The Present Simple Tense

By: Mr. Mohammed H. Awla

Introduction

 The Present Simple Tense is one of the most

commonly used tenses in English.
 It’s essential for expressing actions, habits,
routines, and general facts.
 In this presentation, we will cover:
 The form of Present Simple
 Uses of Present Simple
 Common mistakes and tips to avoid them
 Examples of Present Simple in different contexts
Form
 1. Affirmative Sentences
 Structure: Subject + Base Verb
 For he, she, it: add s or es to the base verb.
 Examples:
 I work in a bank.
 He plays football every weekend.
 2. Negative Sentences
 Structure: Subject + do/does + not + Base Verb
 For he, she, it: use does not (doesn’t).
 Examples:
 They do not like coffee.
 She does not speak Spanish.
 3. Interrogative Sentences
 Structure: Do/Does + Subject + Base Verb?
 For he, she, it: use does.
 Examples:
 Do you play the piano?
 Does he read books?
Uses
 1. Routine or Habitual Actions
 Use the Present Simple to talk about regular activities or routines.

: I get up at 7:00 every morning.
Example

Example: She always drinks coffee at breakfast.
 2. General Facts or Truths
 The Present Simple expresses facts that are universally true or scientific facts.

Example:The Earth orbits the Sun.

Example: Water boils at 100°C.
 3. Permanent Situations
 Use the Present Simple for things that are permanent or long-lasting.

Example:He works in a hospital.

Example: They live in Paris.
 4. Instructions or Directions
 The Present Simple is often used for giving instructions or directions.

Example:You turn left at the traffic light.

Example: First, add the sugar to the bowl.
 5. Scheduled Events or Timetables
 Use the Present Simple to describe fixed events, like public transportation schedules or
events in the future.

Example: The train leaves at 9:00 AM.

Present Simple with Stative
Verbs
 The Present Simple is used with stative verbs to describe
states of being, thinking, or feeling. These verbs are not
typically used in continuous tenses.
 Examples of stative verbs: know, like, love, want, believe,
need, understand, belong, etc.
 Correct: I know her well.
 Incorrect: I am knowing her well.
 Stative verbs describe permanent conditions or mental
states.
 Example: She believes in ghosts.
 Example: They need more time to finish the project.
Common Adverbs of Frequency

 The Present Simple is often used with adverbs of frequency

to show how often an action happens. Common adverbs
include:
 Always (100%): I always go to the gym on Mondays.
 Usually (80-90%): She usually eats breakfast at 8:00 AM.
 Often (60-70%): They often visit their grandparents.
 Sometimes (40-50%): He sometimes goes to the cinema
on weekends.
 Rarely (10-20%): I rarely drink soda.
 Never (0%): We never eat junk food
Common Mistakes
 1. Incorrect Verb Form with He/She/It
 Remember to add -s or -es with he, she, it.
 Incorrect: She work every day.
 Correct: She works every day.
 2. Double Negative
 In the negative form, avoid using two negatives like don’t and not together.
 Incorrect: I don’t know not the answer.
 Correct: I don’t know the answer.
 3. Stative Verbs in Continuous Form
 Stative verbs (like know, like, understand) should not be used in the
continuous form.
 Incorrect: I am liking this movie.
 Correct: I like this movie.
 4. Use of “Do” in Questions and Negatives
 Don’t forget to use do (or does with he/she/it) in negative and question forms.
 Incorrect: He plays not football.
 Correct: He does not play football.
Examples of Present Simple
 Habitual Actions:
I brush my teeth twice a day.
She takes the bus to work.
 General Facts:
The sun rises in the east.
Fish live in water.
 Permanent Situations:
They live in London.
I work at a bank.
 Scheduled Events:
The movie starts at 7 PM.
Our flight departs at noon.
 Instructions:
First, mix the ingredients together.
Add two cups of flour to the bowl.
When Not to Use Present Simple

 Do not use the Present Simple for actions happening at the

moment of speaking. Use Present Continuous instead.
 Incorrect: I read right now.
 Correct: I am reading right now.
 Do not use Present Simple with temporary situations. Use
Present Continuous for temporary actions.
 Incorrect: She stays with her friend for a week.
 Correct: She is staying with her friend for a week.
Practice Exercises

 Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of

the verb.
 I _______ (like) to read books in the evening.
 He _______ (study) at the university.
 They _______ (live) in New York.
 She _______ (play) tennis every Saturday.
 The sun _______ (set) in the west.

 Exercise 2: Correct the sentences

 She don’t work on weekends.
 We goes to the gym regularly.
 I am understanding this topic.
Summary

 The Present Simple tense is used for:

 Habits and routines
 General facts and truths
 Permanent situations
 Instructions, directions, and timetables
 It is formed by using the base verb for I, you, we, they, and
adding -s or -es for he, she, it.
 Be aware of common mistakes, especially with stative verbs
and the verb form with he, she, it.
Any questions