Summary of Foundational English Grammar and Reading

## Introduction The present simple (also called simple present) is one of the basic English tenses. We use it to talk about routines, habits, facts, and general truths. This guide breaks the tense into clear parts, gives rules for the third person singular, explains common question words, and provides practice exercises for students who are not attending class. > The present simple describes habits, repeated actions, facts, and general truths. Use the base verb for most subjects; add -s or -es for he/she/it. ## 1. Forming the Affirmative ### Basic structure 1. Subject + verb + complement. 2. Examples: - I play soccer. - She studies every day. - They work in an office. ### Third person singular (he / she / it) - For **he**, **she**, and **it**, add **-s** or **-es** to the base verb. - Examples: - I speak Spanish. - You speak Portuguese. - He speaks Italian. - She speaks French. - I live in an apartment. - He lives in a big house. - Mary lives in Paris. - We live in Italy. > Rule: For third person singular, add -s or -es to the verb (unless irregular exception applies). ### Spelling rules (table) | Spelling rule | Examples | | --- | --- | | With most verbs add s | live → lives, sit → sits, stay → stays | | Ending in consonant + y: change y to i and add es | try → tries, carry → carries | | Ending in s, z, ch, sh, x: add es | miss → misses, buzz → buzzes, catch → catches, fix → fixes | | Common exceptions | go → goes, do → does | Fun fact: English verbs change only slightly in form for the present simple, but those small changes (like adding -s) are important to make your sentences correct and clear. ## 2. Uses of the Present Simple - Routines and habits: I drink coffee every morning. - Facts and general truths: The sun rises in the east. - Schedules and timetables: The train leaves at 9:00. - Permanent situations: She works at a bank. > Use present simple to describe things that happen regularly or are always true. ## 3. Examples (Affirmative) - I drink coffee every morning. - He works at a bank. - She likes music. - We study English at university. - My mother cooks delicious food. ## 4. Question Words and the Present Simple ### Common question words - Who = person - What = thing or idea - Where = place - When = time - Why = reason - How = manner or process - Which = choice between options - Whose = possession | Question word | Use | Example | | --- | --- | --- | | WHO | asks about a person | Who is coming to the party? | | WHAT | asks for a thing or information | What do you want to eat? | | WHERE | asks about a place | Where do you live? | | WHEN | asks about time | When does the movie start? | | WHY | asks for a reason | Why are you laughing? | | HOW | asks about manner/process | How can I get to the station? | | WHICH | asks about choice | Which dress should I wear? | | WHOSE | asks about possession | Whose car is parked outside? | > Tip: When forming questions in the present simple with most subjects (I, you, we, they), use do/does + subject + base verb. For he/she/it use does. ### Examples - Who is your best friend? - What is your favorite subject? - Where do you live? - When do you study English? - Why do you like reading? - How do you go to school? Fun fact: Question words usually start a question and tell the listener what kind of answer you expect (person, place, reason, etc.). ## 5. Exercise: Simple Present Complete the blanks with the correct question word. 1. ______ do you wake up? 2. ______ is your teacher? 3. ______ do you live? 4. ______ is your favorite food? 5. ______ do you study English? Answers (check yourself): 1. When 2. Who 3. Where 4. What 5. Why/When/How (choose the one that fits the intended meaning; common answer: Why) ## Practical tips for self-study - Make daily sentences about your routine (e.g., I eat breakfast at 7:00). - Practice third person forms by describing other people: He plays, She studies. - Ask and answer simple ques