Get your quotation

Formation and use of signal words for the simple present tense

The Simple Present tense will be covered as soon as you start learning English. It is the fundamental tense in the English language, so you should get to know it well. It is employed to discuss current actions, conditions, or events.

To help you understand the Simple Present tense quickly, we'll demonstrate how to construct it, explain when to use it, and provide you with a few example sentences and key words.

On this page you will find

» Forming the Simple Present
» Use of the Simple Present
» Example sentences in Simple Present
» Signal words for the Simple Present

Forming the Simple Present tense

Regular verbs are formed into the present tense by using the infinitive, which is the fundamental form of the English verb. An -s or an -es are only added in the third person singular. You might be familiar with the proverb "He, She, It, the S must go with." Two common verbs in the conjunctive are shown below. You'll be able to see how simple it is to comprehend the present tense.

Regular verbs of the Simple Present tense in English

To talk

I talk
You talk
He/She/It talks
We talk
They talk

Example sentences in Simple Present tense

We talk about our hobbies.
He talks about his favourite food.
I talk about my new job.

To walk

I walk
You walk
He/She/It walks
We walk
They walk

Example sentences in Simple Present tense

I walk to my parents.
Maria walks a Ten thousand steps every day.
We walk to the restaurant close by.

Irregular verbs in Simple Present tense

Besides the easy-to-understand regular verbs, there are also some irregular verbs in Simple Present tense. These do not follow a uniform structure and unfortunately have to be learned by heart. However, the list of irregular verbs in the Simple Present tense in English is relatively manageable compared to other languages. This will help you master English quickly despite this small obstacle. It should be noted that only the third person singular is irregular in the Simple Present tense.

Take a look at the following examples of irregular verbs in Simple Present tense.

Irregular verbs in Simple Present tense

To be

I am
You are
He/She/It is
We are
They are

Example sentences

I am at work.
You are already at the restaurant.
He is a doctor.
She is from Spain.
We are happy.
They are in the park.

To have

I have
You have
He/She/It has
We have
They have

Example sentences

I have a car.
You have my wallet.
He has his phone in his hand.
She has some free time.
We have a break.
You have too much money.

To go

I go
You go
He/She/It goes
We go
They go

Example sentences

I go to work in the morning.
You go to school.
He goes to the cinema.
She goes to the forest.
We go to the next bench.
They go to the kitchen.

The use of the Simple Present tense

The Simple Present is used to describe things that are happening right now, such as states, actions, or events. When making generalizations or stating facts, the Simple Present has another application. To find out when to use the Simple Present, look at the list below:

  • Regular, recurring actions
  • General statements
  • Present or permanent states
  • Descriptions of characteristics
  • Scientific facts

Remember that signal words are frequently used in conjunction with the Simple Present when using it in English. These will aid you in understanding when to use the English Simple Present, especially if you are a beginner.

Simple Present tense examples arranged by use case

General statements

The earth revolves around the sun.
Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
Dogs bark.
Cats chase mice.
I work in a hospital.

Regular action

You go to the park every week.
I play tennis every monday.
Peter plays chess every day.
They eat twice a day.
He watches a film every night.

Permanent conditions

I live in Malta.
He has a brother.
They like ice cream.
She speaks three languages.
I own two cars.

State facts

The sun is a star.
The sky is blue.
Water is wet.
The grass is green.
Coffee contains caffeine.

Signal words for the Simple Present tense

Signalword Example
Always I always go to work.
Usually He usually goes to the gym in the morning.
Often She often takes the bus to work.
Sometimes Sometimes, she walks to the bus station.
Rarely We rarely stay up late during the week.
Never He never drinks coffee after 5pm.
Every day/week/month/year I brush my teeth every morning and every night.
On Mondays/Tuesdays/etc. We have a team meeting every Monday at 10am.
In the morning/afternoon/evening I always have a cup of tea in the morning.
At night She likes to read a book in the evening.
Now Now he goes to the next station.
At the moment At the moment he does his homework.
Currently At the moment they learn maths.
Today Today I study at home.
Tomorrow Tomorrow you have to clean the kitchen.
Next week/month/year Next week is my holiday.
In the future In the future I'll eat healthier.
In general In general, I feel good.
Generally speaking Generally speaking, exercise is good for your health.
To be honest To be honest, I don't like pizza.

Improve your English at Sprachcaffe Malta