Present simple (= simple present)


The simple present (or present simple) is what we call in Dutch the 'onvoltooid verleden tijd'.
The simple present of a verb is the whole verb, without the word 'to'.

But when he, she or it is the subject (onderwerp) you add an '-s' after the verb.

 

Exceptions:

  1. If the verb ends on '-o', you add '-es' after the verb.

 

     2. If the verb already ends on '-s' or '-ch', you add '-es' after the verb.

 

     3. If the verb ends on '-y', you replace '-y' by '-ies'.

 

    4. But if the verb ends on  '–y' after  'a', 'e', 'o', of 'u' than you simply put an '-s' after the verb.

 

Questions or negations (ontkenningen)? Always use 'to do' plus whole verb.

 

  Vraagzin Ontkenning
I live. Do I live? I don't live.
You live Do you live? You don't live.
He/she/it lives Does he/she/it live? He/she/it doesn't live.
We live. Do we live? We don't live.
You live Do you live? You don't live.
They live Do they live? They don't live.