The Present Simple tense Unit One: Grammar Page 5
Unit One • Grammar Page 5
The Present Simple Tense
Learn the form, use, and practice with interactive exercises. Tap sounds for friendly feedback!
Use
Facts, truths, and repeated events or actions.
Form
Affirmative • Negation • Questions • Adverbs of Frequency
Goal
Build accurate, confident sentences in daily contexts.
🧠 Arabic Flashcards (شرح مختصر)
اضغط على البطاقة لقلبها ومعرفة الشرح.
الاستخدام
متى نستخدم المضارع البسيط؟
الشرح
يُستخدم للتعبير عن الحقائق والعادات والأحداث المتكررة.
النفي
كيف ننفي الجملة؟
الشرح
نستخدم don’t أو doesn’t مع الفعل في المصدر.
أدوات التكرار
مثل always, usually, sometimes
الشرح
توضح كم مرة يحدث الفعل وتأتي قبل الفعل غالباً.
Exercise A
Complete the sentences by putting the verbs between brackets in the present simple tense.
💡 Hint: Use don’t/doesn’t for negatives and add -s with he/she/it.
Sound on check ✅
Exercise B
Choose the right alternative to complete the passage.
💡 Hint: Use base verb with I/we/you/they and -s with he/she/it.
I up early every morning. I my teeth and a shower. Then, I breakfast and dressed for work. I commute to the office and for 8 hours. I home, have dinner and spend time with my family. I to bed early to be well rested for the next day.
Sound on check ✅
Exercise C
Choose a, b, or c as suitable answers.
💡 Hint: Plural subject → base verb. He/She/It → verb + s.
Sound on check ✅
Arabic Learning Notes (ملاحظات)
قاعدة عامة
عند الحديث عن العادات أو الحقائق نستخدم المضارع البسيط. مع he/she/it نضيف s للفعل.
النفي والأسئلة
النفي: don’t/doesn’t + فعل. السؤال: Do/Does + فاعل + فعل؟
How Teachers Should Teach the Present Simple Tense in ESL Classes
The present simple tense is used to talk about daily routines, habits, facts, and general truths. It is one of the first grammar tenses ESL students learn, so teachers should explain it clearly and provide plenty of practice.
When Do We Use the Present Simple?
- Daily routines: I go to school every day.
- Habits: She drinks milk in the morning.
- Facts: The sun rises in the east.
- General truths: Water boils at 100 degrees.
Form of the Present Simple
Affirmative Sentences
Subject + base verb
- I play football.
- You like English.
- We live in Egypt.
For he / she / it, we add -s or -es.
- He plays football.
- She watches TV.
- It rains in winter.
Negative Sentences
Use do not (don’t) and does not (doesn’t).
- I do not like coffee.
- They don’t live here.
- He doesn’t play tennis.
Explain that the main verb returns to its base form after doesn’t.
---Questions in the Present Simple
Use Do and Does at the beginning of questions.
- Do you like English?
- Do they go to school?
- Does she live near here?
Short answers:
- Yes, I do. / No, I don’t.
- Yes, he does. / No, he doesn’t.
Common Time Expressions
- every day
- always
- usually
- often
- sometimes
- never
Teach students where to place adverbs of frequency in sentences.
---Common Mistakes ESL Students Make
- Forgetting -s with he / she / it
- Using -s after doesn’t
- Confusing present simple with present continuous
- Incorrect word order in questions
Classroom Activities for Teaching the Present Simple
- Daily routine interviews
- Fill in the blanks
- Sentence correction
- Role-play activities
Advice for Students: How to Master the Present Simple
1. Practice Daily Sentences
Write about what you do every day.
2. Remember the -s Rule
Always check for he, she, or it.
3. Use Time Words
Time expressions help you choose the correct tense.
4. Read and Listen
Reading and listening help you see how the tense is used naturally.
---Conclusion
The present simple tense is the foundation of English grammar. With clear explanation, regular practice, and real-life examples, ESL students can master this tense with confidence.