{"id":3845,"date":"2021-05-20T11:25:33","date_gmt":"2021-05-20T18:25:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/ielts\/?p=3845"},"modified":"2021-05-20T14:20:35","modified_gmt":"2021-05-20T21:20:35","slug":"present-simple-tense-how-and-when-to-use-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/ielts\/present-simple-tense-how-and-when-to-use-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Present Simple Tense: How and When to Use It"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"present<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll break down the present simple tense, along with examples in every form. We\u2019ve included several tables for you to see all the main rules at a glance.<\/p>\n

If you need a refresher on what present simple means? See our verb tenses<\/a> post for a full breakdown of every verb tense with explanations and examples.<\/p>\n

Forming the Present Simple Tense (with Tables)<\/h2>\n

Quick Reference Table: The Present Simple Tense in All forms<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

KEY<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

V \u2192 Root Verb<\/p>\n

Vs\/Ves \u2192 Present Simple form for most verbs<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Form<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\nMost Verbs<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\n\u201cTo be\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
+<\/td>\nV\/Vs\/Ves<\/strong><\/p>\n

I watch<\/strong> the news every day.<\/em><\/p>\n

He watches<\/strong> the news every day.<\/em><\/td>\n

Am\/Is\/Are<\/strong><\/p>\n

I am<\/strong> convinced.<\/em><\/p>\n

He is<\/strong> smart.<\/em><\/p>\n

They are<\/strong> fast.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

–<\/td>\nDon\u2019t\/Doesn\u2019t + V<\/strong><\/p>\n

I don\u2019t watch<\/strong> the news every day.<\/em><\/p>\n

He doesn\u2019t watch<\/strong> the news every day.<\/em><\/td>\n

Am not\/Is not\/Are not<\/strong><\/p>\n

I am not<\/strong> convinced.<\/em><\/p>\n

He is not<\/strong> smart.<\/em><\/p>\n

They are not<\/strong> fast.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

?<\/td>\nDo\/Does + subject + V<\/strong><\/p>\n

Do you watch the news every day?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Does he watch the news every day?<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\n

Am\/Is\/Are + Subject<\/strong><\/p>\n

Am I ready?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Is she here?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Are you there?<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Form present simple tense sentences by using the actual root of the word or by adding -s or -es to the third-person singular form.<\/p>\n

**Tables use the verb \u2018call\u2019 as an example**<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Singular<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\nSubject Pronoun<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\nVerb<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
First-Person<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\nI<\/td>\ncall<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Second-Person<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\nYou<\/td>\ncall<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Third-Person<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\nHe\/She\/It<\/td>\ncalls<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Plural<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\nSubject Pronoun<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\nVerb<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
First-Person<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\nWe<\/td>\ncall<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Second-Person<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\nYou<\/td>\ncall<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Third-Person<\/em><\/strong><\/td>\nThey<\/td>\ncall<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

There are several verbs where you will add -es instead of just -s to the end. Typically, these verbs end in ch, sh, o, th, ss, z, or gh.<\/p>\n

Examples:<\/p>\n