4.2 Verbs in Simple Present Tense
In English, there are two types of tenses for present verbs: simple present and present progressive.
verbs in the simple present tense have two options:
the infinitive
or
the infinitive form + 's'.
verbs in the simple present tense have two options:
the infinitive
or
the infinitive form + 's'.
When to use the infinitive
I eat you eat we eat they eat |
When to use the infinitive + 's'
he eats she eats it eats |
Rule for simple present tense verbs:
subject + verb in simple present + rest of the sentence.
I speak English.
She speaks English.
Other examples:
Careful!
Notice that in English, we add 's' to the end of words for two reasons:
Also, many English words end with an s.
example: dress, kiss, his
- Use infinitive + 's' when the subject is he, she, or it.
- For all other subjects, use the infinitive.
subject + verb in simple present + rest of the sentence.
I speak English.
She speaks English.
Other examples:
- I walk to work.
- We get up at 7:00.
- She plays in the pool.
Careful!
Notice that in English, we add 's' to the end of words for two reasons:
- adding a 's' to the end of a noun to make it plural.
- adding a 's' to the infinitive form of a verb in present tense when the subject of the sentence is he, she, or it.
Also, many English words end with an s.
example: dress, kiss, his
Activities
Verb Crossword
Students can practice their verb vocabulary |
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Fill in the simple present verb
|
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Verb toss
To play this game, you will need a balloon or ball.
Visit http://www.tesolgames.com/14-easy-verb-games/ for more fun verb games!
To play this game, you will need a balloon or ball.
- Write on your blackboard “I _VERB_ the ball” and model some examples “I throw the ball”, “I kick the ball” “I hit the ball”
- Arrange your class into a circle.
- Each student must say the phrase inserting their own verb and throw the ball to another student.
- Encourage students to mime their action (when possible).
- Do not correct obvious grammar mistakes such as “I sleep the ball” or “I dance the ball” this game is about fast thinking and playing with verbs. Allow some repetition, it will help reinforce learning.
- Try to insert yourself into the game adding new verb vocabulary when possible.
- Then, introduce a new subject: ex. "He _VERB_ the ball" and continue playing.
Visit http://www.tesolgames.com/14-easy-verb-games/ for more fun verb games!