Among all English tenses, the Simple Present is considered the most basic and easiest to learn. Understanding its meaning, structure, and usage will help you avoid mistakes in exams and build a solid foundation for more advanced knowledge.
1. What is the Simple Present Tense?
The Simple Present tense describes actions happening in the present. It is used to express facts, repeated actions, habits, or human characteristics.
Examples:
Russia is the largest country in the world.
My father usually wakes up at 7:30.
2. Simple Present Tense Formula
2.1. Affirmative Form
Regular verbs: S + V(-s/-es) + O/A Example: Natural milk of mammals contains lactose.
Verb to be: S + am/is/are + N/Adj Example: Keanu Reeves is the nicest guy in Hollywood.
2.2. Negative Form
Regular verbs: S + do/does + not + V + O/A Example: I do not go to work on foot.
Verb to be: S + am/are/is + not + N/Adj Example: Justin Bieber is not Selena Gomez's husband.
2.3. Interrogative Form
Yes/No Questions: Q: Do/Does (not) + S + V + O/A? A: Yes, S + do/does. / No, S + don't/doesn't. Example: Do you visit your parents every weekend?
Q: Am/Are/Is (not) + S + N/Adj? A: Yes, S + am/are/is. / No, S + am not/aren't/isn't. Example: Is this your pen?
Wh- Questions: Wh- + do/does + S + V(base)? Example: What does your mother do? Wh- + am/are/is + S + N/Adj? Example: Where are the best places for reading in the city?
3. Signal Words of the Simple Present Tense
Frequency adverbs: Always, usually, often, sometimes, seldom, never, generally Examples:
David seldom has breakfast.
My mom usually washes clothes before bedtime.
Repetition phrases: Every day/week/month/year; daily, weekly, monthly, etc. Examples:
Lisa cooks every day.
I come home three times a month.
4. Usage of the Simple Present Tense
To express regular or habitual actions Example: Office staff usually nap at noon.
To express general truths or facts Example: 75% of Russian territory is in Asia.
To express fixed timetables or schedules Example: The flight to Singapore departs at 8am.
To express states or emotions Example: Jane feels excited to meet her niece.
To give instructions or directions Example: Cut the strawberry and put it on the cake.
Used in first conditional sentences Example: If people smoke, they suffer health risks.
5. Verb Conjugation Rules in the Simple Present
Add -s for most verbs in third person singular Example: runs, eats, reads
Add -es for verbs ending in s, ch, x, sh, z, g, o Example: watches, fixes, goes
Add -s if verb ends in -y preceded by a vowel Example: plays, buys
Change -y to -ies if preceded by a consonant Example: studies, copies
Special cases:
Use the noun closest to the verb for of, or, nor structures Example: Neither John nor his teammates agree.
Time, money, distance = singular Example: Five kilometers is too far.
For a lot of, some of, all of: match verb with noun Example: Some of the pie is missing.
6. Alternatives to Frequency Adverbs
sometimes: every now and then
always: like clockwork, nine times out of ten
regularly: on a regular basis
never: when pigs fly
seldom: once in a blue moon
7. How to Use the Simple Present in IELTS
Use the tense to introduce your Speaking or Writing sections or state general truths. Examples:
IELTS Speaking: I am a member of our school football club.
IELTS Writing: The chart shows how Japan's nuclear efficiency is among the lowest globally.
8. Practice Exercises for the Simple Present
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct form
I usually ___ (go) to school. → go
They ___ (visit) us often. → visit
___ you ___ (play) basketball? → Do you play
Tom ___ (work) every day. → works
He always ___ (tell) stories. → tells
She never ___ (help) me. → helps
Martha and Kevin ___ (swim). → swim
Exercise 2: Rewrite sentences in the Simple Present
He drives to work every day.
Do they write emails every day?
He doesn’t read the newspaper.
What do you do on the weekend?
She catches a cold every winter.
How often does she go to the cinema?
What does this machine do?
Exercise 3: Fill in the correct verb form
is, helps
travel
finishes
doesn’t eat, is
are, smile
starts
doesn’t study
likes
cook
have
This article provides comprehensive guidance on the Simple Present tense and includes useful practice. Mastering this tense will strengthen your grammar foundation and improve your IELTS performance.
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