Simple Present Tense Worksheet

The simple present tense is one of the most fundamental verb tenses in the English language. It is used to describe habits, unchanging situations, general truths, and fixed arrangements. This comprehensive guide will provide an in-depth look at the simple present tense, along with detailed worksheets to reinforce learning and mastery of this essential grammatical structure.

Understanding the Simple Present Tense

The simple present tense is used to express actions that are habitual or generally true. The structure of a simple present tense sentence depends on the subject. Here is a detailed breakdown of its usage and form.

Forming the Simple Present Tense

Affirmative Sentences

In affirmative sentences, the simple present tense is formed by using the base form of the verb for all subjects except third-person singular (he, she, it), which requires an -s or -es ending.

Examples:

• I eat breakfast at 7 AM.
• She reads a book every evening.
• They play soccer on weekends.

For verbs ending in -ch, -sh, -x, -s, and -o, we add -es to form the third-person singular.

Examples:

• He watches TV after dinner.
• She goes to school by bus.

Negative Sentences

Negative sentences in the simple present tense are formed using the auxiliary verb “do” (do/does) plus “not” and the base form of the main verb.

Examples:

• I do not (don’t) like coffee.
• He does not (doesn’t) play the piano.
• We do not go to the gym on Mondays.

Interrogative Sentences

To form questions, the auxiliary verb “do” (do/does) is placed at the beginning of the sentence, followed by the subject and the base form of the main verb.

Examples:

• Do you like pizza?
• Does she speak Spanish?
• Do they know the answer?

Usage of the Simple Present Tense

The simple present tense is versatile and used in various contexts:

1. Habits and Routines

We use the simple present tense to describe habits and routines.

Examples:

• He jogs every morning.
• They visit their grandparents on Sundays.
• She always brushes her teeth before bed.

2. General Truths

The simple present tense is used to state general truths and facts that are always true.

Examples:

• The sun rises in the east.
• Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
• Cats hate water.

3. Permanent Situations

We use the simple present tense to describe permanent situations and unchanging events.

Examples:

• She works as a teacher.
• They live in New York.
• He owns a car.

4. Scheduled Events

The simple present tense is also used for scheduled events, particularly those referring to the future.

Examples:

• The train leaves at 6 PM.
• The meeting starts at 9 AM.
• The shop opens at 10 AM.

Common Mistakes and Tips

When using the simple present tense, it is important to avoid common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure correct usage:

1. Subject-Verb Agreement

Always ensure that the verb agrees with the subject, especially in third-person singular forms.

Incorrect: She go to school. Correct: She goes to school.

2. Use of Auxiliary Verbs in Negatives and Questions

Ensure the correct use of auxiliary verbs “do” and “does” in negative and interrogative sentences.

Incorrect: He not like apples. Correct: He does not like apples.

3. Spelling Rules for Third-Person Singular

Pay attention to spelling changes for verbs ending in -y, -s, -sh, -ch, -x, and -o.

Incorrect: She cryes at sad movies. Correct: She cries at sad movies.

Simple Present Tense Worksheets

To solidify your understanding of the simple present tense, we have created a series of worksheets that cover a variety of exercises.

Worksheet 1: Affirmative Sentences

Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the verb in parentheses.

1. He ______________ (like) chocolate.
2. They ______________ (go) to the park every Sunday.
3. She ______________ (watch) TV in the evening.
4. I ______________ (play) the guitar.
5. We ______________ (study) English.

Worksheet 2: Negative Sentences

Rewrite the following sentences in the negative form.

1. She reads a book.
   She does not read a book.
2. They play soccer.
   They do not play soccer.
3. He eats vegetables.
   He does not eat vegetables.
4. I go to the gym.
   I do not go to the gym.
5. We watch movies.
   We do not watch movies.

Worksheet 3: Interrogative Sentences

Form questions for the following statements.

1. He likes pizza.
   Does he like pizza?
2. They travel by bus.
   Do they travel by bus?
3. She sings well.
   Does she sing well?
4. You read books.
   Do you read books?
5. We visit our friends.
   Do we visit our friends?

Worksheet 4: Mixed Exercises

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses and complete the sentences.

1. He ______________ (study) English every day.
2. They ______________ (not like) cold weather.
3. ______________ you ______________ (know) the answer?
4. She ______________ (go) to bed early.
5. We ______________ (not watch) TV in the morning.

Advanced Exercises

For those looking to further challenge themselves, here are some more advanced exercises focusing on the application of the simple present tense in different contexts.

Exercise 1: Describing Daily Routines

Write a paragraph describing your daily routine using the simple present tense.

Example: I wake up at 6 AM every day. I brush my teeth and then take a shower. After that, I have breakfast and leave for work at 8 AM. I work from 9 AM to 5 PM. In the evening, I relax by reading a book or watching TV. I go to bed at 10 PM.

Exercise 2: Writing About General Truths

Compose a few sentences stating general truths using the simple present tense.

Example:

• The Earth orbits the sun.
• Plants need sunlight to grow.
• Birds migrate during the winter.

Conclusion

Mastering the simple present tense is crucial for anyone learning English. By understanding its forms, uses, and common pitfalls, and by practicing through various exercises, learners can gain a solid grasp of this essential tense. Utilize the provided worksheets to reinforce your knowledge and improve your proficiency in using the simple present tense accurately.