Present simple time in English. Present simple is the present simple tense in English. Exceptions to the rules

English times Usually they start learning with the Present Simple. Today we will analyze the formula for forming the present simple tense and examples of its use. Remember that Present Simple is not as simple as its name - we will find out all the details in this article.

How is the Present Simple formed?

Let's see how affirmative, negative and interrogative sentences are formed in the Present Simple.

Examples of affirmative sentences in Present Simple:

We live in a huge industrial city. - We live in a huge industrial city.
Sophie drinks 3 cups of coffee a day. - Sophie drinks 3 cups of coffee a day.
Teachers check lots of homework every day. - Teachers check a lot of homework every day.

Examples negative sentences in Present Simple:

Joanne doesn't spend much time on the Internet. - Joan doesn't spend a lot of time on the Internet.
They don't like her. - She they don't like it.
My back doesn't hurt. - My my back doesn't hurt.

Examples of interrogative sentences in Present Simple:

Do you often get together with your relatives? - You often dating with relatives?
Does Fiona know your parents? - Fiona is familiar with your parents?

When a question requires a yes or no answer, it is a general question. But in English We don't just answer yes or no, but use the following patterns:

There are several features of the formation of the verb form in the third person:

• The verb to have is transformed into has.

  I have a modern laptop. - U me I have a modern laptop.
  He has no siblings. - He has no brothers and sisters.

• If the verb ends in -sh, -ch, -s, -x, -o, you must add the ending -es.
  

  Verb in initial form	Verb + ending -es
  wat ch	watch es
  d o	do es
  wa sh	wash es
  mi x	mix es
  pa ss	pass es

  My sister-in-law watches TV a lot. - My daughter-in-law often looks TV.

• If a verb ends in -y and is preceded by a consonant, we must replace -y with -i and add the ending -es. If there is a vowel before -y, simply add -s.
  

  Verb in initial form	Verb + ending -es/-s
  stu dy	stud ies
  car ry	carr ies
  pl ay	play s
  st ay	stay s

  Mike's son studies French at school. - Mike's son studies French at school.

The verb to be in the Present Simple

The verb to be is a special linking verb, which is literally translated as “is”, “to be”. It has three forms, which are used with different pronouns:

In the simple present tense, the verb to be links the subject to an adjective, noun, or pronoun. If in a sentence the action is described using another verb, then we no longer need the linking verb to be.

Let's say we want to say: "I'm hungry." In this example there is no action, only the subject “I” and the adjective “hungry”. In order to link them into a sentence, we use the linking verb to be: I am hungry.

Now we will learn how to determine which verb to use in the Present Simple:

I am at work. - I'm at work. (Where?)
He isn't an engineer - He's not an engineer. (Who?)
Are are you curious? -Are you curious? (Which?)

We watch films every day. - We look movies every day. (what are we doing?)
She doesn't speak Italian. - She doesn't speak in Italian. (what does it do?)
Do they remember him? - They remember his? (what are they doing?)

When to use the Present Simple

As the name of this tense suggests, it is used when we are talking about the present. Let's figure out once and for all in what specific situations you need to use the Present Simple.

1. Unchangeable, constant events, facts

   First of all, Present Simple covers the present in the broadest terms. When we want to talk about the laws of nature and other unchanging facts, we use the Present Simple. We also use this tense when we express general facts about ourselves or others. Usually this is something permanent, not tied to a specific moment.

   Water boils at 100 degrees. - Water boils at 100 degrees. (law of nature)
   My neighbors speak French. - My neighbors They say in French. (unchangeable fact)
   Mary works for an international company. - Mary works in an international company. (general fact about Mary)

2. Habits, regular actions

   We use the Present Simple to describe actions that are repeated with some regularity.

   I go to Europe every spring. - I I'm driving to Europe every spring.
   They don't buy fast food when they are traveling. - They don't buy fast food when traveling.
   He never eats broccoli. - He never eats broccoli.

3. Schedule

   Use the Present Simple to describe an action that occurs according to a specific schedule.

   Breaking Bad series starts at half past nine. - TV series “Breaking Bad” begins at half past ten.
   The train leaves at 8.00 on Thursdays. - Train is sent at 8:00 on Thursdays.
   Does the souvenir shop close at 18.00? - Gift shop closes at 18:00?

4. Actions happening one after another
   • Sequential actions in the plot of a book or film

     The hero wants to save the world. He starts a journey full of adventures and losses. But does he know all the truth? - Hero wants save the world. He is sent on a journey full of adventure and loss. But knows is he telling the whole truth?

   • Comments from sports commentators

     He kicks the ball and scores! - He hits on the ball and scores a goal!

   • Instructions

     Don't forget: first you go to the check-in desk, then you show your things at the customs. - Don't forget: first you you're coming to the front desk, then you show things at customs.

   • Process demonstration

     So, I add some pepper and serve the dinner. Voila! - So, I I add a little pepper and I'm serving dinner. Voila!

5. Headings

   You can find the Present Simple in the headlines of articles, videos and other materials. They can indicate both present and past or future events:

   The queen meets ambassadors from Spain. - Queen met with ambassadors from Spain.
   Apple introduces their new gadgets next week. - Apple presents new gadgets next week.

Present Simple Markers

Sometimes it can be difficult to know which grammatical tense should be used in a particular situation. In this case, words that are usually used in one time or another can come to the rescue. Let's look at the present simple marker words; they can be divided into two categories:

1. Adverbs of frequency

   These words can be used to tell how often certain actions are performed. The main adverbs of frequency are given in the table:

   Word	Translation
   always	Always
   usually	usually
   often	often
   generally	in most cases
   sometimes	Sometimes
   rarely, rarely	rarely
   hardly ever	almost never
   never	never

   Examples of sentences with adverbs of frequency in the Present Simple:

   He always gets up at 7 a.m. - He Always gets up at 7 am.
   They are usually at home in the evening. - They usually at home in the evening.
   Miranda and Greg often visit their grandmother. - Miranda and Greg often visit their grandmother.

   She rarely meets her friends. - She rarely meets with friends.
   We are hardly ever late for work. - We almost never We're not late for work.
   I never borrow money from my friends. - I never I don't borrow money from friends.

   Usually adverbs of frequency are placed before the main verb of the sentence, for example:

   I sometimes have a shower in the morning. - I sometimes I shower in the morning.
   Mark doesn't always give his girlfriend flowers. - Mark doesn't always give flowers for your girlfriend.

   But there is one situation when this word order is violated - when there is a verb to be in a sentence, adverbs of frequency are placed after it, for example:

   She is hardly ever worried. - She almost never worries.
   Helen and Mike aren't usually at work at this time. - Helen and Mike usually not at work at this time.

2. Phrases expressing frequency - they are usually placed at the end of the sentence.
   • Collocations formed with the word every:
     every + day/week/month/year

     I go shopping every day. - I go shopping every day.
     Scarlett watches a new film every week. - Scarlett is watching a new film every week.

     She visits her mother-in-law every month. - She is visiting her mother-in-law every month.
     Molly goes on holiday every year. - Molly goes on vacation every year.

   • Collocations formed using the words once and twice:
     once + a week/month/year and twice + a week/month/year

     We see each other once a month. - We see each other once a month.
     Ivan has English lessons twice a week. - Ivan is studying English twice a week.

   • Starting with three or more times we use the word times:
     three times a month, four times a year

     Charlotte's daughter usually comes to see her about ten times a year. - Charlotte's daughter usually visits her around ten times a year.

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Now even a child knows that “without English you can’t get anywhere.” But no one can clearly explain how to learn to speak and understand effectively, where to start, and how to understand that the result has appeared.

In this article we will look at one of the most “painful” topics in language learning, namely. Everyone knows that there are many of them, they are all different: some require some kind of ending, others need . Are times as scary as they say?

Verb tense(namely, it changes tense) is a concept that characterizes the change of the verb, depending on whether the action happened, is happening, or will happen.

Let’s immediately dispel the popular myth that three times of the Simple group are enough for communication.
Communication may work, but it will be of very poor quality; in most cases, you simply will not be able to convey the idea.

Tenses in English are more connected with the mentality of English-speaking countries, because it was their affection and attention to detail that created the long (Progressive) and complete (Perfect) groups of tenses.

Present tense in English

There are four present tenses in English:

• Progressive;
• Perfect Progressive.

The same situation applies to past and future tenses.

Present Simple - present simple tense

Used for:

• Transferring an action that happens regularly (I work 5 days a week; he walks the dog in the morning);
• Habits (I don’t smoke; my neighbor runs in the morning);
• Traditions (we visit grandma every Christmas; her husband gives her jewelry for every birthday);
• Facts (snow melts in spring, water boils at 100 C).

In every time there are so-called marker words, which will help you navigate the choice of time in case of difficulties.

So, write out this list for yourself, and you will not have problems with Present Simple tense:

• Always - always;
• Usually – usually;
• Often – often;
• Sometimes - sometimes;
• Seldom – rare;
• Never - never;
• Every day (week, month etc.) – every day (week, month, etc.);
• Once/twice a... - once in..., twice in....

In order to make a statement in the Present Simple, you need to remember that the first 2 places in the sentence are a priori occupied by the actor and the verb. The subject comes first, then the predicate. S (subject - subject) + V (verb - verb/predicate) + Obj. (object – object/addition) I(you, we, they) work everyday. BUT! He/She/It workS every day.

When the actor is a third party singular – we must add the ending –s, -es(if the word ends in –o/-s/-ss/-sh/-ch/-x).

To ask a question, you need to use . Such verbs have no translation, they simply indicate the time in which the question is asked. After all, in English, unlike Russian, there are no gender or temporal endings.

Auxiliary verbs to form a question:

• I/you/we/they – DO
• He/she/it – DOES

As you may have noticed, there is always a . BUT! The ending should be repeated only once per sentence. Therefore, if the sentence contains NO endings, you do not need to add ANY endings to the verb.

Present Progressive - present continuous tense

To understand and remember it, you first need to construct a sentence in an unusual way for yourself: I am the one writing this text, my brother is playing football now, etc. This is exactly what the literal translation of sentences sounds like in this tense.

Formula: S + be (am/is/are) + Ving + Obj.

Continuous auxiliary verb – to be.

In the present tense it has 3 forms:

• I AM - I am working now;
• He/she/it IS — He/she/it is working now.
• You/we/they ARE - We/you/they are working now.

Question:

• Be + S + Ving + Obj:
  • Am I working?
  • Is she working?
  • Are we working?

Denial:

• S + be + not + Ving + Obj:
  • I am not working now.
  • He is not working now.
  • We are not working now.

Reduction:

• I'm not;
• He/she/it isn`t;
• We/you/they aren`t.

Past tense in English

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Past Progressive

To express a long-term action in the past, tense is used. Most often, it is used in conjunction with the Past Simple when talking about a process that was interrupted by a brief event in the past.

For example:

• I was reading a book when I heard a strange noise. I was reading a book (process) when I heard a strange sound (it interrupted the process).

As with any time, markers will help you find your way:

• At 7 pm – 7 pm (or any other specific time;
• From…. Till….. – from…..to….;
• While - while.

Statement:

• S+be+Ving+Obj

As you can see, the formula is absolutely identical to the Present progressive tense, but there is still a difference. And this is .

In the past tense, the verb has only 2 forms:

• (for singular);
• (for plural).

Question:

• Be + S + Ving + Obj. —Was I sleeping at 10 am?

Negation:

• S + be NOT + Ving + Obj — I wasn`t sleeping at 10 am.

Future tense in English

The future tense can be expressed in several ways. The most used ones are time and the turn be going to.

The Future Simple is used for unplanned events in the future. We often use it for spontaneous decisions. The catch is that most school teachers This time was presented as the only time available for talking about the future, but in practice, other phrases overtake it in frequency of use.

You can create this tense using an auxiliary verb .

Time markers:

• Tomorrow - tomorrow;
• Next week (month, Summer) – next week, next month, next summer;
• In 10 years – in 10 years;
• Later - later.

Statement:

• S + will + V + Obj:
  • I will call you later.
  • He will call you later.
  • We will call you later.

As you can see, the verb after will does not need to be changed.

Reduction:

• I will – I'll
• He will – he'll
• We will – we'll

Question:

In any interrogative sentence in English, we need to put the auxiliary verb first:

• Will + S + V + Obj:
  • Will you call me later?
• If the question is special, put a question word before the auxiliary verb:
  • WHEN will you call me?

Negation:

• S + will NOT + V + Obj — I will not call you later.

Reduction:

• Will not = won't

Design be going to used for a pre-planned action in the future, it is often translated as "about to do something."

Statement:

Question:

• Be + S + going to + V?:
  • Am I going to swim?
  • Is he going to swim?
  • Are you going to swim?

Negation:

• S + be NOT + going to + V + Obj:
  • I am not going to swim.
  • He is not going to swim.
  • We are not going to swim.

Signs of tenses in English

We have already found out that each tense has marker words that help distinguish one grammatical tense from another. Therefore, you should remember the markers, which is best done by making several dozen different sentences with each.

Remember that the ending – ing can only be used in conjunction with the verb be.

One of the most common errors up to high levels can be considered like:

• I'm working here.
• We're living here.

They are grammatically incorrect because the verb ending in –ing is used in the following sentences:

• I AM working.
• We are living.

If we are not talking about this moment, but about what is happening in general, it is quite simple actor and verb:

• I work here.
• He work here.

Coordination of tenses is a topic that makes you want to quit studying, but in fact, the logic behind it is very simple.

Remember, if the past tense was used at the beginning of the sentence, then we can ONLY use the past tense, even if the Russian version uses the present tense.

Here's an example:

• Her father found out that she smokes.

The past tense comes first, and the present tense comes second. This is not possible in English.

We must say:

• Her father found out that she smoked.

How to remember tenses in English?

There are several ways to remember times, but, unfortunately, there is no universal way:

1. Remember the name of the time along with the formula, like a rhyme:
   • Present Simple (I do/he does)
   • Present Progressive (I am going)
   • Past Simple (I did), etc.
2. Find interesting text and highlight all the tenses you see. Then explain the use of each:
3. Watch movies and and pay attention to the use of tenses;
4. Practice and practice again!

Exercises on tenses in English with answers

Put the verb in correct form, focusing on markers and auxiliary verbs:

1. He often (cut)himself.
2. What time did Peter (arrive)?
3. Mike never (forget)
4. Are you (sit) here?
5. We (drink) a lot of Coke at the party yesterday.
6. It was (rain)all night yesterday.
7. The train_______ leave in a few minutes.
8. I (put) on a clean shirt yesterday

Answers:

Choose the correct auxiliary verb:

1. ____ did you like the movie we watched yesterday?
2. _____ do you like ice-cream?
3. _____ he smoke?
4. _____ he speaking now?
5. _____ we writing?
6. _____ you live in Lindon?
7. What ____ do you usually have for breakfast?
8. When ____ you wake up this morning?
9. What ____ did you watch on TV yesterday?
10. _____ is it raining now?

Answers:

1. Did you like the movie we watched yesterday?
2. Do you like ice-cream?
3. Does he smoke?
4. Is he speaking now?
5. Are we writing?
6. Do you live in Lindon?
7. What do you usually have for breakfast?
8. When did you wake up this morning?
9. What did you watch on TV yesterday?
10. Is it raining now?

Present Simple Tense or Simple Present Tense, despite the ease of formation, often causes difficulties for those who learn English. Why? An article describing times, use cases and exceptions will help you find out.

Statement

How is the Present Simple formed in English? Using endings:

• -s, if the word ends with a consonant, for example, to work-works – work-works;
• -es, if the word ends in s, sh, ch, x, zz or o, for example, to wash-washes - wash-washes, to pass-passes - pass - passes, to go-goes - walk - walks.
• -ies, if the word ends in y, for example, to fly – flies – to fly – flies.

This form is used in the 3rd person singular, and in the rest the verb remains unchanged. Let's look at examples with the verb to write.

I write - I am writing; You write - You write;
He writes - He writes;
She writes - She writes;
It writes -He (she, it) writes;
We write - We write;
They write - They write.

Present Simple Tense is used when speaking:

• about repetitive actions– James goes to work every morning – James goes to work every day. (This means that James gets ready and goes to work every morning, and is not on the road at the time of conversation).
• about generally known facts– The Sun rises at the East. – The sun rises in the east. (This means that the sun always rises in the east, it was, is and will be and this is known to all people).
• about skills, habits and preferences– Alice speaks Spanish. (Alice speaks Spanish, that is, she knows Spanish and can speak it, but does not speak it at the moment)
• about the daily routine or schedule– The train comes at 8 p.m. – The train arrives at 6 o’clock according to schedule. (This means it always happens)
• about events that happened recently– Man rescues child. – The man saved the child (Even though the event happened in the past, it is written in the present tense to show its relevance).
• about actions planned for the near future– We fly to England next week. – We are flying to England next week. (This means that the trip is not only planned, but tickets have also been purchased).
• about instructions, directions, or sequential actions that occurred one after another– First read a question, think over your answer and write it. – First read the question, think about the answer and write it. (Actions must be performed sequentially).

Adverbs characteristic of repeated actions will help you distinguish Present Simple Tense from other tenses:

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• every hour/ day/ week/ month/ season/ year – every hour/ day/ week/ month/ season/ year;
• once a day/ twice a week/ three times a month – once a day/ twice a week/ three times a month;
• usually - usually;
• sometime - sometimes;
• always – always;
• now and then – from time to time;
• from time to time – from time to time;
• as a rule – as a rule;
• regularly - regularly;
• generally - in general;
• never - never;
• rarely - sometimes;

Negation

An auxiliary verb is used to form a negative form do or does and negative particle not. Does is used in the 3rd person singular, and do is used with other persons and numbers. The auxiliary verb is also called a helping verb, since without it it is impossible to form interrogative and negative forms. The helping verb has no analogue in Russian. For example:

İ don’t write - I don’t write
You don’t write - You don’t write
He doesn’t write - He doesn’t write
She doesn’t write - She doesn’t write
İt doesn’t write – He (she/it) does not write
We don’t write - We don’t write
They don’t write - They don’t write

It is also possible to use don't or does not as, for example, in the sentences:

You do not work at the office - You do not work in the office.
She does not play with her toys. – She doesn’t play with her toys.

There are no double negatives in English. For example, if in Russian you can say: “I never drink coffee,” then in English it would be a mistake to use both the particle “not” and the adverb “never” in one sentence. Therefore, this sentence can be translated in two ways - I don’t drink coffee and I never drink coffee, but in no case can you say I never don’t drink coffee.

The interrogative form of the Present Simple is formed using do And does.

Do I write? - Am I writing?
Do you write? -Are you writing?
Does he write? – Is he writing?
Does he write? – Is he writing?
Does it write? – Is he (she/it) writing?
Do we write? - Are we writing?
Do they write? -Are they writing?

In both cases, the endings -s and -es from the end of the verb become does.

If a sentence begins with a question word (Where/Why/When/Which, etc.), then the auxiliary verb do/does is used after it.

Why do you always help him? He doesn't appreciate it. - Why do you always help him? He doesn't appreciate it.
Where do your parents work? – Where do your parents work?
Which of these dresses does she want to buy? – Which of these dresses does she want to buy?
When does he usually go to work? – When does he usually go to work?

As with any rule, there are exceptions in the formation of Present Simple Tense.
Per verb to be This form is not distributed and it has its own form of education.

Statement	Negation	Question
I am a student. - I am a student. You are a student - You are a student. He is a student. - He is a student. She is a student. - She is a student. It is a student. We are students. - We are students. They are students. - They are students.	I am not a student. - I'm not a student You are not a student (s) - You (you) are not students He is not a student. - He is not a student She is not a student. She's not a student. It is a student. We are not students. - We are not students. They are not a students. - They are not students.	Am I a student? - Am I a student? Are you a student? – Are you (are you) a student? Is he a student? - Is he a student? Is she a student? – Is she a student? Is it a student? – Is he (she/it) a student? Are we students? – Are we students? Are they students? -Are they students?

If an interrogative sentence begins with the word Who, then the auxiliary verb do/does is not used, and the form of the main verb is used with the ending – s/-es/ -ies.

Who works with Peter? – Alice works. – Who works with Peter? – Alice is working. Who wants to drink some orange juice? - We want. – Who wants orange juice? - We want to.

What have we learned?

The rules and examples discussed in the article helped to learn how to construct the Present Simple. The affirmative form is formed using the endings -s, -es, -ies. The interrogative form is formed using the helping verbs do and does, which are placed at the beginning of the sentence. The negative form is constructed using the auxiliary verb do not (don’t) and does not (does’t). To distinguish this time from others, adverbs of time will help, which you need to learn by heart. But the verb to be has its own form of formation.

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Hello! Today you will get acquainted with the present indefinite (simple) time in English - Present Simple, or as it is also called Present Indefenite. The study of tense forms of a verb in English always begins with the Present Simple, since it is basic. If you understand the structure of this tense, it will be easy for you to understand the rest of the tenses.

After studying the material, you will learn in which cases the Present Simple tense is used, become familiar with the rules for forming the Present Simple tense, and many other nuances of using the Present Simple tense, shown in individual examples.

First, let's define the meaning of Present Simple tense. So, Present Simple expresses actions or states in the present tense, without indicating their duration, completion, precedence in relation to another action, etc.

Actions expressed in the Present Simple refer to the present tense, but, as a rule, do not occur at the moment of speech. This is how Present Simple differs from the present tense in Russian. The Russian present tense denotes both actions that relate to the present period of time and actions that occur at the moment of speech. In English, to express the latter, another form of the present tense is used, namely Present Continuous. You can see this with this example:

• Present Simple: I speak Russian. — I speak Russian. (meaning, I can generally speak Russian)
• Present Continuous: I am speaking Russian - I speak Russian. (meaning - I speak Russian at the moment)

Rules for the formation of Present Simple Tense

And now it’s time to move on to the main thing - to the rules for forming Present Simple Tense in English.

Affirmative form of Present Simple Tense

To form the affirmative form of the Present Simple, auxiliary verbs are not required. For persons I, you singular and we, you, they plural, the forms of the verb in the Present Simple coincide with the infinitive form. This applies to both regular and irregular verbs.

Only in the 3rd person singular ( he, she, it) ending is added to the verb − s or —es. These endings are pronounced like [s], [z] or . For example:

• I make - he make s
• I sing -he sing s
• I rise - he rise s[ˈraɪzɪz]

The rules for pronunciation and writing of these endings are the same as for plural endings of nouns. You can find them in the article Plurals of nouns in English.

in the affirmative

Question form Present Simple Tense

The interrogative form is formed using an auxiliary verb to do, with the exception of modal verbs and verbs to be And to have. But we'll talk about these exceptions a little later. So, auxiliary verb to do used in forms do or does(For he, she, it), agreeing in person and number with the subject, and the main verb in all persons has the infinitive form.

To form the interrogative form of the Present Simple, the auxiliary verb do (does) is placed first before the subject, and the subject is followed by the main verb in the infinitive form.

Table
verb conjugations in Present Simple Tense

in interrogative form

Negative form of Present Simple Tense

The negative form is also formed using an auxiliary verb do (does), but in combination with a negative particle not. So, the subject comes first, then the auxiliary verb do (does) + negative particle not, and the main verb in the infinitive form.

Auxiliary verb do (does) usually merges into one word with a particle not:

• don't - don't
• does not − doesn't

Verb conjugation table in Present Simple Tense

in a negative form

Exceptions to the rules

Now is the time to talk about exceptions to the rules! Remember!
The modal verbs can, ought, may, should, must, would, as well as the verbs to be and to have form the Present Simple forms not by general rules!

In the affirmative form, modal verbs in the 3rd person singular form do not have an ending − s or —es:

• I can—he can
• I may -he may
• I ought—he ought
• I must -he must
• I should—he should
• I would -he would

Verb to be in the affirmative form has the forms am, is, are, was, were, depending on person and number, and the verb to have forms − have And has.

In interrogative and negative form, all these verbs are used as auxiliaries!

Review the following tables carefully and memorize them!

Conjugation table for the verb to be in the Present Simple Tense

Conjugation table for the verb to have in the Present Simple Tense

It should be noted that such a conjugation of the verb to have occurs only in cases where to have denotes the possession of something. In American English, and in this meaning, it is preferable to conjugate the verb to have using the auxiliary verb to do according to the general rules of Present Simple:

• British - I haven't any pens.
• American - I don't have any pens.

If the verb to have means - to receive, take, accept, experience, etc., then it is conjugated according to the general rules, both in British and American. For example:

• Do you have any difficulties getting there? − Is it difficult for you to get there?

In informal British English, the construction is often used instead of the verb to have have got, in which have plays the role of an auxiliary verb. For example:

• I haven't got any pens − I don't have any pens

Another way to express the negative form of the verb to have is to use the particle no instead of not a/ not any:

• I haven’t got any pens = I haven’t got any pens = I have no pens

Conjugation table for modal verbs in Present Simple Tense

(using the example of the verb - can)

Present Simple Tense is used:

1. When expressing repeated or constant actions in the present tense. Very often, such sentences contain time adverbials that express the frequency of the action:

• аlways - always
• often - often
• daily - daily
• usually - usually
• every day - every day
• regularly - regularly
• never - never
• sometimes - sometimes
• rarely - rarely
• rarely - infrequently

In most cases, time adverbials are placed between the subject and the predicate. Examples:

• I always help my brother in his studies. — I always help my brother with his studies.
• She usually gets up at eight o'clock. — She usually wakes up at eight o’clock.
• We have breakfast every day.− We have breakfast every day.
• Do you often visit your Grandmother? — Do you often visit your grandmother?
• Sandra daily makes exercises. — Sandra does exercises every day.
• I rarely meet with Jim. — I rarely meet Jim.
• Nick never goes home before nine. Nick never goes home before nine.
• My mother doesn't often give me work. — My mother doesn’t often give me work.
• She sometimes goes in our swimming-pool. — She sometimes goes to our pool.

The meaning of repeated or constant actions can be shown not only by adverbs, but also by the Present Simple form itself, for example, if the place or time of a regular action is indicated, or in the case of a list of successive actions.

• Nick goes to school at 9 o'clock. — Nick goes to school at 9 o’clock.
• I wake up, wash, have my breakfast, dress and go to university. — I wake up, wash my face, have breakfast, get dressed and go to the university.

2. When expressing an action or property that characterizes the subject at the current moment in time or constantly. For example:

• Nick speaks Russian very well. — Nick speaks Russian very well.
• My brother plays violin and sings. — My brother plays the violin and sings.
• He is a student. - He is a student.
• What is your name? - What is your name?

3. When expressing general provisions or well-known truths:

• The earth goes round the sun in 24 hours.− The earth goes around the sun in 24 hours.
• Two and two is four.− Twice two is four.

4. When denoting actions or states that occur at a given moment of speech, if they are expressed by verbs that are not used in the present continuous tense. Usually these are verbs that denote feelings, states, desires, thoughts, etc.

• Verbs of desire and expression of will: to want - to want, to desire - to desire, to wish - to desire, to mind - to worry, to refuse - to refuse, to forgive - to forgive, to demand - to demand...

• Verbs of feelings and emotions: to love - to love, to hate - to hate, to like - to like, to dislike - not to like, not to love, to adore - to adore, to respect - to respect, to detest - to disgust, to care for - to love, ...

• Verbs of physical perception and thinking: to hear - to hear, to see - to see, to smell - to smell, to agree - to agree, to believe - to believe, to doubt - to doubt, to notice - to notice, to forget - to forget, to remember - to remember, to know - to know , to suppose - to believe, to understand - to understand, to recognize - to recognize, to realize - to understand, to mean - to mean, to imagine - to imagine, to imagine, to fancy - to imagine, to perceive - to perceive, to think - to consider ...

• Verbs general meaning: to be - to be, to have - to have, to belong to - to belong, to differ from - to differ, to concern - to touch, to consist of - to consist of, to contain - to contain, to resemble - to remind, to depend on - to depend on , to own - to own, to equal - to be equal, to include - to include, to involve - to involve, to lack - to lack, to matter - to matter, to owe - to owe, to possess - to possess, to deserve - to deserve, to remain - remain, to result - lead to...

For example:

• We respect our parents very much. — We respect our parents very much.
• What do you hear? -What do you hear?
• I don't see her here. - I don't see her here.
• We don't understand you. - We don't understand you.
• My mother don't allow me to go there. — My mother doesn’t allow me to go there.

5. When expressing future actions or states (presumed in the future) in adverbial subordinate clauses of time and conditions after conjunctions:

• if - if
• when - when
• unless - if not
• аs son as - as soon as
• till, until - yet (not)
• before - before

In Russian, such subordinate clauses are translated into the future tense. For example:

• I'll wait till you finish your homework. − I'll wait until you finish your homework.
• What shall we do if does it snow tonight? — What will we do if it snows tonight?
• Come tomorrow unless you are very busy. - Come tomorrow if you are not too busy.
• Let's wait until the rain stops. - Let's wait until the rain stops.
• I'll join you as soon as I can. - I'll join you as soon as I can.

Don't confuse these offers with additional ones subordinate clauses after unions when, if, which use the future tense. For example:

• Ask him if he will do it. − Ask him if he will do it.

5. When expressing planned actions in the near future with verbs:

Present Simple– one of the basic tenses of English grammar. It is impossible to do without it either in written or especially in oral speech. In many sources you can find a variety of ridiculous phrases that this is one of the simplest tenses in English. Where there! Time is very difficult both in education and in competent use. There are so many nuances and a lot of “buts” here... However, if you don’t be lazy and read this post to the end, you will become familiar with all the intricacies of using Present Simple. Good luck! You can also find it in the Present Simple.

Using the Present Simple.

Present Simple used to denote or express:

• Permanent personality characteristics.

She speaks fluent Japanese. – She speaks Japanese fluently.

• Facta

They live in Kongo. – They live in Congo.

• Repeated action

The Ivanovs go to Turkey every summer. – The Ivanovs go to Turkey every summer.

• Absolute truths or laws of nature

Snow melts at O ​​degrees. – Snow melts at a temperature of 0 degrees.

Special cases of using Present Simple instead of Present Continuous.

• In announcements, expressions of consent

I declare our meeting open. – I declare our meeting open.

• To express a sequence of actions

Now watch: I take some potatoes, peel them and carefully cut them into pieces. - Look, I take the potatoes, peel them and carefully cut them into pieces.

• To denote states, actions and processes expressed by verbs that do not have the Present Continuous form

Who does this truck belong to? – Who owns this truck?

See more details

Special cases of using Present Simple instead of Future Simple.

• To denote an action planned for the future (usually with verbs denoting movement, and if time is indicated)

I fly to Madrid next Friday. - I'm flying to Madrid next Friday.

• In the subordinate part of type I conditional sentences after the conjunctions If, when, after, until, before, unless, provided, etc.

Get me know, if they come. - Let me know if they come.

Special cases of using Present Simple instead of Past Simple.

• In the headlines of periodicals

Little boy saves his mother! — The little boy saved his mother.

• In descriptions of films, books, theatrical productions.

The main hero meets a young lady. They fall in love with each other. – Main character met a young girl. They fell in love.

• In colloquial speech in order to more vividly and vividly convey the events that took place.

Yesterday I came home late. And there – who do you think I see? Mary! My sweetheart! I rush to her and kiss her! And - Yesterday I came home late - and who do you think I saw there? Mary! My dear!

• In colloquial speech with the verbs be told, hear, forget.

I am told he got a driving license last week. “They told me he got his license last week.”

I hear you are leaving for Rome. – I heard you are leaving for Rome.

Education Present Simple.

Present Simple in affirmative sentences.

In affirmative sentences form Present Simple coincides with the stem of the verb in all persons, except for the 3rd person singular, where the ending –s\es is added. Read more about the rules for adding endings here.

Present Simple in negative sentences.

Negative sentences are formed according to the scheme

do not (don’t) + verb stem

does not (doesn’t) + verb stem (for 3rd person singular)

Present Simple in interrogative sentences.

Interrogative sentences are formed according to the scheme

Do + S (subject) + verb stem

Does + S (subject) + verb stem

I suggest you practice using