Simple Present

The simple present tense is also known as the present simple. It is used to show:

Simple Present timeline

 

(a) Habitual actions

1. I brush my teeth twice a day.
2. We go to the movies on Saturdays.

(b) Universal truths or facts

1. Water contains oxygen.
2. Our planet revolves around the sun.

Words in red are verbs (action words). If the noun is singular, you need to add the letter “-s” or “-es”. However, “you” and “I” are followed by a singular verb, so do not add the letter “-s”.

Spelling Rules for Verbs (Simple Present) and Plural Nouns

Most verbs in the simple present tense, and plural nouns end in “-s“, but some end in “-es“. How would you determine which one to use? Here are some of the rules:

Ending	Plural form
-ch	catches, watches
-sh	washes, dishes
-s	misses, kisses, buses
-x	fixes, mixes
-y	flies, tries
-ay, -uy, oy	pays, buys, toys

There are other examples as you learn more words. The rules are the same though.

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