In English grammar, the present indefinite tense is a verb tense that is used to describe actions that are currently happening or that are regularly occurring. It is also called the present simple tense.
The present indefinite tense is formed by using the base form of the verb (also known as the infinitive form without “to”) with the subject. For example:
- I eat breakfast every morning. (In this sentence, “eat” is the base form of the verb and is being used in the present indefinite tense to describe a regular action that is currently happening.)
- She speaks Spanish fluently. (In this sentence, “speaks” is the base form of the verb and is being used in the present indefinite tense to describe an action that is currently happening.)
- They live in New York. (In this sentence, “live” is the base form of the verb and is being used in the present indefinite tense to describe an action that is currently happening.)
The present indefinite tense is often used to describe habits, routines, and general truths. It can also be used to describe events that are happening now or at this very moment.
Formation of the Present Indefinite
#1. The Present Indefinite is formed from the infinitive without the particle
In the third person singular the ending – s is added. After a sibilant represented in spelling by s, ss, ch, sh, tch, x, z and after the vowel o, – es is added:
he writes, he reads, he speaks; he passes, he pushes, he watches, he teaches; he goes, he does [dAz].
In the third person singular we find the following orthographical change:
A final у is changed into i if it is preceded by a consonant and then – es is added:
to study — he studies;
to try – he tries.
After a vowel у is kept unchanged:
to play — he plays;
to stay — he stays.
The interrogative and the negative forms are formed by means of the Present Indefinite of the auxiliary verb to do and the infinitive of the notional verb without the particle to.
| Affirmative | Interrogative | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| I work He works She works We work You work They work |
Do I work? Does he work? Does she work? Do we work? Do you work? Do they work? |
I do not work He does not work She does not work We do not work You do not work They do not work |
#2. The contracted negative forms are:
I don’t work
He doesn’t work They don’t work
#3. The negative-interrogative forms are:
Do you not work? – Don’t you work?
Does he not work? – Doesn’t he work?
Use of the Present Indefinite
The Present Indefinite is used to denote:
#1. Customary, repeated This is its most characteristic use.
The Browns go to the seaside every summer.
The repeated character of the action is often shown by adverbials such as every day, often, usually, etc.
#2. Actions and states characterizing a given
She has many accomplishments: she sings and plays the piano beautifully.
#3. Universal truths, something which is eternally
Magnet attracts iron.
The earth rotates round its axis.
#4. Actions going on at the present moment (with verbs not used in the Continuous form).
I see George in the street. Tell him to come in. I hear somebody knock. Go and open the door.
#5. A future action:
- 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,
…Robert, will you mend me a pen or two before you go? (Ch. Bronte)
I promise not to try to see Robert again till he asks for me. (Ch. Bronte)
It should be borne in mind that this use of the Present Indefinite occurs only in adverbial clauses of time and condition. In object and attributive clauses introduced by when the Future Indefinite is used.
I wonder when he will give us an answer.
We are impatiently awaiting the day when our friends will return from their long journey.
- with verbs of motion, such as to go, to come, to leave The future action is regarded as something fixed.
The train leaves at 10 tomorrow.