The present simple is formed by either using the root of a verb on its own, or by adding -s (or -es) to the root.

Even with regular verbs, things can be confusing! To help you identify certain patterns of spelling across the tenses, though, here are some tips for forming present and past verbs, and past and present participles. With irregular verbs, there is often there is no easy way to know how a verb should be spelt in its present or past forms, or as a past participle. As with most areas of the English language, forming different tenses from verbs has some basic rules which can be frequently broken. Pupils should be taught to learn how to use the present and past tenses correctly and consistently.National Curriculum programme of study links Some past tense verbs are irregular and don’t follow this rule, for example teach and taught, go and went. Most verbs have the suffix -ed added to them to form the past tense. The simple past tense is used when writing about things that have happened in the past. The verb ending in the suffix -ing can also indicate that the present tense is used (present progressive). The simple present tense is formed by adding -s to the verb or using the root form of the verb.

The simple present tense states things that are true or happening now. The verb shows whether the sentence is written in the present tense (happens now), the past tense (happened in the past) or the future tense (will happen). The tense shows when the actions happen in the sentence. Once the resource is created, it can be used time and time again to revisit this area of learning as part of whole class teaching or an intervention for pupils who may need further support. There are 32 cards, allowing the game to be played by the whole class as a starter activity to revisit previous learning or groups could create the loop as part of a main teaching activity on the past and present tense. This simple game asks pupils to find the given sentence rewritten in either the simple present or past tense. This pack contains a loop card game that is perfect for a whole class or small groups to develop their understanding of the simple present and past tense verb forms. Looking for a fun and engaging grammar game to teach or revisit the simple past and present tense with pupils in KS2?

Simple present tense irregular verbs