What is the simple present tense?

The present simple (or simple present) is one of the main forms of the present tense. The present simple can be used to talk about general truths and facts ("The sun rises in the east"; "Water boils at 100 degrees celsius").

We also use this tense to mention fixed times, as well as anything that occurs on an ongoing basis, such as, "The cafe opens at 9 on weekdays"; "I usually read before bed".

Lastly, the simple present can communicate what's happening now, as in "I feel great!"

When to use the simple present

General truths, beliefs, and facts

She studies neuroscience.
There are 8 planets in our solar system.
I love chocolate.

Routine habits and scheduled times or events

I play tennis on the weekends.
Halloween is at the end of October.
I'm in Costa Rica until the end of the week.

How to write the present simple (by subject)

I write, but he writes. You read, but she reads. In other words, third-person singular subjects add an -s or -es at the end of the verb.

Subject-Verb Agreement Rules

First-person singular, plural, and second person: Use base form of verb (I write, you write, we write, they write)
Third-person singular: Add -s or -es to verb (he writes, she writes, it writes)
Irregular verbs: Some verbs have irregular third-person forms (go → goes, do → does, have → has)

Forming questions and negative statements

Use do/does to make questions and negative sentences:

Questions with do/does

Do you go to school here?
Does she know the right address?
Did they read the contract?

For negative statements, add "not" between "do" and the main verb:

Negative statements

I do not like to eat this early.
We don't leave until 7:30.
They didn't ask.

Common mistakes to avoid

⚠️ Common Errors

Forgetting the -s ending: ❌ "He go to school" → ✅ "He goes to school"
Using continuous form incorrectly: ❌ "I am knowing the answer" → ✅ "I know the answer"
Mixing tenses: ❌ "I am work here" → ✅ "I work here"