Simple Present Tense (Present Indefinite)

The simple present tense is the one which we use when an action is happening right now, or when it happens regularly (or unceasingly, which is why it’s sometimes called present indefinite). The simple present tense is formed by using the root form or by adding ‑s or ‑es to the end, depending on the person.

Regular Verbs

In present tense, regular verbs use the root form, except for third person singular (which ends in ‑s).

First person singular: I write

Second person singular: You write

Third person singular: He/she/it writes (note the ‑s)

First person plural: We write

Second person plural: You write

Third person plural: They write

I write grammar books.

This sentence implies that I write grammar books on a regular basis, perhaps as a career.

Anna writes the letter.

This sentence could be from a narrative, telling a story about what Anna is doing right now.

Here are some other examples:

I go, you go, he/she/it goes, we go, you go, they go

I see, you see, he/she/it sees, we see, you see, they see

I learn, you learn, he/she/it learns, we learn, you learn, they learn

Irregular Verbs

Irregular present tense verbs are things like to be, which change for each person.

First person singular: I am

Second person singular: You are

Third person singular: He/she/it is

First person plural: We are

Second person plural: You are

Third person plural: They are

I am 20 years old.

You are 20 years old.

He is 20 years old.