FULL Period 1 1.1 Simple Present tense (basic verbs) A1

Theory on the Present Simple Tense

1. Usage of the Present Simple Tense

The Present Simple tense is used to describe actions that are habitual, regular, or generally true. It is commonly used in both spoken and written English for various purposes.

Common Uses:

1. Routine Actions:

   • Actions that happen regularly, such as daily routines.
   • Example: “I check my emails every morning.”

2. Permanent Situations:

   • Situations that are generally or always true.
   • Example: “She works in the finance department.”

3. General Truths:

   • Statements about facts or general truths.
   • Example: “The sun rises in the east.”

4. Scheduled Events:

   • Future events that are scheduled (usually timetables).
   • Example: “The meeting starts at 10 AM.”

5. Instructions or Directions:

   • Giving instructions or directions.
   • Example: “You take the bus to the main office.”

2. Structure of the Present Simple Tense

1. Affirmative Sentences:

• Structure: Subject + base form of the verb (+s/es for third person singular).
• Examples:
  • “I work in the office.”
  • “He works in the office.”

2. Negative Sentences:

• Structure: Subject + do/does not + base form of the verb.
• Examples:
  • “I do not (don’t) work on weekends.”
  • “She does not (doesn’t) work on weekends.”

3. Interrogative Sentences:

• Structure: Do/Does + subject + base form of the verb?
• Examples:
  • “Do you work here?”
  • “Does he work here?”

3. Spelling Rules for Third Person Singular

1. Add -s to most verbs:

   • Example: “work” -> “works”

2. Add -es to verbs ending in -s, -sh, -ch, -x, or -z:

   • Example: “watch” -> “watches”

3. Change -y to -ies if a consonant precedes -y:

   • Example: “study” -> “studies”
   • Exception: If a vowel precedes -y, just add -s:
     • Example: “play” -> “plays”

4. Common Time Expressions Used with Present Simple

Time expressions often accompany the Present Simple tense to indicate the frequency or regularity of an action:

1. Adverbs of Frequency:

   • Always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never
   • Example: “She always arrives on time.”

2. Daily Routine Indicators:

   • Every day, every morning, every week, on Mondays, in the afternoon
   • Example: “He checks his emails every morning.”

3. Others:

   • Once a week, twice a month, three times a year
   • Example: “We have meetings once a week.”

Examples

Affirmative Sentences:

• “I start work at 9 AM.”
• “She manages the marketing team.”

Negative Sentences:

• “I do not (don’t) like coffee.”
• “He does not (doesn’t) attend the meetings.”

Interrogative Sentences:

• “Do you need any help?”
• “Does she know about the project?”