When you're learning how to use present tense verbs in Russian, there are some important things to remember.

Present Tense Conjugation

In Russian, regular verbs usually follow specific patterns based on their endings: -ать, -ять, -ить. Here’s how to use each type:

1. Verbs ending in -ать:

   • Example: Говорить (to talk)
   • How to Conjugate:
     • Я говорю (I talk)
     • Ты говоришь (You talk)
     • Он/Она говорит (He/She talks)
     • Мы говорим (We talk)
     • Вы говорите (You talk, plural/formal)
     • Они говорят (They talk)

2. Verbs ending in -ять:

   • Example: Смотреть (to watch)
   • How to Conjugate:
     • Я смотрю (I watch)
     • Ты смотришь (You watch)
     • Он/Она смотрит (He/She watches)
     • Мы смотрим (We watch)
     • Вы смотрите (You watch, plural/formal)
     • Они смотрят (They watch)

3. Verbs ending in -ить:

   • Example: Учить (to teach)
   • How to Conjugate:
     • Я учу (I teach)
     • Ты учишь (You teach)
     • Он/Она учит (He/She teaches)
     • Мы учим (We teach)
     • Вы учите (You teach, plural/formal)
     • Они учат (They teach)

Aspect in Verbs

Russian verbs can show different aspects:

• Imperfective aspect: This shows actions that are happening. For example, делать means "to do."

• Perfective aspect: This shows actions that have been completed. For example, сделать means "to have done."

More Grammar Points

1. Genitive Case: This shows possession. For example, Книга Марии means "Maria's book."

2. Comparatives and Superlatives: You change adjectives to compare things. For example, высокий means "tall," более высокий means "taller," and самый высокий means "tallest."

3. Question Structure: You can ask questions by adding "ли" in statements. For example, Ты учишь русский, да? means "You study Russian, right?"

4. Reflexive Verbs: These are like regular verbs but always use a reflexive particle. For example, я моюсь means "I wash myself."

5. Dative Case: This shows who gets something. For example, Я даю книгу другу means "I give the book to a friend."

6. Past Tense Conjugation: Regular verbs change based on gender and number. For example, я шёл means "I went" (male), and я шла means "I went" (female).

7. Instrumental Case: This shows means or who is with you. For example, Я пишу ручкой means "I write with a pen."

8. Conditional Sentences: These often start with "если" (if) plus a condition. For example, Если будет время, я приду means "If there is time, I will come."

Understanding these rules will help you get better at speaking Russian!