Updated Simple Present Tense with Examples? The simple present tense is used to describe actions or events that are happening currently, regularly, or habitually. It is one of the most basic tenses in English grammar and is often used to describe general truths or facts, as well as to discuss current events or situations.
To form the simple present tense, you need to use the base form of the verb (also known as the infinitive form) for all subjects except for the third-person singular, which requires adding an (-s) or (-es) to the end of the verb.
As you can see, the verbs are in their base form for the first-person singular and plural, as well as the second-person singular and plural. However, for the third-person singular (he, she, it), you need to add -s or -es to the end of the verb, depending on the spelling of the verb.
Some verbs require adding -es to the end of the verb, such as verbs that end in (-sh), (-ch,) (-x), (-ss), and (-o).
She teaches English at a university. (teach + -es)
He watches TV every night. (watch + -es)
The cat catches mice in the barn. (catch + -es)
There are also some irregular verbs that have their own unique form in the simple present tense.
I have a cat. (have, which is irregular)
He goes to the gym every day. (go, which is irregular)
She knows how to speak French. (know, which is irregular)
Overall, the simple present tense is used to describe actions or events that are happening currently, regularly, or habitually. It is a basic tense in English grammar, and it is important to learn how to use it correctly in order to communicate effectively in English.