simple present

[ sim-puhl prez-uhnt ]

noun

1. a verb formation used to express an action or state occurring in the present, as in walk, is, has, travel.

adjective

1. designating a verb formation used to express an action or state occurring in the present.

Word History and Origins

Origin of simple present¹

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

Tacoma Arts Live and Theater Simple present an interactive all-ages event created with audience participation at Lot B of Spanaway Park at 1:30 p.m.

From Seattle Times

Nothing more than this small, simple present lasting.

From New York Times

When the main action in a sentence takes place in the present or in a future tense, the verb that follows after is in the simple present: I start dinner after the guests arrive.

From Literature

The answer was a masterclass in how to stick to the simple present tense.

From The Guardian

It’s common to forget to change older experiences to past tense or switch back and forth between simple present tense and present continuous tense.

From Time