Exercises of Simple Present Tense | Simple Present Tense Exercises with Answers

by | Jan 24, 2024 | General | 0 comments

 

Exercises of Simple Present Tense

 

English Grammar  – Simple Present Tense Exercises with Answers

 

Exercises on Simple Present Tense – Simple Present tense helps us to talk of daily habits, natural occurrences, facts and truths. It is also known as the Present Indefinite tense. It is very important for a learner of English Language to know the finer nuances of the Simple Present Tense so that one can communicate effectively. In this post on exercises of Simple Present Tense, we have compiled various types of questions so that students can get over all idea of identification of verbs in simple present tense, filling blanks with verbs in simple present tense and framing sentences in simple present tense. 

 

 
 

What is Simple Present Tense?

The simple present tense is an English verb tense used to describe facts and habits, to describe scheduled events in the future, and to tell stories.

To put it simply, the simple present tense tells us what happens now, what usually happens, or what is always true. It is formed by using the base form of the verb.

 

 
 

Types-

Here are the different types of sentences where simple present tense is used-

  1. General truths: Use it to express universal facts or scientific laws.

Example –

  • The sun rises in the east.
  • Water boils at 100°C.
  • Birds fly.

 

  1. Habits and routines: Describe what you or someone else does on a regular basis.

Example –

  • I study every morning.
  • He plays soccer every weekend.
  • My dog barks at the mailman.

 

  1. States of being: Use it for unchanging characteristics or emotions.

Example-  

  • She is kind.
  • I feel happy.
  • The Eiffel Tower stands tall in Paris.

 

  1. Scheduled events: Talk about planned future actions.

Example-  

  • The plane arrives at noon.
  • We start school next week.
  • The movie starts at 7 pm.

 

 
 

Structure of a sentence in Simple present tense

 

The structure of the sentence in simple present tense is quite simple. 

 

Basic Structure:

Subject + Base Verb   or    Subject + Base Verb+s

For example:

  • I speak English.
  • She dances beautifully.
  • The birds sing in the morning.

 

  1. Third-person singular (he/she/it): In most cases, we add “-s” to the base verb for the third-person singular:

Subject + base form + “s”

  • He walks to work.
  • She plays the piano.
  • It rains outside.

 

  1. Negative sentences: To form a negative sentence, we add “do not” (don’t) or “does not” (doesn’t) before the base verb:

“do not” or “does not” + [base form of the verb]

  • I don’t like coffee.
  • He doesn’t understand the question.
  • The train doesn’t stop here.

 

  1. Questions: To form a yes/no question, we invert the subject and auxiliary verb (“do/does”):

“do” or “does” + [subject] + base form of verb

  • Do you speak French?
  • Does he live nearby?
  • Is it true?

 

  1. Wh-questions: For wh-questions (who, what, when, where, why, how), we add the appropriate wh-word before the subject:

[question word] + “do” or “does” + [subject] + base form of verb

  • When do you want to meet me?
  • Why does Beth always complain so much?
  • How much does the ticket cost?
  • Why don’t you ever go on vacation?
  • When does the school open?

 

 
 

Bonus Tip

Knowing when to use the simple present tense requires practice, but here are some tips:

  • Think about the timeframe: Is it something that happens now, always, or regularly?
  • Look for time expressions: Words like “always,” “usually,” “every day,” and “often” often point to the simple present.
  • Pay attention to the verb endings: Most verbs simply use the base form, except for third-person singular (he/she/it) which usually adds “-s”.

 

 
 

Exercise 1- Identify the Simple Present Tense verbs from the given sentences. 

 

  1. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.

Ans. rises, sets

  1. Time marches on, never pausing or turning back.

Ans. marches

  1. The Earth spins, bringing day and night.

Ans. spins

  1. Gravity pulls everything towards the ground.

Ans. pulls

  1. Yoga starts at 7 pm sharp tomorrow.

Ans. starts

  1. The museum closes at 5 pm.

Ans. closes

  1. Opposites attract, creating a dance of balance.

Ans. attract

  1. Laughter rings a sweeter song than sorrow.

Ans. rings

  1. Knowledge blooms where curiosity takes root.

Ans. blooms, takes

  1. Kindness ripples outward, touching lives unseen.

Ans. ripples

  1. The fireworks show kicks off at midnight on New Year’s Eve.

Ans. kicks off

  1. My flight to Paris leaves at 7:55 am on Saturday.

Ans. leaves

  1. The library hosts a book club meeting every Tuesday.

Ans. hosts

  1. What does your pet dog like to do?

Ans. like

  1. Do lions live in forests or deserts?

Ans. live

 

 
 

Exercise 2- Fill in the verbs in simple present tense. 

 

  1. The President of India ______ the Indian Army. (command)

Ans. commands

  1. Ocean waves tirelessly _____ each other to the shore. (chase)

Ans.  chase

  1. Who _____ for your car expenses? (pay)

Ans. pays 

  1. Time ______ when you’re having fun. (fly)

Ans. flies 

  1. Regular exercise ______ your overall health. (improve)

Ans. improves

  1. A lone cyclist ______ along the winding coastal path. (pedal)

Ans. pedals

  1. Rain ______ against the windowpane, lulling the world to sleep. (patter)

Ans. patters

  1. Leaves ______ secrets in the autumn breeze. (whisper)

Ans. whisper

  1. Laughter ________ up like a fountain from the park playground. (bubble)

Ans. bubbles

  1. Distant music ______ through the open window, a sweet melody. (drift)

Ans. drifts

  1. Time ______ by on the worn face of the antique pocket watch. (tickle)

Ans. tickles

  1. Steam __________ from a mug like a genie escaping its lamp. (curl)

Ans. curls

  1. The research team ______ the impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems. (study)

Ans. studies

  1. Open your books and ____ to page 120. (turn)

Ans. turn

  1. She _______  castles in the clouds. (build)

Ans. builds

  1. A coffee pot gurgles and _______, promising a warm embrace in the morning. (steam)

Ans. steams

  1. Laughter lines ______ around the eyes, telling stories without words. (crinkle)

Ans. crinkle

  1. City lights _______ like fireflies trapped in a concrete jungle. (twinkle)

Ans. twinkle

  1. The old tree _______ as silent guardians, witness to the changing seasons. (stands)

Ans. stands

  1. Raindrops ____ down the windowpane. (race)

Ans.  race

  1. The grandfather clock ______, a solemn reminder of time’s passage. (chime)

Ans. chimes

  1. A lone hiker ______ on a mountain peak, breathing in the vastness. (pause)

Ans. pauses

  1. Sunbeams _______ through the forest canopy, dappling the ground with light. (peek)

Ans. 

  1. The city ______ with the steady heartbeat of a million lives. (pulse)

Ans. pulses

  1. Stars ________ like scattered diamonds on the velvet cloak of night. (glitter)

Ans. glitter

 

 
 

Exercise 3 – Determine if the given sentences are correct or incorrect. If incorrect, write the correct verb as answer.

 

After Exercise 2, please add a subheading – Addressing common mistakes in the use of simple present tense. (This can talk abt the confusion between base form use and ‘s/es’)

 

Here are some common mistakes people make when using the simple present tense:

1. Using the present continuous for habitual actions:

Incorrect: “I am always going to the gym.”
Correct: “I always go to the gym.” (Simple present)

2. Third-Person Singular Agreement:

Forgetting to add “-s” or “-es” to the third-person singular:

  • Incorrect: “She play tennis every week.”
  • Correct: “She plays tennis every week.”

 

Adding “-s” to verbs already ending in “-s”:

  • Incorrect: “He gos to the park every day.”
  • Correct: “He goes to the park every day.”

 

Confusing irregular verbs with regular rules:

  • Incorrect: “She say she will be late.”
  • Correct: “She says she will be late.”

 

The confusion between adding “-s” or “-es” to the base form of verbs in the simple present tense is a common hurdle for English learners.

 

General Rule: For most verbs, simply add “-s” to the base form in the third person singular (he, she, it).

Example:

  • walk walks
  • play plays
  • talk talks

 

Exceptions:

Verbs ending in -o, -ch, -sh, -s, -x, or -z: For these verbs, add “-es” instead of “-s”.

Examples:

  • go goes
  • teach teaches
  • watch watches
  • fix fixes

 

Verbs ending in -y after a consonant: Change the “-y” to “-i” and add “-es”.

Examples:

  • study studies
  • cry cries
  • try tries

 

 
 

Exercise 4 – Construct a sentence using the given verb in simple present tense. 

 

  1. Lay

Ans.  The farmer lays fresh eggs in the coop each day.

  1. Lie  (be kept in a specified state)

Ans. The old book lies forgotten on the dusty shelf.

  1. Affect

Ans. Pollution affects the health of our planet.

  1. Guess

Ans. My dog guesses where I’m going based on the jingle of my keys.

  1. Enjoy

Ans. My grandma enjoys the sweet smell of freshly baked cookies.

  1. Convey

Ans. The pigeon conveys important messages across vast distances.

  1. Hurry

Ans. The clock strikes noon, and everyone hurries back to work after lunch.

  1. Fly

Ans. The bird flies from flower to flower, sipping nectar.

  1. Lend

Ans. The library lends books to college students only.

  1. Borrow

Ans. My little brother borrows my crayons. 

  1. Raise

Ans. My neighbor raises a flag every morning.

  1. Wash

Ans. Rain gently washes the dust from the leaves.

  1. Pass

Ans. The train passes through a tunnel, plunging me into temporary darkness.

  1. Echo

Ans. The wolf’s howl echoes across the mountains.

  1. Wish

Ans. A child wishes on a dandelion, sending a million tiny hopes into the breeze.

  1. Write

Ans. Alina writes in her journal every morning, pouring her thoughts onto the page.

  1. Jump

Ans. The puppy excitedly jumps around and wags his tail.

  1. Walk

Ans. Arun walks his dog along the beach.

  1. Sing

Ans. Tanya sings in the choir.

  1. Read

Ans. Smita reads the newspaper every day.

 

 
 

Exercise 5 – From the given sentences, identify the sentence that is in Simple Present Tense. 

 

1.
A.Sunshine will paint rainbows on the clouds.
B. Sunshine paints rainbows on the clouds.
C. Sunlight painted rainbows on the clouds.
Ans. B. Sunshine paints rainbows on the clouds.

2.
A. A kitten will chase butterflies in the garden.
B. A kitten chased butterflies in the garden.
C. A kitten chases butterflies in the garden.
Ans. C. A kitten chases butterflies in the garden.

3.
A. Laughter will fill the playground with joy.
B. Laughter fills the playground with joy.
C. Laughter filled the playground with joy.
Ans. B. Laughter fills the playground with joy.

4.
A. Leaves will dance in the autumn breeze.
B. Leaves danced in the autumn breeze.
C. Leaves dance in the autumn breeze.
Ans. C. Leaves dance in the autumn breeze.

5.
A. Coffee will steam in a warm mug.
B. Coffee steams in a warm mug
C. Coffee steamed in a warm mug
Ans. B. Coffee steams in a warm mug.

6.
A. Rain pattered on the windowpane.
B. Rain will patter on the windowpane.
C. Rain patters on the windowpane.
Ans. C. Rain patters on the windowpane.

7.
A. Music floats through the air.
B. Music floated through the air.
C. Music will float through the air.
Ans. A. Music floats through the air.

8.
A. Stars twinkled in the night sky.
B. Stars will twinkle in the night sky.
C. Stars twinkle in the night sky.
Ans. C. Stars twinkle in the night sky.

9.
A. Dreams blossomed in a sleeping mind.
B. Dreams will blossom in a sleeping mind.
C. Dreams blossom in a sleeping mind.
Ans. C. Dreams blossom in a sleeping mind.

10.
A. Books whisper stories waiting to be read.
B. Books will whisper stories waiting to be read.
C. Books whispered stories waiting to be read.
Ans. A. Books whisper stories waiting to be read.

11.
A. Flowers bloomed in a rainbow of colors.
B. Flowers will bloom in a rainbow of colors.
C. Flowers bloom in a rainbow of colors.
Ans. C. Flowers bloom in a rainbow of colors.

12.
A. Waves crash against the sandy shore.
B. Waves will crash against the sandy shore.
C. Waves crashed against the sandy shore.
Ans. A. Waves crash against the sandy shore.

13.
A. Children built sandcastles on the beach.
B. Children will build sandcastles on the beach.
C. Children build sandcastles on the beach.
Ans. C. Children build sandcastles on the beach.

14.
A. A dog wags its tail in a happy greeting.
B. A dog will wag its tail in a happy greeting.
C. A dog wagged its tail in a happy greeting.
Ans. A. A dog wags its tail in a happy greeting.

15.
A. Crickets chirped their lullaby at night.
B. Crickets will chirp their lullaby at night.
C. Crickets chirp their lullaby at night.
Ans. C. Crickets chirp their lullaby at night.

 

 
 

Exercise 6 – Story Completion using verbs in Simple Present Tense. 

 

1. One sunny day, Tortoise and Hare boast about who is faster. Hare scoffs, “Watch me dust you, slowpoke!” They set a race to the rock hill.
Hare ________ (A-dart) like a lightning bolt, leaving Tortoise in a cloud of dust. Hare gets bored and _______(B-nap) under a tree. Tortoise plods on, step by patient step.

Hare wakes up, ________(C-stretch) , and sees Tortoise halfway there! Now Hare ______(D-sprint) , but it’s too late. Tortoise reaches the rock hill first, panting but proud.

Hare can’t believe it. Tortoise smiles, “Slow and steady wins the race, friend!” Hare shakes his head, realizing boasting won’t win him anything. He __________(E-learn) a valuable lesson that day: patience and persistence are just as important as speed.

Ans-
A. darts
B. naps
C. stretches
D. sprints
E. learns

2. The sun peeks over the hills, casting light on Shepherd Boy tending his sheep. He ______(A-yawn), bored beyond belief. Suddenly, a mischievous thought pops into his head.

“Wolf! Wolf!” he cries, his voice ________(B-echo) across the valley. Villagers scramble up the hill, armed with pitchforks and axes, ready to face the beast. But there’s no wolf, just Shepherd Boy laughing.

The villagers scowl, annoyed by the false alarm. “Don’t play tricks like that, boy!” they grumble, returning to their work.

Days later, boredom ________(C-strike) again. “Wolf! Wolf!” he screams, tears streaming down his face, pretending to run from an invisible predator. Again, the villagers rush up, only to find him doubled over with laughter. This time, their anger burns hot. They warn him sternly about the dangers of lying.

One afternoon, a real wolf slinks out of the woods, eyes fixed on the plump sheep. Panic grips Shepherd Boy. “Wolf! Wolf!” he ________(D-scream), his voice hoarse with fear.

But the villagers remember his lies. No one comes. The wolf feasts on his helpless flock, leaving the boy alone with his tears and broken trust. He ________(E-learn) a harsh lesson that day: lies, even playful ones, can have terrible consequences.

Ans-
A. yawns
B. echoes
C. strikes
D. screams
E. learns

3. One sunny spring, ducklings hatch in a cozy nest. All are yellow fluffballs, except one: Ugly. He’s grey and awkward, mocked by his siblings and other farm animals. Ugly duckling feels lonely and longs to fit in.

He waddles away, hiding in reeds beside a pond. Days turn into weeks, and Ugly _______(A-watch) graceful swans glide on the water. He dreams of being beautiful like them.

One autumn, a flock of swans descends on the pond. Ugly’s heart _______(B-ache). He gathers his courage and swims towards them. The swans hiss and ruffle their feathers, but Ugly keeps going, tears blurring his vision.

Suddenly, a shaft of sunlight catches his feathers. They shimmer, revealing not grey, but shimmering white! Ugly _______(C-transform) into a breathtaking swan, the most beautiful of all. He spreads his wings and joins the flock, soaring freely across the sky.

The farmyard animals stare in disbelief. Ugly, once ostracized, now __________(D-fly) with grace and pride. He realizes that true beauty comes from within, and acceptance can bloom in unexpected places. The once lonely duckling, now a majestic swan, _______ (E-embrace) his newfound identity and soars towards a future filled with acceptance and belonging.

Ans-
A. watches
B. aches
C. transforms
D. flies
E. embraces

4. Sun shines warm, Ant works hard, carrying seeds one by one to her cozy nest. Grasshopper chirps and _______(A-dance), carefree in the sun’s golden grace. “Why hoard crumbs, dear friend?” he laughs, “Summer shines forever in this place!”

Ant smiles and shakes her head, “Winter ________(B-bite) with icy teeth, friend. Best fill your pantry while sun smiles, lest cold winds leave you with nothing to glean.”

One morning, sun ______(C-hide) behind clouds, leaves shiver in the crisp air. Hungry pangs gnaw at Grasshopper’s heart, no warm grain, no food to share.

He creeps to Ant’s cozy door, shivering, “Friend, winter came, I am poor.” Ant welcomes him in, her pantry full, “A lesson learned, a story told.”

Grasshopper eats and ________(D-thank) his friend, warmth and wisdom fill his heart. From then on, they gather side by side, for summer laughter and winter’s spite.

Sun may dance and flowers may bloom, but winter ________(E-whisper), never assume. Work and share, be wise and bold, then stories of warmth in winter are told.

Ans-
A. dances
B. bites
C. hides
D. thanks
E. whispers

5. Once upon a time, the King sat high on the throne. People bow, whispers spread, “Kind to some, but quick to dread.”One day, Farmer cries, “Giant _______(A-steal) crops, fills hearts with throes!” King scoffs, “Giant? Nonsense, say! A tale for children, end of day!”

Farmer ________(B-plead), “Giant’s real, I beg! Please help us!” King laughs, “Go home, old egg!” So Farmer walks, weary head bowed, Giant’s shadow whispers loud.

But next day, Baker cries, “Giant took bread, leaves ovens bare, children unfed!” King _______(C-frown), “Hmm, bread is dear, perhaps the tale is drawing near.”

Then Blacksmith moans, “Giant stomped forge, no tools to fix, no metal surge!” King ponders, “Forge cold and still, maybe Farmer had some skill.”

He calls the Farmer, asks the truth, Giant’s threat fills hearts with ruth. King ________(D-grab) his sword, eyes flash like fire, “To Giant’s cave, in righteous ire!”

They fight and climb, courage ablaze, King strikes true, Giant stumbles, dazed. People cheer, giants roar, but King _______(E-stand) tall, forevermore.

Ans-
A. steals
B. pleads
C. frowns
D. grabs
E. stands

 

 
 

Conclusion

Congratulations on mastering the simple present tense! You can now write and speak of daily routines, universal truths, and timeless facts with ease. You’ve unlocked a key to communicating daily routines, timeless truths, and habitual actions with clarity and confidence. Remember, practice makes perfect. Keep using the simple present in your conversations and writing to solidify your understanding.
 

 

Also See :

Exercises of Tenses

Exercises on Prepositions

Exercises of Articles

 

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