Present tense
Usage
The present tense in Spanish is used in several contexts, similar to its use in English. Here are the primary situations when the present tense is applied, along with examples for each case:
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Actions Happening Now:
The present tense is used to describe actions that are currently happening or general truths.Estudio español. (I am studying Spanish.)
Cantas muy bien. (You sing very well) -
Habitual Actions:
It's also used for actions that happen regularly or habits.Vamos al gimnasio todos los días. (We go to the gym every day)
Ella siempre desayuna a las 7 de la mañana. (She always has breakfast at 7 in the morning.) -
General Truths or Facts:
The present tense is used to state facts or general truths.El agua hierve a 100 grados Celsius. (Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.)
La Tierra gira alrededor del Sol. (The Earth revolves around the Sun.) -
Future Plans or Events (Scheduled or Certain Future):
Spanish sometimes uses the present tense to indicate future plans or events that are seen as certain.Salgo mañana para Paris. (I am leaving for Paris tomorrow.)
El tren sale a las ocho. (The train leaves at eight.) -
Instructions or Directions:
When giving instructions or directions, the present tense is commonly used.Tomas la primera calle a la derecha. (Take the first street on the right.)
Añades sal al gusto. (Add salt to taste.)
Conjugation
Regular Verbs Conjugation Table
Regular verbs in Spanish are divided into three groups based on their infinitive endings: -ar, -er, and -ir. Below is a table outlining the conjugation patterns for each group.
Terminación | Conjugación | Ejemplo |
---|---|---|
-ar | -o, -as, -a, -amos, -áis, -an | Hablar (to speak) Yo hablo Tú hablas Él habla Nosotros hablamos Vosotros habláis Ellos hablan |
-er | -o, -es, -e, -emos, -éis, -en | Comer (to eat) Yo como Tú comes Él come Nosotros comemos Vosotros coméis Ellos comen |
-ir | -o, -es, -e, -imos, -ís, -en | Vivir (to live) Yo vivo Tú vives Él vive Nosotros vivimos Vosotros vivís Ellos viven |
Irregular Verbs Conjugation Table
Some verbs in Spanish have irregular conjugations in the presente tense. Below is a table outlining the conjugation patterns for some common irregular verbs.
Verbo | Conjugación |
---|---|
Ser/Ir (to be/to go) | Yo soy Tú eres Él/Ella/Usted es Nosotros somos Vosotros sois Ellos/as/Ustedes son |
Tener (to have) | Yo tengo Tú tienes Él/Ella/Usted tiene Nosotros tenemos Vosotros tenéis Ellos/as/Ustedes tienen |
Estar (to be) | Yo estoy Tú estás Él/Ella/Usted está Nosotros estamos Vosotros estáis Ellos/as/Ustedes están |
Hacer (to do/make) | Yo hago Tú haces Él/Ella/Usted hace Nosotros hacemos Vosotros hacéis Ellos/as/Ustedes hacen |
Decir (to say) | Yo digo Tú dices Él/Ella/Usted dice Nosotros decimos Vosotros decís Ellos/as/Ustedes dicen |
Common Time Expressions Used with Present Tense
The present tense often appears with these time expressions:
- siempre (always)
- nunca (never)
- a veces (sometimes)
- todos los días (every day)
- ahora (now)
- en este momento (at this moment)
- normalmente (normally)
- generalmente (generally)
- cada día/semana/mes (each day/week/month)
Examples
Yo hablo inglés y español. (I speak English and Spanish.)
Tú comes en ese restaurante frecuentemente. (You eat in that restaurant frequently.)
Él corre en el parque cada mañana. (He runs in the park every morning.)
Nosotros vivimos en México. (We live in Mexico.)
Ellos estudian para ser médicos. (They are studying to be doctors.)
Exercises
- 1Present - Carlos' Morning RoutineFree FormEasy
- 2Present - Extracurricular Activities at SchoolFree FormEasy
- 3Present - Sundays with the FamilyFree FormEasy
- 4Mood Choice - Indicative vs. SubjunctiveMultiple ChoiceIntermediate
- 5Mood Choice - Indicative vs. SubjunctiveFree FormIntermediate
- 6Present tense - Practice regular verbs conjugationMultiple ChoiceEasy
- 7Present tense - Practice regular verbs conjugationMultiple ChoiceEasy
- 8Present tense - Practice irregular verbs conjugationMultiple ChoiceEasy
- 9Present tense - Irregular VerbsMultiple ChoiceEasy
- 10Present Progressive vs. Present TenseFree FormEasy