Definition
The Present Indefinite Tense (also called the Simple Present Tense) is used to describe actions that happen regularly , general truths, habits, and fixed routines. It is one of the most commonly used tenses in English.
Use of “Do” and “Does”
- “Do” is used with I, You, We, They, and Plural nouns:
- I do my homework every evening.
- Do they like tea or coffee?
- We do not watch TV during meals.
- The students do their assignments on time.
- “Does” is used with He, She, It, and Singular nouns:
- He does his work diligently.
- Does she play football on weekends?
- It does not rain in the desert often.
- The teacher does not allow phones in class.
Adding “s” or “es” to Verbs
In affirmative sentences, we add “s” or “es” to the verb when the subject is He, She, It, or a Singular noun.
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- Example sentencesHe plays football every Saturday.
- She likes coffee more than tea.
- The cat sleeps on the couch.
- Add “es” to verbs ending in ch, sh, x, s, o:
- He watches TV in the evening.
- She goes to school by bus.
- The box contains old books.
- Add “ies” to verbs ending in a consonant + y (replace y with ies):
- He tries his best to succeed.
- She studies for two hours every night.
Sentence Structures
- Affirmative:
Subject + base verb (+s/es) + object- Example sentencesShe sings a song beautifully.
- The sun rises in the east.
- They visit their grandparents every Sunday.
- Negative:
Subject + do/does + not + base verb + object- Example sentences:He does not like tea.
- I do not eat junk food.
- The train does not stop at this station.
- Interrogative:
Do/Does + subject + base verb + object?example sentences:Do you play football?- Does she know the answer?
- Do they travel often?
- Negative Interrogative:
Do/Does + subject + not + base verb + object?- Example sentences:Does she not study daily?
- Do they not attend the meetings?
- Does he not like chocolate?