Formal Definitions
Using the Present Simple in Formal Definitions
Since definitions are general by nature, they usually appear in the Present Simple.
The Present Simple is used to describe present states or actions which take place on a regular basis.
Therefore, it often appears with a time expression such as never, always, every week/year, usually, often, seldom, etc.
Its structure depends on the pronoun:
| I, we, you, they | he, she, it |
|---|---|
(+) Subject + base form of verb Astronomers study celestial objects, space, and the broader universe. | (+) Subject + base form of verb + s/es/ies An astronomer studies celestial objects, space, and the broader universe. |
(-) Subject + DO NOT + base form Astronomers do not study music. | (-) Subject + DOES NOT + base form An astronomer does not study music. |
(?) [WHq] + do + subject + basic form? What do astronomers study? | (?) [WHq] + does + subject + basic form? What does an astronomer study? |
Who + basic form + s/es/ies? Who studies celestial bodies? | |
