How to conjugate simple tenses

The simple tenses are the most straightforward—that’s what makes them simple. They represent individual, one-time actions. 

How to conjugate the present tense

The simple present tense is used for actions that happen regularly or things that don’t change, such as preferences or opinions. It’s made with the root form, unless the subject is third-person singular (he, she, the singular they, it), in which case you use the third-person singular present form. 

[ROOT] or [THIRD-PERSON SINGULAR PRESENT]

Kim feels lousy today. 

I study every night before bed. 

How to conjugate the past tense

The simple past tense describes a single action that already took place, or a habitual action that no longer occurs. It uses the simple past form explained above. 

[SIMPLE PAST]

When I was young, I played in the backyard every day. 

They lost again, and no one was surprised. 

How to conjugate the future tense

The simple future tense describes events that have not happened yet, as in planning or preparing. It uses the root form, but adds the word will in front. 

will + [ROOT]

You will study verbs until you understand them. 

Once again, history will repeat itself.