Simple Present Tense with Regular Verbs: Structures and Practice Exercises

The Simple Present Tense with regular verbs is a foundational grammar point that every IELTS test taker should master from the start. This tense helps you build strong sentence structures and is frequently used in both written and spoken English.

In this guide, IDP will walk you through the definition, structure, rules, and practical uses of the Simple Present Tense with regular verbs, along with exercises to reinforce your understanding.

The Simple Present Tense, also known as the Present Simple, describes actions or events that happen regularly or facts that are always true. It is one of the most important tenses in English grammar and is commonly used to express habits, routines, emotions, and general truths.

Rule 1: Match the verb with the subject

• Use the base verb with plural subjects (I, We, You, They). Example: I eat fruits every day.

• Add s/es for singular third-person subjects (He, She, It). Example: My dad watches TV every evening.

Rule 2: Add “-s” to most verbs in third person singular

Examples: runs, eats, works, reads

Rule 3: Add “-es” to verbs ending in s, ch, x, sh, z, g, or o

Examples: watches, washes, fixes, goes

Rule 4: If the verb ends in “-y” preceded by a vowel, just add “-s”

Examples: plays, buys, pays

Rule 5: If the verb ends in “-y” preceded by a consonant, change “y” to “ies”

Examples: copy → copies, study → studies

Use the Simple Present Tense when:

• Describing habits or repeated actions Example: She drinks coffee every morning.

• Stating general truths or scientific facts Example: The sun rises in the east.

• Expressing thoughts or emotions Example: I love classical music.

• Referring to scheduled events or timetables Example: The train leaves at 9 AM.

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct verb form

1. She __________ (go) to school every morning.

2. They __________ (play) soccer in the park on Sundays.

3. He __________ (study) English at Sedu Academy.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct form

1. Tom __________ his room every Saturday. A. tidy B. tidies

2. We __________ to music every day. A. listen B. listens

3. Mary usually __________ TV in the evening. A. watch B. watches

4. The girls often __________ with the dolls. A. play B. plays

5. I __________ in the pool on Sundays. A. swim B. swims

6. They __________ their homework every day. A. do B. does

Exercise 3: Rearrange the words to form correct sentences

1. at the moment / she / study / English

2. on Sundays / they / play / soccer

3. every morning / I / eat / breakfast

Answer Key

Exercise 1

1. goes

2. plays

3. studies

Exercise 2

1. B

2. A

3. B

4. A

5. A

6. A

Exercise 3

1. She is studying English at the moment.

2. They play soccer on Sundays.

3. I eat breakfast every morning.

Master Grammar with IDP IELTS

Understanding how to use the Simple Present Tense with regular verbs is essential for building a strong grammar foundation for IELTS. Once you master this structure, you’ll feel more confident when writing essays or speaking about everyday routines.

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