English grammar: Simple present

What this grammar point covers

The simple present is a verb tense in English. It is used to talk about things that happen regularly, facts, or things that are always true.

When to use it

Use the simple present to talk about habits (things you do often), facts, routines, and things that are always true.

Key forms

• I/You/We/They + base verb (e.g., I eat, They play)
• He/She/It + base verb + -s (e.g., She eats, He plays)

Examples

Tips

• Remember to add -s or -es to the verb with he, she, or it.
• Do not use 'am', 'is', or 'are' with action verbs in the simple present.
• Use 'do' or 'does' to make questions and negatives.

Exceptions and edge cases

• For verbs ending in -y after a consonant, change -y to -ies in he/she/it (e.g., study → studies).
• Some verbs are irregular (e.g., have → has).