simple present

American  

[sim-puhl prez-uhnt] / ˈsɪm pəl ˈprɛz ənt /

noun

simple presents plural

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

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adjective

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

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• simple presents
  plural

Etymology

Origin of simple present

First recorded in 1745–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

simple present

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 "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

In the meane time, That to his comfort he may know so much, Endeavour thou to have this simple present As from thy self sent to him.

From A Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 2 by Bullen, A. H. (Arthur Henry)