually
- Often
- Sometimes
- Never
- On Mondays / Sundays
- In the morning / evening
Examples with CEFR-Level Sentences
| Sentence | Use |
|---|---|
| I get up at 7 a.m. | Routine |
| She goes to school by bus. | Habit |
| Water freezes at 0°C. | General fact |
| They don’t like spicy food. | Negative |
| Does he work here? | Question |
Important Rules to Remember
- Use do/does for questions and negatives.
- Only add s/es to the verb when the subject is he, she, it.
- Do not use the Present Simple to describe actions happening now (use Present Continuous for that).
Conclusion
The Present Simple is essential for communicating daily routines, facts, and general truths in English. Mastering this tense is a key step for beginners to build a strong foundation in the language.
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