In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
Present simple example sentences | |
---|---|
Sorry, I hope it doesn't ruin your childhood memories... | |
Hey, which is the closest station to China Town? | |
Is it because of the cost, or another reason? | |
Does anyone else want something to drink? | |
Did you check carefully, don't we have any at all? | |
What do you think about him, Cate? | |
How is it my fault? | |
I hope they are going to be here on time, too... I don't like waiting. | |
Well, instead of chicken you can try the duck, it's yummy! | |
You look a bit sad, are you okay? | |
Yeah, I've got it! | |
Of course, she is an angel, do you want to talk to your mum? | |
That's not nice, Mike! | |
Sorry, is it possible to see it this Saturday after 2 o'clock? | |
I've got a meeting with some people. | |
I don't like smoking in the kitchen. | |
I hope you are aware it's your last 3 days to find a house... | |
Do we have any bread to toast? | |
It definitely costs a lot, but that's not the only problem. | |
But I don't think I can use them all, there are too many! |