Using Present Simple: rules and exceptions

The use of various time forms in English often causes difficulties, especially for those who are just starting to learn the language. Getting acquainted with English times is best from the simplest topic - "Use Present Simple". Another frequently encountered definition is Present Indefinite Tense.

Formative affirmative form

The formation of the above form and the use of verbs in Present Simple is quite easy to remember. In the 1st and 2nd person units. H., As well as in all persons pl. The number of the verb is used unchanged. In the 3rd person of units. An ending of -s or -es is added. More details in the table:

How to understand in which words in the third person of the singular number the ending -s is added, and when -es? The addition of the endings follows the same principle as in the formation of the plural. If the word ends in -ch, -sh, -o, -s, -ss, -x, then -es is required. In all other words - as usual, just -s.

As for the verb "to be", its conjugation differs from the standard one.

Interrogative form

The formation of sentences containing the question occurs with the help of the auxiliary verb to do, which is put in the beginning. Also, depending on the context, the verbs to be, to have and question words (what, when, why etc.) can be used,

• Do you like classic music? - Do you like classical music?
• Have you something to read? "Do you have anything to read?"
• Are you a teacher? - You are teacher?
• What does this term mean? "What does this term mean?"

The order of the lexicon in the sentence remains unchanged: the first is the auxiliary verb, followed by the subject and the remaining components.

negative form

Denial is formed by the verbs to do, to be or to have in conjunction with the particle "not". The subject is placed in the first place. This often uses abbreviations do not, does not, are not, is not, have not, has not.

• She does not like such a music. - She does not like this kind of music.
• He is not a pianist. "He's not a pianist."
• I do not have anything to say. - I have nothing to say.

Interrogative-negative form

In Russian, such constructions are transferred with such particles as "does" and "really".

• Do I not know? "Do not I know?"
• Why do not you say the truth? "Why do not you tell the truth?"

In colloquial speech, the abbreviated variants can also be used: do not, does not, have not, and others.

Passive voice

The above rules for the formation of proposals related to the actual voice (Active voice). There is also a passive voice (Passive voice), in which the action is directed to the subject. Consider the following table and the use of Present Simple Passive will not cause any difficulties.

Comparative characteristics of the real and passive voice in the present uncertain time:

In the case of irregular verbs, one should take into account the peculiarity of their application and substitute the required form (Past Participle from the third column of the table of irregular verbs).

• This work is done well. - This work is done well.
• A lot of books are written every year. - Every year many books are written.
• My flowers are watered every day. "My flowers are watered every day."

As a rule, a passive pledge is applied in cases where the action or phenomenon is more important than the performer. If you want to specify the performer or a tool or an action tool, the prepositions by and with are used . The Russian language is translated using the instrumental case.

• This bread is baked by me. - This bread is baked by me.
• This picture is painted with special brush. - This painting is painted with a special brush.

Cases of using Present Simple with examples

The present uncertain time is a very multifaceted topic. The grammatical structure is fairly simple to understand, but the scope of using this time form should be considered in more detail.

There are rules in which cases the Present Indefinite is used:

1. Well-known facts, the laws of nature, irrefutable truths.
   - Water boils at 100 degrees centigrade. - Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
   - Most of the birds fly away to warm lands for the winter. "Most of the birds fly away for the winter to warmer places."
   - Harare is the capital of Zimbabwe. Harare is the capital of Zimbabwe.
   
2. Phenomena that are to some extent constant or change slowly.
   - I'm 20 years old. - I am 20 years old.
   - Ann is flute player. - Anna plays the flute.
3. Phenomena and events, regularly recurring.
   - She runs every morning in the park. "She runs every morning in the park."
   - I read detective stories every day. - I read detective stories every day.
4. A series of actions, one after another. Often words are used: at the beginning, at the start, at the beginning, then, then, further, after.
   - At first she comes to the office, looks through the new letters and then begins to work. - First she comes to the office, looks through new letters, and then starts working.
5. In the subordinate part of the sentence (condition or time). The words are used: if (if), before (before, before), when (when).
   - If I find that interesting book, I'll give it to you. "If I find that interesting book, I'll give it to you."
6. Quite often, the use of Present Simple can be found in describing upcoming events related to the future. Mostly, if it is a question of a forthcoming single event, planned in advance. This uses words that indicate future time, such as tomorrow, next week, in a week (this week). Verbs of motion are also often used in such sentences.
   - My friend comes next month. "My friend is coming next month."
   In Russian there is an analogue of this design. For example: "My sister Anna is leaving tomorrow night."
7. Description of actions or phenomena occurring at the time of narration, using verbs that are not used in Continuous. These include words that describe the emotional state (like - like, prefer - prefer, wish), the thought process (recognize - know, know, attitude, posses, posses, sensations See - see, smell - to have the smell of smelling). - I see a car in the distance. - I see the car in the distance.
   - I understand you. - I understand you.

Comparative characteristic of simple and long present time

The use of Present Simple and Present Continuous is one of the most important themes of the English language, as in colloquial speech these temporary forms are most often encountered. There are certain differences, the essence of which is not always perceptible when translated into Russian.

For example: how to translate a simple phrase "I'm studying"? There are two ways in English:

• I study. - The use of Present Simple in this case implies the implementation of the action in general. Perhaps, the speaker tells that he is educated in some educational institution or is working on studying a question for a long period of time.
• I am studying. - The sentence is written in Present Continuous, which indicates the implementation of the action at the time of the speech. Most likely, the speaker is busy studying right now.

Another of the most frequent cases of long-term use is the designation of unusual behavior or condition. For example:

• He is being kind today. - Today he behaves very politely (although it is usually unusual for him to behave like this).
• Her brother is very kind. - Her brother is very polite (always).

In addition to the rules, pay attention also to words used in different times. They will help to determine the desired form.

Exercises with answers

Any theoretical material should be used in practice. The most effective method is to perform exercises for translation from mother tongue to English. This way of working allows you to identify gaps in knowledge and understand your own shortcomings. In addition to mastering grammar rules, completing assignments will also help you learn new vocabulary, increase your active vocabulary, and practice your written and spoken language. After you have worked through numerous exercises, the use of Present Simple will not cause difficulties.

Task 1: Translate into English.

1. Do you believe in God?
2. I am wrong?
3. When will the festival be held?
4. Do you like this city?

Task 2: Insert the missing verb in the desired form (using the word in parentheses):

1. How often ... your father play tennis? (Do). - How often does your father play tennis?
2. The sun ... in the east (rise). - The sun rises in the east.
3. She ... from USA tomorrow (come). - She comes from the USA tomorrow.
4. If she needs money, why ... a job? (Do, not, get) - If she needs money, why does not she find a job?
5. Cats ... mice (catch). - Cats catch mice.

Answer 1:

1. Do you believe in God?
2. Am I wrong?
3. When does the festival take place?
4. Do you like this city?

Answer 2:

1. Does;
2. Rises;
3. Comes;
4. Does not she get;
5. Catch.

In addition to completing assignments, you can also consolidate the material studied by composing your own sentences, dialogues and texts. Any grammatical theme of the English language, whether using Past, Present Simple or Continuous, will be better perceived with sufficient lessons with theoretical material and practical elaboration. In addition to understanding and memorizing, it is also very important to bring to the automatism the use of certain lexical units, verbal constructions and grammatical formulas.