¿Qué es el Presente Simple en Inglés?

The present simple tense is one of the most commonly used verb tenses in English and mastering its use is fundamental for any student of the language. This verb tense allows us to talk about daily routines, habits and general truths, becoming the basis for expressing everyday actions. With a clear structure but with some important particularities, the present simple tense will allow you to build your first fluent conversations in English.

What is the present simple and when is it used?

The present simple is a verb tense that is mainly used to talk about daily routines or things that happen regularly in the present. For example, when we describe activities we do every day such as:

• We eat breakfast
• We take a shower (Nos duchamos)

This verb tense is perfect for expressing habits, general truths and everyday actions. Its basic structure is simple, but it has some important rules that we should know, especially when we use the third person singular.

How is the present simple tense formed with different subjects?

The formation of the present simple varies depending on the subject we use:

• For subjects I, you, we, they: the base form of the verb is used without change.i eat breakfastYou take a shower.

• For the subjects he, she, it: the verb changes slightly, usually by adding an "s" at the end.She eats breakfastHe goes to work He goes to work

It is essential to learn when and how to transform the verb according to the subject we are using, as this is one of the most important aspects of the present simple.

How to form negative sentences in the present simple?

To form negative sentences in the present simple, we need to use the auxiliaries don't or doesn't, depending on the subject:

• Use don't with the subjects I, you, you, we and they.I don't drink coffee in the morningThey don't work on Sundays.

• Use doesn't with the subjects he, she and it.He doesn't eat breakfast at work.She doesn't like chocolate.

It is important to remember that when we use doesn't, the main verb returns to its base form without the "s" at the end.

How to ask questions in the present simple tense?

To ask questions in the present simple, we also use the auxiliaries do and does:

Yes or no questions

• Use do with I, you, we and they.Do you eat dinner?Do they study English?

• Uses does with he, she and it.Does she watch TV?Does he play soccer?

Informative questions with wh-words

If you want to get more specific information, you can use interrogative (wh-) words:

• What do you eat for breakfast?
• Where does she work?

Remember: Use do for I, you, we and they, and does for he, she and it, but only in negative sentences and questions. In affirmative sentences, we simply use the verb (with the additional "s" for third person singular).

Mastering the present simple will allow you to describe the actions you perform on a daily basis and to formulate questions and answers in English effectively. With consistent practice and attention to grammar rules, you will soon be having your first fluent conversations in English.

Are you ready to practice the present simple in everyday situations? Share in the comments a sentence using this verb tense that describes something you do every day.