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Simple Present
Simple Present
The simple present is a verb tense with two main uses. It is used to express actions
that take place at the time of speech, that are part of a routine and are repeated
regularly, actions that follow one after another, that are programmed, or made with a
permanent validity.
Structure
1. Affirmative Sentences
Suject + [root form of verb]
I talk.
You eat.
In the simple present, most regular verbs use the root form, except in the third-
person singular (which ends in -s).
He/she/it writes
For a few verbs, the third-person singular ends with -es instead of -s. Typically,
these are verbs whose root form ends in o, ch, sh, th, ss, x, or z.
He kisses
She watches
If the verb used ends in a consonant plus -Y, the termination of the third person
is formed by replacing -Y with a -IES
He studies
She flies
If the verb used ends in a vowel plus -Y, we just add an -S at the end
He plays
He stays
modal verbs, such as can, may, might or must, are never added an -s. They
remain unchanged in all their forms.
he can swim
she must go
2. Negative Sentences
Suject + do/does + not + [root form of verb]
I do not [don’t] talk
He does not [doesn’t] eat.
hey do not [don’t] learn.
Let´s notice that the third person of the singular of the negative form does not add any -
s at the end of the verb, since this has been added with the form does in the auxiliary.
3. Interrogative Sentences
Do/does + suject + [root form of verb]
Do you talk?
Does he eat?
Do they learn?
• Long-term situations that remain in the present and continue in the future.
I live in Venice.
They love opera.
• Actions that occur in the future at a known or pre-established schedule.
So, we will need an expression of time.
Our AVE leaves at 10 o'clock.
The piano lessons start on Monday.
• In actions that occur while talking. In these cases the present continuous
should be used, but if a stative verb appears, it does not accept the
gerund form (-ing). For this reason we will use the present simple.
I don't understand what you are saying.
She has a new motorbike.