Understanding simple present tense

What is the simple present tense?

The simple present tense is a verb tense used to describe an action happening now or an action that happens routinely. It conveys routine, emotions, wishes, and general facts. As its name implies, the simple present generally uses verbs in their simple root form or with an added “s” or “es” at the end.

These simple present sentences express actions and emotions occurring right now.

• I feel sick.
• You like comedies.
• The farmer hopes for rain

And these simple present sentences express habitual actions.

• I run to the store every morning.
• You drive to work with Carlos.
• She plays tennis after school.

You use this tense all the time in common speech—now you just need to learn how to use it correctly when writing.

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How to write in the simple present tense

Writing in the simple present tense has a lot of benefits. It’s an active, powerful tense to write persuasive pieces. In story writing, it can engage your reader more effectively than the past tense and make your reader feel like they’re right in the middle of the action. In academic papers, the simple present tense may simply be the most accurate way to communicate your point.

Here’s how to form the simple present tense in various persons.

• First person singular: I scream.
• Second person singular: You scream.
• Third person singular: She screams.

• First person plural: We all scream for ice cream.
• Second person plural: You all scream for ice cream.
• Third person plural: They all scream for ice cream.

Note how the third person singular ends with an “s” tacked onto the end of the verb “scream.” Let’s explore that rule a bit further.

Using simple present tense in the third person singular

When you use the third person in the simple present tense, you add an “s” to the end of the root word. Be aware of this rule when you write and edit your work. Sometimes you may even add an “es,” for example, to go (goes) or unleash (unleashes). Memorize these rules for third person singular.

• When using regular verbs, just add an “s” at the end.
• When using verbs ending in -s, -ss, -sh, -ch, -cx, and -o, add “es” to the end.
• When using verbs that end in -y, change the “y” to an “i” and add “es.”

Now that you understand the basics, break down the simple present tense further.

Breaking down the simple present tense

It’s important to accurately apply the simple present tense to different writing scenarios. Let’s play around with syntax and sentence structure to better understand this tense.

Statements

How do you write a statement in the simple present? Quite simply.

• Structure: [subject] + [root form of verb]
• Example: [She] [wears] her heart on her sleeve.

Negatives

What about simple present sentences in the negative? Use the present verb of “do” or “does” along with the word “not” and follow it with the root form of the word. It will make more sense to see it in action.

• Structure: [subject]+[do/does] + [not] + [root form of verb]
• Example: Unlike my twin, I do not wear my heart on my sleeve.

Questions

When asking a question in simple present tense, you write “do” or “does,” then the subject, then follow that with the root form of the verb. Look at this example.

• Structure: [do/does] + [subject] + [root form of verb]
• Example: [Does] your twin [sister] really [wear] her heart on her sleeve?

When to write in simple present tense

You use simple present tense for a variety of reasons:

• To express habits
• To share facts
• To explain routine actions
• To communicate unchanging situations
• To give instructions
• To convey fixed arrangements

Fortunately, using simple present tense is straightforward. Just make sure to follow the special “s” rule when using the third person singular, and you’ll use this tense with prowess.