Ohne Titel

Simple Present Tense

We use the simple present tense when an action is happening right now.

We use the simple present tense when it happens regularly.

In the simple present, most regular verbs use the root form, except in the third-person singular (which ends in -s).

For a few verbs, the third-person singular ends with -es instead of -s. Typically, these are verbs whose root form ends in o, ch, sh, th, ss, gh, or z.

The formula for making a simple present verb negative is do/does + not + [root form of verb]. You can also use the contraction don’t or doesn’t instead of do not or does not.

The formula for asking a question in the simple present is do/does + [subject] + [root form of verb].

Present Continuous

The present continuous verb tense indicates that an action or condition is happening now, frequently, and may continue into the future.

The Present Continuous Formula: to be [am, is, are] + verb [present participle]

Use the present continuous tense with the appropriate “to be” verb and a dynamic verb. A dynamic verb shows action and/or process.

Do not use the present continuous tense with stative verbs. Stative verbs show a state of being that does not show qualities of change. These verbs can stay in the simple present.

Some verbs can be both dynamic and stative! Think about the verbs to be and to think.

Active verbs like ask, help, jump and play; process verbs like change, mature, arrive and fall; and sense verbs like hurt or ache are some Dynamic Verbs that USE the Present Continuous.

Opinions verbs like know, deserve and understand; ownership verbs like need, possess and own; and emotion verbs like love, hate and feel are some Stative Verbs that DO NOT USE the Present Continuous.