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 | |
---|---|
Well, instead of chicken you can try the duck, it's yummy! | |
360 degrees should be good. | |
It's Marvin Gaye, from the 60's, but this is the remix. | |
You know, she is normally an extremely quiet and calm person. | |
The place I am having the meeting is very close to Brighton Pier. | |
Hello, I'm sorry, but there is no chardonnay left, Cate. | |
Why don't we pay 100 more each, and get a house in Mayfair? | |
Why don't you answer your phone? | |
Yes, he definitely doesn't like changing places. | |
Where is your school, is it in central London? | |
That's right, we should never forget how irresponsible my housemates are. | |
It doesn't matter, I think they are the same distance away. | |
Okay, if you say so, I trust you! | |
I have two more lessons, I finish at three thirty. | |
Girls, this is Diego. | |
Sorry Mrs. Jones, there is a misunderstanding... | |
Okay, I found it... but it looks filthy! | |
Hello, do you have a Tesco Clubcard sir? | |
How dare he... He is so stupid!!! | |
I wish you all the best. |