The simple present tense takes one of two forms depending on the subject.

Subject I, you They, We Plural nouns He, She, It Singular nouns Non count-nouns

base form eat go work

-s form eats goes works

1B. Examples

Subjects followed by verb in base form: I like rice. You look nice. They think twice. We throw dice. Chefs use spice. The boys ring the doorbell. Children sing on special occasions. Some people bring gifts to parties. Bees sting when they are disturbed.

Subjects with verb in –s form: She makes toys. He rakes leaves. It takes time. Mom bakes pies. Water slakes thirst. Jill loves dates. Mr. Smith fills crates. Grandpa washes plates. The dog jumps gates.

1C. Exercises

1. Jerry (come/comes) to school on time.

2. Jerry and Linda (come/comes) to school on time.

3. Ms. Jones (teach/teaches) geography.

4. The cat (sleep/sleeps) on the sofa every day.

5. Milk (cost/costs) two dollars a quart.

2A. Explanation

Use the simple present tense to indicate:

1. Routine actions

2. Facts

2B. Examples

Routine actions John brushes his teeth every morning. Carol usually drives to work. The teacher grades homework on Fridays.

Facts Hawaii is in the Pacific Ocean. Some birds fly south for the winter. Water consists of hydrogen and oxygen.


Note how the present tense is used in the following paragraph.

 

Mr. Lee is a bus driver. Every day he gets up at 7:00 a.m. and prepares for his day. He showers, eats his breakfast, and puts on his uniform. His wife drives him to the station where he checks in with his supervisor. Then, he gets on Bus #405 and starts the engine. He pulls out of the parking lot and begins his route. At his first stop, he picks up Mrs. Miller, who lives in a red house on the corner of Main Street and Seventh Avenue. She works at the post office and has to be to work by 9:00. At the next stop, the Bartlett twins get on the bus. They attend class at Bayside Elementary. More children get on at the next three stops, and they ride until the bus reaches their school. Mr. Lee enjoys seeing the kids every day and is happy to see them again in the afternoon when he drives them safely back home.

2C. Exercises

•  

  1. Yesterday I go to Washington D.C. 2. Every day, Mr. Johnson cleans his living room. 3. They usually take the bus to the office. 4. Right now Susan eats her breakfast. 5. Melinda and Harry work in the bank.

  Correct Correct Correct Correct Correct

  Incorrect Incorrect Incorrect Incorrect Incorrect

   

  Jack likes Chinese food. Jack like Chinese food.

  (Correct) (Incorrect)

  Last night I watched television for two hours. Last night I watch television for two hours.

  (Correct) (Incorrect)

1. To practice the present tense, reread the above paragraph, then try to repeat the main ideas in your own words. Be sure to use the -s form of the verb when the subject of a sentence is singular. Have a partner listen to your speech and check for correct usage of verbs.

2. Tell whether the present tense is appropriate in the following sentences.

 

Common Mistakes with the simple present tense

1. Not using the -s form with singular subjects:

 

2. Using the simple present tense when another tense is required.