The present indefinite tense, also known as the simple present tense, is a fundamental aspect of English grammar used to describe actions, habits, and truths that are generally true or occur regularly. This tense does not specify a particular time for the action, which is why it is termed “indefinite.” Continue reading this blog to find out present indefinite tense examples which will help you make sentences. We have also provided exercises to help you check your knowledge in the end.
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Present Indefinite Tense: Definition
The present indefinite tense, also known as the simple present tense, is a grammatical tense used to describe:
- Habitual Actions: Activities that occur regularly or repeatedly.
- Example: “She goes for a walk every morning.”
- General Truths or Facts: Statements that are universally true or factual.
- Example: “Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.”
- Scheduled Events: Timetabled occurrences, often related to transportation or events.
- Example: “The train leaves at 6 PM.”
- Permanent Situations: Conditions or states that are generally stable over time.
- Example: “He lives in New York.”
Also Read: 100 Sentences of Simple Present Tense
19+ Present Indefinite Tense Examples
Present Indefinite Tense: Affirmative Sentences
- She reads a book every evening.
- They play soccer on weekends.
- He works at a tech company.
- The sun rises in the east.
- I enjoy listening to music.
- We go to the gym every morning.
- Birds fly south for the winter.
- My brother cooks dinner on Sundays.
- The train leaves at 9 AM sharp.
- She teaches mathematics at the local school.
Present Indefinite Tense: Negative Sentences
- He does not like spicy food.
- They do not watch television during the week.
- I do not play video games often.
- She does not go out much in the winter.
- We do not have any pets at home.
Present Indefinite Tense: Interrogative Sentences
- Do you speak French?
- Does she work late on Fridays?
- Do they attend the same school?
- Does he enjoy hiking in the mountains?
- Do we need to bring our own lunch?
Also Read: Present Continuous Tense Examples
Present Indefinite Tense Exercise
Here’s an engaging exercise to practice the present indefinite tense.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Instructions: Complete the following sentences using the correct form of the verb in parentheses.
- She __________ (go) to the market every Saturday.
- They __________ (play) basketball after school.
- My father __________ (work) in a bank.
- The cat __________ (sleep) on the sofa.
- We __________ (visit) our grandparents every summer.
- He __________ (not like) coffee.
- The train __________ (arrive) at 10 AM.
- I __________ (eat) breakfast at 7 AM.
- She __________ (study) French at university.
- You __________ (not watch) horror movies.
Answers:
- Goes
- Play
- Works
- Sleeps
- Visit
- Does not like
- Arrives
- Eat
- Studies
- Do not watch
Exercise 2: Affirmative Sentences to Negative Sentences
Instructions: Transform the following affirmative sentences into negative sentences.
- He plays the guitar well.
- They enjoy hiking in the mountains.
- She reads novels every night.
- We go to the beach during summer.
- I drink tea in the morning.
Answer:
- He does not play the guitar well.
- They do not enjoy hiking in the mountains.
- She does not read novels every night.
- We do not go to the beach during summer.
- I do not drink tea in the morning.
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FAQs
Present Indefinite Tense is used to express actions that are habitual, repeated, or generally true. It is also used to express universal truths.
The structure of Present Indefinite Tense is:
Subject + Verb (base form or s/es) + Object
For example:
I play football every day.
She studies hard.
They go to school.
To express habitual actions: I brush my teeth every morning.
To express general truths: The sun rises in the east.
To express timetables and schedules: The train leaves at 10 AM.
To express instructions and directions: You turn left at the next corner.
To express unchanging situations: She lives in Mumbai.
We use the auxiliary verbs “do” or “does” to form negative sentences.
Subject + do/does + not + Verb (base form) + Object
For example:
I do not play football.
She does not study hard.
They do not go to school.
We use the auxiliary verbs “do” or “does” to form interrogative sentences.
Do/Does + Subject + Verb (base form) + Object?
For example:
Do you play football?
Does she study hard?
Do they go to school?
Most verbs add “s”: He walks, She talks.
Verbs ending in “s”, “x”, “ch”, “sh”, or “o” add “es”: He kisses, She watches.
Verbs ending in “y” preceded by a consonant change “y” to “i” and add “es”: He studies, She tries.
While the Present Indefinite Tense is used for habits, routines, and general truths, the Present Continuous Tense is used for actions happening at the moment of speaking or actions that are temporary.
Present Indefinite: I read books. (general habit)
Present Continuous: I am reading a book now. (action happening now)
Yes, we can use the Present Indefinite Tense to express wishes or desires, often with words like “wish,” “want,” or “hope.” Example: I wish I knew the answer.
This was all about the present continuous tense exercise. You can also follow the Learn English page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs related to English grammar and the English language.