Simple Present Tense

The function of the Simple Present Tense :

1.        To express habits, general truths, repeated actions or unchanging situations, emotions, and wishes.

¯   I smoke (habit).

¯   I live in French (unchanging situations).

¯   French is a mode city (general truth).

¯   I hope I can go to French (wishes).

2.        To give instructions or directions.

¯   Go down this road, and then the first right. It’s on the right.

3.        To express fixed arrangements, presents or future.

¯   Your course finishes at 5.00 p.m.

The formula of the Simple Present Tense :

a.        Without Verb :

(+)  S + to be + Object / Compliment

(-)   S + to be + not + Obj. / Comp.

(?)  To be + S + Obj. / Comp. + ?

Example :  (+)  I am beautiful.

                   (-)   I am not beautiful.

                   (?)  Am I beautiful?

b.        With Verb :

(+)  S + V₁ + Compliment

(-)   S + do/does + not + V₁ + Compliment

(?)  Do/does + S + V₁ + Compliment + ?

J If the subject is third person singular (he, she, it, John, Mary, the book, etc.), the verb uses the –s/-es form.

Example :   (+)  I play computer.                     >> He plays computer.

                   (-)   I don’t play computer.            >> He doesn’t play computer.

                   (?)  Do I play computer?               >> Does he play computer?