The Past Simple

The Present Simple

The Present Simple is formed from the infinitive without the particle to. In the third person singular the verb has the suffix –s/-es. The affirmative form of the Present Simple is a synthetic form(e.g. I work, he works, etc.)

We like to do our homework.

In the interrogative form the auxiliary verb to do is placed before the subject:

Do you have free time? Does she have any job?

In the negative form the negative particle not is placed after the auxiliary verb. In the negative form the notional verb suffix –s/ es is dropped, but does not take place with third person singular.

We don’t like hard drinks. He doesn’t work anymore.

The use of the Present Simple

The Present Simple is used to denote:

1. Customary, repeated actions.

The Simpsons go to the seaside every summer. I usually go shopping twice a week.

2.. Universal truths, something which is eternally true.

The stars appear at night.

3. Actions and states characterizing a given person.

She looks well without make-up. She speaks English fluently.

4. Actions going on at the Present moment (with verbs not used in the Continuous form).

I see Mary in the street. Tell her to come in.

I hear somebody knock. Go and open the door.

5. To denote permanent actions:

The U.K. consisits of several islands.

6. A future action:

a) In adverbial clauses of time and condition after the conjunctions when, till, until, before, after, as soon as, as long as, if, unless, on condition that, provided.

Before I go to university I’ll prepare my homework.

b) With verbs of motion (to go, to leave, to come,to arrive etc.)The future action is regarded as something fixed.

The train leaves at 10 o’clock. The bus arrives at 9 tomorrow.

c) To denote immediate future action:

What do we do next? Where do we go now? What happens next? Why don’t you go home?(You look ill)

d) After the expressions – to make sure, to take care, to see (to), to look after etc.

I’ll see that the lady is properly looked after.

7. In stage directions and TV commentators in describing sports events, public functions etc.

She approchies him with the knife.

Here on TV a film about Chi-Chi,the giant panda, who returns home after her stay in the Moscow Zoo.

8. In literary style in past time directions.

The use of the Present Simple is normally associated with such adverbial modifier of frequency as often, seldom, sometimes, occasionally, always, never, ever, every year(week, day, month),usually, once(twice, three times)… a year, daily, on Sundays(Mondays etc.) and the like.

The Past Simple

The Past Simple is formed by adding –ed or –d to the regular verbs, or by changing form of the irregular verb.

The interrogative form the auxiliary verb to do (DID)is placed before the subject.

Did you go to the theatre yesterday?

In the negative form the negative particle not is placed after the auxiliary verb.

I didn’t watch that film.

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