The present indefinite tense, also known as the simple present tense, can be expressed using a simple formula. The structure of sentences in the present indefinite tense varies for affirmative, negative, and interrogative sentences. Here’s the formula for each:
1. Affirmative Sentences
Subject
+
Base Form of the Verb (for most subjects)
+
-s or -es (for third person singular)
+
Rest of the Sentence
Subject + Base Form of the Verb (for most subjects)+-s or -es (for third person singular)+Rest of the Sentence
Examples:
I work in an office.
She plays the guitar.
They eat lunch at noon.
He studies mathematics.
2. Negative Sentences:
Subject
+
Do not/Does not (do not for most subjects, doesn’t for third person singular)
+
Base Form of the Verb
+
Rest of the Sentence
Subject + Do not/Does not (do not for most subjects, doesn’t for third person singular)+Base Form of the Verb + Rest of the Sentence
Examples:
I do not like spicy food.
She does not play tennis.
They do not understand the question.
He doesn’t drink coffee.
3. Interrogative Sentences
Do/Does (do for most subjects, does for third person singular)
+
Subject
+
Base Form of the Verb
+
Rest of the Sentence
Do/Does (do for most subjects, does for third person singular)+Subject+Base Form of the Verb+Rest of the Sentence
Examples
Do you enjoy reading?
Does she play the piano?
Do they speak French?
Does it rain often here?
4. Negative Interrogative Sentences
Don’t/Doesn’t (don’t for most subjects, doesn’t for third person singular)
+
Subject
+
Base Form of the Verb
+
Rest of the Sentence
Don’t/Doesn’t (don’t for most subjects, doesn’t for third person singular) + Subject + Base Form of the Verb + Rest of the Sentence
Examples
Don’t you like chocolate?
Doesn’t she understand the assignment?
Don’t they eat meat?
Doesn’t it snow in winter?
Remember that for the third person singular (he, she, it), the base form of the verb often takes ‘-s’ or ‘-es’ as a suffix. Regular practice and exposure to different examples will help reinforce your understanding of the present indefinite tense.
