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The Simple Present Tense: A Complete Guide
What Is the Simple Present Tense?
The simple present tense is used to talk about actions that happen regularly, facts that are always true, or things that are generally the case. It’s not about right now (that’s the present continuous), and it’s not about yesterday or tomorrow. It’s about repetition, truth, and routine.
In English, we form it like this:
- For most subjects:
subject + base verb
Example: She walks to school. - For he, she, it (third person singular):
subject + verb + s/es
Example: He teaches chemistry. / It rains in June.
When Do We Use the Simple Present Tense?
There are five main situations where we use the simple present tense. Let’s explore each one in detail.
1. To Talk About Habits and Daily Routines
This is the most common use. We use the simple present to describe things we do again and again—every day, every week, or every year.
We often use adverbs of frequency with these sentences:
- always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never
- Time phrases: every day, twice a week, on Sundays
• Students attend class from Monday to Friday.
• My sister washes her uniform twice a week.
• I never eat meat.
🤔 Hard Question:
My brother usually ______ jeans and a sweater, but today he is wearing a suit.
A. is wearing B. has worn C. will wear D. wears
Answer: D. wears
Explanation: The sentence talks about a habit (“usually”), so we must use the simple present tense. “Wears” is the correct form for “he” (third person singular). Even though the second part says “today,” the first part is clearly about a repeated action.
2. To Express General Truths and Scientific Facts
Some things are always true—past, present, and future. These are called universal truths. We use the simple present tense to state them, even if the rest of the sentence is in the past!
• The sun rises in the east.
• Ethiopia has a rich cultural history.
• Plants need sunlight to grow.
🤔 Hard Question:
Before I studied physics, I didn’t know that water ______ at 100°C at sea level.
A. boiled B. will boil C. boils D. would boil
Answer: C. boils
Explanation: “Water boils at 100°C” is a scientific fact—it’s always true. Even though “Before I studied physics” is in the past, the fact itself stays in the simple present tense. This is a classic exam trick!
3. With “State Verbs” (Not Action Verbs)
Some verbs describe states, not actions. These include feelings, thoughts, senses, and possession. We usually do not use them in continuous tenses (like “I am knowing”). Instead, we use the simple present—even when talking about “right now.”
Common state verbs:
- Thinking: know, believe, understand, remember, forget
- Feeling: love, hate, like, need, want
- Senses: see, hear, smell, taste (as a link verb), feel
- Possession: have, own, belong, contain
❌ Wrong: I am knowing the answer.
✅ Correct: She needs help now.
❌ Wrong: She is needing help now.
✅ Correct: Do you see that bird?
❌ Wrong: Are you seeing that bird?
🤔 Hard Question:
Look! ______ that snake near the river?
A. Do you see B. Are you seeing C. Did you see D. Have you seen
Answer: A. Do you see
Explanation: “See” is a state verb here—it’s about perception, not an action. So we use simple present: “Do you see…?” Not continuous. Also, “Look!” signals something happening now, but with state verbs, we still use simple present.
4. For Future Timetables and Schedules
Surprisingly, we use the simple present tense to talk about the future—but only for fixed schedules, like buses, flights, classes, or official events.
• Our exam starts next Monday.
• The shop opens at 9:00 AM every day.
• The guests arrive on Friday afternoon.
Notice: These are not personal plans (“I’m going to…”). These are public, fixed events—like what’s written on a timetable.
5. In Time Clauses (with when, before, after, etc.)
When we talk about the future, we often use time words like when, before, after, as soon as. In these cases, even if the main clause is future, the time clause uses simple present, not “will.”
❌ Wrong: I will call you when I will get home.
✅ Correct: She will graduate after she finishes university.
✅ Correct: As soon as he comes, we will start the meeting.
🤔 Hard Question:
I will greet them ______.
A. as soon as they come B. when they came
C. after they had come D. while they were coming
Answer: A. as soon as they come
Explanation: The main clause (“I will greet”) is future. In time clauses with future meaning, we NEVER use “will,” past, or past perfect. We use simple present: “as soon as they come.” Options B, C, and D are all past tenses—so they’re wrong here.
Special Notes: Habits in the Past vs. Present
What if you want to talk about a habit you used to have but don’t anymore? You cannot use simple present for that!
- Present habit: I drink tea every day. (I still do it.)
- Past habit: I used to drink tea every day. (But now I don’t.)
- OR: I drank tea every day when I was in high school.
Quick Summary
The Present Continuous Tense: A Complete Guide
What Is the Present Continuous Tense?
The present continuous tense describes actions that are happening:
- At this exact moment (e.g., while you’re reading this)
- Around now (this week, this month—but not permanent)
- In the near future (with a clear plan or arrangement)
We form it like this:
Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing
• She is cooking shiro for lunch.
• They are playing football near Meskel Square.
• We are traveling to Hawassa next Friday.
1. Actions Happening Right Now
This is the most basic use. The action is in progress at the moment of speaking. You often see or hear it happening.
• Listen! Someone is singing in the next room.
• “Why are you smiling?” “Because I am thinking of my holiday.”
🤔 Question:
Right now, my father ______ tea in the kitchen.
A. makes B. is making C. made D. has made
Answer: B. is making
Explanation: “Right now” tells us the action is happening at this very moment. Only the present continuous tense fits. “Makes” is a habit; “made” is past; “has made” is completed. So B is correct!
2. Temporary Actions Around “Now”
Sometimes, the action isn’t happening this second, but it’s happening around this time—this week, this month, or this term. It’s not permanent, just temporary.
• My brother normally works in Mekelle, but he is working in Addis for two months.
• She is taking extra math classes this semester.
🤔 Question:
Aster usually lives in Dessie, but she ______ in Addis Ababa this month for a conference.
A. lives B. is living C. lived D. has lived
Answer: B. is living
Explanation: “Usually lives” shows her normal home. But “this month” shows a temporary situation. So we use present continuous: “is living.” A is wrong because it suggests she permanently moved. C and D are past—no match!
3. Future Plans and Arrangements
Surprise! We use the present continuous to talk about the future—but only when:
- The plan is already decided
- There’s a time or place mentioned (or clearly understood)
- It’s a personal arrangement (not a public schedule—use simple present for that!)
✅ Correct: They are flying to Dire Dawa next Wednesday.
✅ Correct: “What are you doing this weekend?” “I am visiting my grandparents.”
❌ Wrong: The train is leaving at 6 PM. → Use simple present: “The train leaves at 6 PM.”
🤔 Question:
“Why are you packing your bag?” “Because I ______ to Bahir Dar tomorrow.”
A. go B. am going C. will go D. went
Answer: B. am going
Explanation: The person is already packing—the plan is real and arranged. “Tomorrow” gives the time. So “am going” (present continuous for future) is perfect. “Will go” would be a sudden decision, not a plan. A is a habit. D is past. So B wins!
4. Adverbs of Frequency? NO!
Here’s a big trap! Never use adverbs like always, usually, every day, twice a week with the present continuous tense.
✅ Correct: She goes to church every Sunday.
❌ Wrong: I am drinking coffee every morning.
✅ Correct: I drink coffee every morning.
These adverbs describe habits—so they belong with the simple present tense.
🤔 Question:
My sister ______ to the gym three times a week.
A. is going B. goes C. has gone D. went
Answer: B. goes
Explanation: “Three times a week” is a habit. Habits = simple present. A (is going) would imply she’s on her way right now—not her routine. C and D don’t fit the time frame. So B is correct!
5. State Verbs Are NOT Continuous!
Some verbs describe states (not actions). We do NOT use them in continuous tenses—even if it feels like “now.”
Common state verbs:
- Thoughts: know, believe, understand, remember, forget, think (opinion)
- Feelings: love, hate, like, need, want, prefer
- Senses: see, hear, smell, taste (as link verb), feel (emotion or opinion)
- Possession: have, own, belong, contain
❌ Wrong: I am knowing the answer.
✅ Correct: She needs help now.
❌ Wrong: She is needing help now.
✅ Correct: This soup tastes delicious.
❌ Wrong: This soup is tasting delicious.
• “The chef is tasting the stew.” (He’s testing it—action!)
• “I am smelling the flowers.” (I’m sniffing them—action!)
But: “The flowers smell sweet.” (State—no -ing!)
🤔 Question:
Right now, I ______ that something is burning in the kitchen!
A. am smelling B. smell C. am smelling out D. have smelled
Answer: B. smell
Explanation: “Smell” here means “perceive an odor”—a sense, not an action. So it’s a state verb. Even though it’s “right now,” we use simple present: “I smell.” A would mean you’re actively sniffing (like a dog!). But in this context, your nose just detects it—so B is correct.
6. Look! / Listen! → Always Present Continuous
When someone says “Look!” or “Listen!”, they’re pointing to something happening at that instant. So the verb that follows must be in present continuous.
• Listen! The bell is ringing.
• Look! It is raining!
🤔 Question:
Listen! Someone ______ at the door.
A. knocks B. is knocking C. has knocked D. knocked
Answer: B. is knocking
Explanation: “Listen!” means the sound is happening right now. So we need present continuous: “is knocking.” A is a habit (“He knocks every day”). C is completed. D is past. Only B matches the moment!
Quick Summary
1. Actions happening now (Look! / Listen!)
2. Temporary situations (this week, this month)
3. Planned future events (with time/place)
4. To show annoyance with “always”
❌ Never use with:
• Adverbs of frequency (usually, every day)
• State verbs (know, love, need, understand)
• Public schedules (use simple present)
The Present Perfect Tense: A Complete Guide
What Is the Present Perfect Tense?
The present perfect tense connects the past and the present. It’s formed like this:
have / has + past participle
- I have eaten injera.
- She has graduated from university.
- They have lived in Bahir Dar for five years.
Use have with I, you, we, they.
Use has with he, she, it.
When Do We Use the Present Perfect Tense?
1. To Describe Actions That Started in the Past and Continue to the Present
This is the most common use. The action began earlier, but it’s still true now. We usually use time expressions like:
- for + a length of time → for two years, for a week, for ten minutes
- since + a point in time → since 2020, since Monday, since I was a child
- other phrases: all my life, all week, recently, lately
(Meaning: She started in 2015 and still teaches today.)
✅ We have lived in Addis Ababa for eight years.
(Meaning: We moved here 8 years ago and still live here.)
✅ He has worked at the bank all his life.
🤔 Question:
My father ______ a teacher for over twenty years, and he is still teaching at the same school.
A. was B. has been C. had been D. is
Answer: B. has been
Explanation: The key phrase “and he is still teaching” tells us the action continues to the present. Only the present perfect tense (“has been”) shows this connection between past and present. “Was” (A) would mean he no longer teaches, which contradicts the sentence.
2. To Talk About Recently Completed Actions
Use the present perfect when something happened a short time ago—and it’s still relevant now. We often use the word just.
✅ I have just finished my homework.
✅ She has just called me.
Notice: These actions are complete, but their effect is still fresh—like the room is empty now because “they just left.”
🤔 Question:
Look! She is bleeding. I think she ______ her finger.
A. cut B. was cut C. had cut D. has cut
Answer: D. has cut
Explanation: The bleeding is happening now—it’s the present result of a recent past action. That’s exactly what the present perfect shows. “Cut” (A) is simple past and doesn’t connect to the present effect. “Was cut” (B) is passive and unlikely here. “Had cut” (C) is past perfect—used only when talking about something before another past event.
3. After Expressions Like “It’s the First/Second/Best Time…”
We use the present perfect after superlatives and ordinal numbers (first, second, third, etc.) when the situation is connected to the present.
✅ It’s the third time we have eaten at this restaurant.
✅ That’s the most beautiful waterfall I have ever seen.
Notice: You cannot use simple past here—even if it feels natural!
- ❌ It’s the third time we ate here. (wrong!)
- ✅ It’s the third time we have eaten here. (correct)
🤔 Question:
It is the third time we ______ in this restaurant.
A. meet B. met C. have met D. had met
Answer: C. have met
Explanation: “It is the third time…” is a classic signal for the present perfect tense. The meeting happened in the past, but the counting (“third time”) is relevant to the present moment. Simple past (B) or past perfect (D) would break this rule. Choice A (meet) is simple present and makes no sense here.
4. With Words Like “Ever,” “Never,” “Already,” “Yet,” “So Far”
These words connect past experiences to the present moment.
✅ She has never smoked cigarettes.
✅ They have already left.
✅ He hasn’t finished his work yet.
✅ We have seen three films so far this month.
🤔 Question:
They ______ anything since yesterday.
A. didn’t eat B. had never eaten C. have never eaten D. will have never eaten
Answer: C. have never eaten
Explanation: “Since yesterday” is a point in time that continues to now—so we need present perfect. “Didn’t eat” (A) is simple past and would need a finished time (e.g., “yesterday”). “Had never eaten” (B) refers to a time before another past event—which isn’t mentioned. D is future and irrelevant.
Important Rules: “Since” vs. “For”
These two words are essential with the present perfect—but they’re not the same!
✅ He has studied law since 2021.
✅ She has lived here for a decade.
✅ She has lived here since she got married.
Always: “She has lived here for four years.” ✅
What NOT to Do with the Present Perfect
1. Never Use with Finished Past Time Expressions
You cannot use the present perfect with words that refer to a completed time in the past:
- yesterday, last week, in 2010, two days ago, at 5 o’clock, when I was young
❌ She has visited Axum last year. (wrong!)
✅ I saw him yesterday.
❌ I have seen him yesterday. (wrong!)
🤔 Question:
Daniel: Have you seen Regasa today?
Atsede: Yes, I ______ him at two o’clock in the afternoon.
A. see B. saw C. have seen D. was seeing
Answer: B. saw
Explanation: “At two o’clock” is a specific, finished time in the past—even if “today” isn’t over yet. When you give an exact past time, use simple past (“saw”), not present perfect. “Have seen” (C) would be correct only if she said “Yes, I’ve seen him today” (without the time).
2. Don’t Confuse “Have Been” vs. “Have Gone”
This is a classic exam trap!
- Have been = went and came back.
- Have gone = went and is still there.
✅ She has gone to Dire Dawa. (She’s there now.)
✅ I have been to your house twice. (I came back.)
✅ He has gone to the market. (He’s still there.)
🤔 Question:
I ______ to Nairobi twice; I know the city very well.
A. was B. had been C. have been D. am going
Answer: C. have been
Explanation: “I know the city very well” implies the speaker went and returned—so “have been” is correct. “Have gone” would mean they’re still in Nairobi, which contradicts the sentence. “Was” (A) is simple past and could work, but the connection to present knowledge makes present perfect better and more natural here.