by Yogi P - September 30, 2023

Simple Present Tense – Definition, Structure, Rules, Uses, and Examples

Did someone just ask you what you do? You would definitely know that you should use the simple present tense to answer a question of this nature. Maybe this article on simple present tense can help you learn how to use the tense accurately. This article discusses the definition of the simple present tense, its structure, uses, and rules, along with examples and practice questions to help you understand well.

The Simple Present Tense

The simple present tense is employed in a sentence to represent an action or event that takes place in the present regularly.

Definition of Simple Present Tense

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the simple present tense form of the verb in a sentence is defined as “the tense that is used to refer to events, actions, and conditions that are happening in the present regularly.” It uses the base form or the “-s” form of the verb, as in ‘I travel to France every year’ and ‘She starts a new job’.

Structure of the Simple Present Tense

The structure of the simple present tense can be understood by analyzing the positive, negative, interrogative, and negative interrogative forms of the tense.

Structure of Simple Present Tense

Rules and Points to Remember When Using the Simple Present Tense

In order to use the simple present tense accurately and effectively, remember that the sentence usually uses the base form or the “-s” form of the verb.

What Do You Use the Simple Present Tense For?

The present tense can be used for various purposes:

• Used to express habitual or regular actions.
• Used to express general truths.
• Used to express states or feelings.

Forming the Simple Present Tense – Examples

Here are a few examples:

Expressing Habitual or Regular Actions:

• I think I go to the party every weekend.
• They book the tickets in advance.

Expressing General Truths:

• The sun rises in the east.
• Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.

Expressing States or Feelings:

• We meet at 6 PM every day.
• Sarah travels to London often.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Simple Present Tense

Q1. What is the definition of simple present tense?

The simple present tense form of the verb in a sentence refers to events, actions, and conditions that are happening in the present on a regular basis. It uses the base form or the “-s” form of the verb.

Q2. What is the formula of the simple present tense?

The basic formula of a positive sentence using the simple present tense is: Subject + Base form of the verb (or verb+s/es) + the rest of the sentence.

Q3. Give some examples of the simple present tense.

• I have dinner at 8 PM.
• Do you join us for the meeting?
• They do not attend the conference.

Q4. How is the Simple Present Tense formed?

The simple present tense is formed using the base form or the “-s” form of a verb.

Q5. Can Simple Present Tense express habitual actions?

Yes, the simple present tense can express habitual or regular actions. For example, “I read a book every night.”

Q6. How do we form negative sentences in Simple Present Tense?

Negative sentences in the simple present tense can be formed by adding “do not” or “does not” before the base form of the verb.

Q7. How is a question framed in the Simple Present Tense?

A question in the simple present tense can be framed by placing “do” or “does” before the subject.

Q8. How is the Simple Present Tense used for general truths?

For general truths, the simple present tense uses the base form of the verb or the verb+s/es. For example, “The Earth revolves around the Sun.”

Q9. How is the Simple Present Tense used for states or feelings?

The simple present tense expresses states or feelings by using the base form of the verb or the verb+s/es. For example, “She loves ice cream.”

Q10. Is the Simple Present Tense used for routines and habits?

Yes, the simple present tense is used to express routines and habits. For example, “I walk to school every day.”

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Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on the Simple Present Tense:

Q1. What is the simple present tense mainly used to describe?

a) Past actions
b) Present actions
c) Future actions
d) Ongoing actions

Answer: b) Present actions

Q2. How is a negative sentence formed in the simple present tense?

a) By adding “not” before the verb
b) By adding “do not” or “does not” before the verb
c) By removing the verb
d) None of the above

Answer: b) By adding “do not” or “does not” before the verb

Q3. Which sentence is in the simple present tense?

a) They play football.
b) They will play football.
c) They played football.
d) They are playing football.

Answer: a) They play football.

Q4. What does the sentence “She does not attend the party” express in the simple present tense?

a) Promise
b) Refusal
c) Offer
d) Doubt

Answer: b) Refusal

Q5. To form a question in the simple present tense, where should “do” or “does” be placed in the sentence?

a) After the subject
b) Before the subject
c) At the end of the sentence
d) After the verb

Answer: b) Before the subject

Q6. Which word is commonly added to a verb in the simple present tense for third-person singular subjects?

a) ed
b) ing
c) s/es
d) en

Answer: c) s/es

Q7. Which of the following sentences is in the simple present tense?

a) She is singing a song.
b) She sang a song.
c) She sings a song.
d) She will sing a song.

Answer: c) She sings a song.

Q8. In the sentence “They do not play basketball,” what makes the sentence negative in the simple present tense?

a) The word “they”
b) The word “do not”
c) The word “play”
d) The word “basketball”

Answer: b) The word “do not”

Q9. Which sentence expresses a routine in the simple present tense?

a) They are going to the school.
b) They went to the school.
c) They go to the school every day.
d) They will go to the school.

Answer: c) They go to the school every day.

Q10. How do you form a question in the simple present tense?

a) Adding “did” at the beginning of the sentence.
b) Adding “does” or “do” at the beginning of the sentence.
c) Adding “will” at the beginning of the sentence.
d) Adding “is” at the beginning of the sentence.

Answer: b) Adding “does” or “do” at the beginning of the sentence.

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Fill in the blanks

1. The simple present tense is used to describe actions or events that ________ regularly in the present.

2. The simple present tense is commonly formed using the ________ form or the “-s” form of a verb.

3. “Do not” or “does not” is used to form ________ sentences in the simple present tense.

4. “Do” or “does” is placed ________ the subject to form a question in the simple present tense.

5. The simple present tense is used to express ________, ________, and ________.

6. For general truths, the simple present tense uses the ________ form of the verb.

7. To express habitual actions, the simple present tense uses the ________ form of the verb.

8. The sentence “I walk to school every day” is in the ________ tense.

9. “She loves ice cream” is an example of expressing ________ in the simple present tense.

10. Negative sentences in the simple present tense can be formed by adding “do not” or “does not” before the ________ form of the verb.

Answers: 1. occur, 2. base, 3. negative, 4. before, 5. habits, general truths, states/feelings, 6. base, 7. base, 8. simple present, 9. feelings, 10. base