How to Use and Form Simple Present Tense (with Examples)
The simple present tense is very important in English grammar. It is used in your schoolwork, for exams, and for daily conversation or writing. This page gives clear explanations and practical exercises, making it easy for all students to learn and practice the simple present tense for school and real-life use.
| Type | Affirmative | Negative | Interrogative |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Person Singular | I play | I do not play | Do I play? |
| 3rd Person Singular | She reads | She does not read | Does she read? |
| Plural | They eat | They do not eat | Do they eat? |
What is Simple Present Tense?
The simple present tense is a verb form used to describe habits, general truths, repeated actions, routines, or facts. It is one of the most commonly used English tenses in both spoken and written communication. At Vedantu, we make mastering such tenses simple for students.
Rules and Sentence Structure in Simple Present Tense
Understanding subject-verb agreement is essential. In simple present tense:
- Use the base verb for I, you, we, and they (e.g., "You play football").
- Add “-s” or “-es” for he, she, it (third person singular) (e.g., "He runs quickly").
- Form the negative with “do not/does not” + base verb (e.g., "She does not like tea").
- Questions use “Do/Does” at the start: "Does he come early?"
Uses of Simple Present Tense
- To describe habits and routines (e.g., "I brush my teeth daily").
- To state general truths and facts (e.g., "The sun rises in the east").
- For scheduled events (e.g., "School starts at 8 AM").
- When expressing feelings or states (e.g., "She feels happy").
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Do not forget to add “-s” or “-es” for he, she, and it.
- Always use the base form of the verb after “do/does” in negatives and questions.
- Check the subject for correct agreement (e.g., not "They eats" but "They eat").
- Do not use the present tense for actions happening right now (that’s present continuous).
Practice Exercises: Simple Present Tense
Practice the following simple present tense exercises to build your confidence. Choose the correct verb form in each sentence:
- She (go/goes) to school every day.
- We (watch/watches) TV every evening.
- My brother (play/plays) cricket.
- The flowers (bloom/blooms) in spring.
- I (eat/eats) breakfast at 7 AM.
Want more worksheets and detailed answer keys? Download comprehensive PDFs for Class 3–10 at Vedantu and continue practicing for exams and everyday English.
Simple Present Tense Summary
The simple present tense helps you describe regular actions, routines, and general truths in English. It is formed by using the base verb or the "-s"/"-es" ending for third person singular. Correct usage makes your speaking and writing clear and effective, whether at school or in daily life. Regular practice at Vedantu will boost your grammar confidence for any exam or conversation.
FAQs on Simple Present Tense Exercises for Practice and Revision
1. What is the simple present tense and how is it used?
The simple present tense describes habits, regular actions, general truths, and unchanging situations. It's used to talk about things that happen all the time, often, or never. Key words include: always, usually, often, sometimes, seldom, rarely, never.
2. How do I form affirmative sentences in the simple present tense?
For most subjects (I, you, we, they), use the base form of the verb. For he, she, it, add -s or -es (depending on the verb's ending). Example: I walk, she walks.
3. How do I form negative sentences in the simple present tense?
Use "do not" (don't) or "does not" (doesn't) before the base form of the verb. Example: I don't walk, she doesn't walk.
4. How do I form questions in the simple present tense?
Start with "do" or "does," followed by the subject, then the base form of the verb. Example: Do you walk? Does she walk?
5. What are some common mistakes to avoid in the simple present tense?
Common errors include incorrect subject-verb agreement (forgetting the -s or -es for third-person singular), and improper use of "do" and "does" in negatives and questions.
6. What are some examples of simple present tense sentences showing habitual actions?
Here are some examples: I eat breakfast every day. She goes to the gym three times a week. They play football on Saturdays. He reads before bed. We watch movies on Sundays.
7. Can the simple present tense be used to describe future events?
Yes, it can be used for scheduled events or fixed arrangements in the near future. For example: The train leaves at 8 am tomorrow. The movie starts at 7 pm tonight.
8. What is the difference between 'do' and 'does'?
Use do with I, you, we, and they. Use does with he, she, and it. This applies to both questions and negative sentences.
9. How can I practice using the simple present tense effectively?
Practice with various exercises, including fill-in-the-blanks, multiple choice questions, and sentence transformations. Try writing short paragraphs or stories using the simple present tense. Engage in conversations and focus on using the tense correctly in your daily speech.
10. What are some signal words that indicate the simple present tense?
Signal words include: always, usually, often, sometimes, seldom, rarely, never, every day, every week, on Mondays, etc. These words often, but not always, indicate the use of the simple present tense.
11. How does subject-verb agreement work in simple present tense?
The verb must agree with the subject in number and person. Singular subjects (he, she, it) take a verb with an -s or -es ending. Plural subjects (I, you, we, they) take the base form of the verb. Example: He plays, They play.
12. Explain the use of the simple present tense with state verbs.
State verbs describe states of being, feelings, or opinions rather than actions. They are usually not used in continuous tenses. Examples include: know, believe, understand, love, hate, want, need.
