The simple present tense is one of several forms of present tense in English. It is used to describe habits, unchanging situations, general truth, and fixed arrangements. The simple present tense is simple to form. Just use the base form of the verb : I take, you take, we take, they take. The 3^rd person singular takes an ‘-s’ at the end : he takes, she takes, it takes.

The structure of the simple present tense can be understood by analyzing the positive, negative, interrogative and negative interrogative forms of the tense. Have a look at the following simple present tense structure chart so that you can understand easily how it works.

Simple present tense is used :

• to express habits, general truths, repeated actions or unchanging situations, emotions, and wishes.
• to give instructions or directions.
• to express fixed arrangements both in present or future.
• to express future time, after some conjunctions : after, when, before, as soon as, until.

To show you how sentences are formed using the simple present tense and how they are employed for various purposes, here are a few examples.

Indicating General Truths and Scientific Facts

• The Sun sets in the west.
• Hydrogen is the first element in the periodic table.
• Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia.

Indicating Habitual or Repeated Actions

• Everyday, I go to work by bus.
• The firm publishes their company magazine every month.
• Do you attend class regularly?

Giving Directions or Instructions

• Take right from the junction to reach the hospital.
• Close the door when you come in.
• Come home as soon as possible.

Speaking about Fixed Arrangements

• My brother’s flight arrives around 5 p.m.
• Our summer vacation starts on the 16th of April.
• Her cousin arrives tomorrow.

Using with Future Constructions

• I will meet you before you leave.
• Rahmat will let you know when Sinta arrives.
• He will give it to Roni when he comes home.