Introduction

In a present indefinite tense, the action happens in the present but in no particular time frame to complete it.

It is used to describe regularity or permanence, express true events, habit, nature, etc.

Structure of the Present Indefinite Tense

subject + verb (s/es) + the rest of the sentence

In the table given below, the structure of the Present Indefinite tense as per the type of sentences –

Check out these formulas below to understand the sentence formation using present indefinite tense.

Sentence Type	Structure	Example
Affirmative	Subject + Base Form of the Verb + Object	1. She works at the hospital. 2. He studies in the library.
Negative	Subject + Do/Does Not + Base Form of the Verb + Object	1. She does not work at the hospital. 2. He does not study in the library.
Interrogative	Do/Does + Subject + Base Form of the Verb+?	1. Does she work at the hospital? 2. Does she study in the library?
Interrogative negative	Do/Does not + Subject + Base Form of the Verb+?	1. Does she work at the hospital? 2. Does she study in the library?

Key Rules for the Present Indefinite Tenses

The verb’s basic form is employed in the present indefinite tense.

Points to remember in Present Indefinite Tenses

A. In third-person singular sentences, avoid ‘s’ and ‘es’.

For Example: she eats, He plays, etc.

B. Use the Base Form for Third-Person Singular.

For Example: He leaves, She tears, and so on.

Avoid confusing the present indefinite tense with the present continuous tense.

Use of Present Indefinite Tense

1. General facts/ Universal truth

Statements that are true regardless of time.

For Example:

A. The sun revolves around the Earth.

B. The sun set in the west.

2. Habit or repeated actions

Regular actions that happen repeatedly

For Example:

A. She goes to the school daily.

B. She eats an apple everyday.

3. Fixed events

Actions or events that are scheduled

For Example:

A. The train leaves at 6 pm.

B. The bus waits for 15 minutes.

4. Permanent situation

To highlight action that is lasting or permanent

For Example:

A. He stays near Karol bagh.

B. He works as a doctor.

5. For instructions

To give clear instructions/directions

For Example:

A. You go straight from next turn.

B. Turn over the page carefully.

6. For feelings or thoughts

To describe state of being or mind

For Example:

A. I trust honest people.

B. I know this place.

Commonly made mistakes in Present Indefinite Tense

1. ‘s’ added to verbs with plural subjects

For Example:

A. We goes for swimming every weekend. (Incorrect)

B. We go for swimming every weekend. (Correct)

2. Not adding ‘s’ to verbs with singular subjects

For Example:

A. She walk in the garden everyday. (Incorrect)

B. She walks in the garden everyday. (Correct)

3. Use of incorrect form of verb with ‘do’ or ‘does’

For Example:

A. He doesn’t wants to give this to her sister. (Incorrect)

B. He doesn’t want to give this to her sister. (Correct)

4. Wrong structure in negative sentence

For Example:

A. They don’t works in the same company. (Incorrect)

B. They don’t work in the same company. (Correct)

5. Use of ‘is/are’ in the interrogative statements

For Example:

A. Is they play cricket? (Incorrect)

B. Do they play cricket? (Correct)

6. Confused between present indefinite with present continuous

For Example:

A. She is read in the library. (Incorrect)

B. She reads in the library. (Correct)

7. Incorrect placement of adverbs

For Example:

A. Navin wake up always early. (Incorrect)

B. Navin always wakes up early. (Correct)

Present Indefinite Tense Examples

Here are a few present indefinite tense examples for every case/situation where this tense is used. 

Different Cases of Using Present Indefinite Tense	Examples
Habits	1. She eats healthy diet thrice a week. 2. We study in the library for 4 hours a day.
General Facts	1. The Earth rotates on its own axis. 2. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.
Near Future	1. The destination is next stop. 2. The class starts at 8 AM in the morning.
Present Time/Moment	1. I stay in Delhi. 2. Shyam studies in class second.
Exclamatory Sentences starting with “here” and “there”	1. Here comes the birthday girl. 2. There lies the book you are looking for.
To Repeat a Quotation	1. It is rightly said, “Where there is love there is life.” 2. As the proverb goes, “Where there is a will, there is a way”.
To Express a Past Event in a Narrative (Story-telling)	1. The lady spills the milk on the street. 2. She opens the box and finds treasure.
Imperative Sentences	1. Pray to God every morning. 2. Be careful when you cut the vegetables.