The simple Present vs the Present progressive
Present Progressive vs Present Simple verb tenses are essential in English grammar as they allow us to convey different types of actions and states in the present time. Understanding and using these tenses correctly is crucial for effective communication. Here’s a brief explanation of their importance:
Simple Present Tense
Use the dictionary here
Study the simple present here
The simple present tense is used to describe habitual actions, general truths, and permanent situations. It helps us express actions or states that occur regularly, things that are always true, and facts.
We use it to indicate schedules and timetables too. by mastering the simple present tense, learners can communicate about daily routines, express opinions, state facts, and describe events that are part of their regular lives.
Use the Present Simple for:
Habits and Routines
General Truths
Permanent Situations
Scheduled Events
Examples:
Function For The Simple Present Tense:
Habits and Routines:
- I brush my teeth twice a day.
- They always take a walk in the evening.
- I read a book before going to bed every day. (before and after are followed by a gerund)
- She drinks a glass of water every morning.
- We do our homework right after school. (justo después de)
General Truths:
- The Earth revolves around the sun.
- Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
- Plants need sunlight to grow.
- The human body consists of about 60% water.
- Gravity pulls objects toward the Earth’s center.
Permanent Situations:
- She lives in New York City.
- The museum opens at 9 AM every day.
- He plays soccer every weekend.
- Birds fly south for the winter.
- The library closes at 6 PM on weekdays.
Scheduled Events:
- The train departs at 7 PM tonight.
- The conference starts tomorrow morning.
- The school play is on Friday evening.
- Our flight leaves at 8 AM on Saturday.
- The dentist appointment is on next Monday at 10 AM.
Formula For The Simple Present Tense:
We form the simple present tense using the formulas below:
Positive Form:
Subject + base form of the verb + the rest of the sentence.
Example:
- I study for my exams.
- She plays the piano.
- She drinks tea in the morning.
- They watch movies on the weekend.
- He has a bicycle.
Go here for an AFFIRMATIVE SENTENCE EXERCISE
Go here to STUDY VERBS FOR THIRD PERSON SINGULAR
Negative Form:
Subject + do/does + not + base form of the verb + the rest of the sentence.
Example:
- They do not like spicy food.
- He does not watch TV.
- She does not drink coffee in the morning.
- They do not watch television on weekdays.
- He does not have a car.
Click here for a NEGATIVE SENTENCE EXERCISE
Interrogative Form:
Do/Does + subject + base form of the verb + the rest of the sentence?
Example:
- Do you speak Spanish?
- Does she go to the gym regularly?
- Do you speak any other languages?
- Do you eat breakfast every day?
- Does she live near the school?
Go here for a YES/NO QUESTION EXERCISE
Information Interrogative Form:
Wh Word + Do/Does + subject + base form of the verb + the rest of the sentence?
Example:
- Who – “Who is your favorite author?”
- What – “What kind of music do you enjoy?”
- Where – “Where did you go on your last vacation?”
- When – “When is your birthday?”
- Why – “Why do you like studying English?”
Go here for a list of WH-Words
Click here for WH QUESTION EXERCISE
Here are a few additional notes about the formulas:
- “Do” is used with the pronouns “I,” “you,” “we,” and “they” or plural nouns.
- “Does” is used with the pronouns “he,” “she,” “it,” or a singular noun.
- In the positive form, the verb remains in its base form (infinitive form) without any additional endings.
- In the negative form, “not” is added after the auxiliary verb “do” or “does.”
- In the interrogative form, the auxiliary verb “do” or “does” is placed at the beginning of the sentence, followed by the subject.
Remember that the simple present tense is used to describe habitual actions, general truths, permanent situations, scheduled events, and more.
Please, Practice the formulas in the exercise below
Instructions:
Fill in the blanks with the words in parentheses.
