In the simple present tense, we use the infinitive (first form of the verb) without to. Note that when the subject is a singular noun or pronoun, the verb takes the marker -s in the simple present tense.

In the simple past tense, we use the second form (v2) of the verb.

Simple present or simple past tense exercise

State whether the following sentences are in the simple present or simple past tense.

1. She plays the violin for a local band.

2. I met him yesterday.

3. They gave us food and water.

4. He enjoys making models from clay.

5. Carpenters make furniture.

6. She called me a liar.

7. The cat drank the milk.

8. I waited for them for hours.

9. We learn a lot from our mistakes.

10. I work best at night.

11. Every morning I work out for an hour.

12. I want to be a writer.

Answers

1. She plays the violin for a local band. (Simple present tense)

2. I met him yesterday. (Simple past tense)

3. They gave us food and water. (Simple past tense)

4. He enjoys making models from clay. (Simple present tense)

5. Carpenters make furniture. (Simple present tense)

6. She called me a liar. (Simple past tense)

7. The cat drank the milk. (Simple past tense)

8. I waited for them for hours. (Simple past tense)

9. We learn a lot from our mistakes. (Simple present tense)

10. I work best at night. (Simple present tense)

11. Every morning I work out for an hour. (Simple present tense)

12. I want to be a writer. (Simple present tense)