The simple present tense
I. Different forms
A. Affirmative form
For auxiliaries ( have and be) we use :
- S(he,she,it) + is + c
- S( we, you, they)+ are + c
- S(I) + am + C
- S + have/has + C
EG :
- Iam a good pupil
- They are good pupils
- We have good marks
B. Negative form
For sentences which do not contain auxiliary verbs we proceed this way :
- Subject (I, you, we, they) + do not + Verb
$\textbf{Eg :}$ We do not copy the lesson
- Subject(he, she, it) + does not + Verb + $\cdots$
$\textbf{Eg :}$ She does not call me
C. Interrogative form
For sentences which do not contain auxiliaries we proceed this way:
- Do + Subject(I, you, we, they) + Verb + $\cdots$?
$\textbf{Eg :}$ Do you know Mr SOMA? - Does + Subject(she,it,he) + Verb + $\cdots$?
$\textbf{Eg :}$ Does it make sense ?
II. Use and particular rules
A. Particular rules
- Verbs ending in $\textbf{''Y''}$ preceded by a consonant change the $\textbf{''y''}$ into $\textbf{''i''+es}$ at the third person singular (he; she; it).
$\textbf{Eg :}$- To carry: Moussa carries his bag.
- To cry: The baby cries alot.
- Verbs ending in ''y'' preceeded by a vowel do not change the ''y'' they keep it+s
$\textbf{Eg :}$- To play: Moussa plays football.
- To buy: Sidiki buys potatoes.
- Verbs ending in $\textbf{''ss,ch,sh,o,x''}$ take $\textbf{"es"}$ at the third person singular (he; she; it)
$\textbf{Eg :}$- To box : Moussa boxes his neighbour.
- To go: She goes to school.
- To miss: She misses the train.
- To watch: He watches TV.
- To wash: Mamou washes her school uniform.
B. Use
It is generally used to express:
- Habitual or repetitive actions.
$\textbf{Eg :}$ I go to school every monday. - Permanent situations.
$\textbf{Eg :}$ we are living in ouagadougou. - Or general truth.
$\textbf{Eg :}$ God exists.