Present Indefinite Tenses Exercise

What is Present Indefinite Tense?

The sentences in simple present tense tell us that these actions happen every day as a habit, routine or daily event.

Note: When we talk in the simple present tense, we use words such as usually, often, always, never, generally, daily, every day, every morning, every evening, etc.

Uses of Present Indefinite Tense

We use the simple present tense

• To express actions done as a matter of habit. For example,
  • Johnson wakes up at 6 a.m.
• To express actions done repeatedly. For example,
  • They play football in the park every day.
• To state facts or what is known to be true.
  For example,
  • A snake has no eyelids.
• To give instructions or make requests. For example,
  • Put your things away neatly.
  • Obey your teacher.

Structure for Present Indefinite Tense

In Present Indefinite Tense, we use the first form or base form of the verb with the subject. In addition according to the subject, we add 's' or 'es' in the verb.

So where we should add 's' or where to add 'es', first, let's understand this.

Adding s/ es in the verb

• 's' or 'es' is added at the end of the first form of a verb with a singular subject. It means only with the singular subject, we will add 's' or 'es'.
  Verbs that end in 's', 'sh', 'ss', 'ch', 'o', 'x' are used only at the end of 'es'.
  For example:
  Splash - splashes, express - expresses, go - goes, relax - relaxes, etc.
  In the rest of the verbs, we add 's' at the end of the verb.
  • She always finishes her glass of milk.
• With the plural subject, there is no need for any change in the base form of the verb.
  • We always spend quality time.
• I is an exceptional singular subject. We use the base form of the verb by adding s/ es in the verb.
  • I go to market with my granny.

How to make present indefinite tense?

Let's see the structure and formula for each kind of present indefinite sentence:

Rules for Declarative/ Affirmative Sentences

In affirmative sentences, we use the form of a verb with s/ es according to the subject of the sentence.

Subject + base form of the verb + s/es + object.

For example:

• The sun rises in the east.
• These girls always respect their elders.

Note: 'Do' or 'Does' is also used in positive sentences. These are used while we more emphasize a task or event. For example:

• I do
• He does tell a lie.
• Rules for Negative Sentences

Negative sentences are formed by putting 'does not' or doesn't with singular subject pronoun and 'do not' or don't with a plural subject before the first stage of the verb.

1. As affirmative sentences, similarly while making negative sentences we use does not with the singular subjects.
2. We put do not with the plural subjects.
3. If the subject is 'l' then we use do not.

Subject + do/ does + not + base form of verb + object.

Examples:

• He does not sing any new songs.
• You do not do your work sincerely.

Note: With the singular subject, 's' or 'es' is added to the end of the verb by using Never in place of Does not.

Plural subject with 'Never' instead of 'Do not'.

Subject + never + base form of verb + s/es in verb + object.

Examples:

• We never go there to meet him.
• John never goes on a morning walk.
• Rules for Interrogative Sentences

a. Yes/ No type Interrogative Sentences

When the sentence begins with the word 'what', then 'Do' or 'Does' is placed before the subject at the beginning of the sentence and the first condition of the action verb is placed after the subject.

Do/ does + subject + base form of verb + object +?.

For Example:

• Do they sleep during the day?
• Do the students obey their teacher?
• Does she go with the same route?
• Does Johnny know you?

b. Question Word type Interrogative Sentences

When the interrogative word (How, where, what, etc.) is inside the sentence, then accordingly (why, where, what) is placed at the beginning of the sentence even before 'Do' or 'Does'.

Question Word + do/ does + subject + first form of verb + object +?.

Example:

• Why do they go there?
• What does she do in the class?

c. 'Do' or 'Does' are not used when the interrogative word itself is In such cases, we add 's' or 'es' at the end of the verb with a subject.

Examples:

• Who abuses you?
• Who gives you food every day?

d. In the interrogation negative sentences, we use not after do/ does.

Example:

• Doesn't she go for a walk every day?
• Why don't you eat healthy food every day?

EXERCISE - 1

Change the following sentences as instructed in the brackets

• He loves his parents very much. (change to interrogative)
• Earth revolves around the Sun. (change to interrogative negative)
• You talk a lot on the phone. (change to negative)
• These kids always make noise in the class. (change to negative)
• She does not study at night. (change to affirmative)
• Where do you live? (change to negative)
• How often do you wash your hair by yourself? (change to negative)
• My grandmother doesn't tell us stories. (change to interrogative)
• Do they not make noise in the class? (change to affirmative)
• Do you play tennis? (change to affirmative)
• When do boys go to school? (change to negative)
• Do you make noise during the lecture? (change to affirmative)
• I don't know him. (change to affirmative)
• Do these boys laugh at you? (change to affirmative)
• Do you know how to swim? (change to negative)
• Why don't they come to your house?
• Who sleeps in the temple at night? (change to affirmative)

EXERCISE - 2

Fill in the blanks with the simple present tense form of the verbs given in the brackets.

• I _________ in Class 5. (study)
• I ________ football every Saturday. (play)
• My mother __________ coffee only in the morning. (drink)
• I hope Dad ________ something good this evening. (cook)
• She _______ up at 6 o'clock. (wake)
• ______ she not ______ with her friend? (meet)
• I ______ out of bed by 6.30 a.m. (get)
• Where _____ you _____ in Delhi? (live)
• Nick often _________ this problem. (discuss)
• She often _________ my mother's slippers. (wear)
• It never ________ in Delhi. (snow)
• Miss Jones _________ us English. (teach)
• Why ______ they _______ to the park? (go)
• When _______ she ________ her feelings? (express)