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 | |
---|---|
Okay, so what's our plan now? | |
Of course, I researched it well, it's 525 metres. | |
Umm, oh yes, I can see it now, the ad number is 9845... | |
Well this is how it is... do you want to see upstairs? | |
Do we have a mortar and pestle? | |
No, no, nothing is wrong, no need to worry, we are all fine... | |
No, we drain pasta with a grater. | |
So does that mean you don't want to stay with me? | |
There is no direct flight from London to Perth. | |
You don't know the story behind it. | |
Because I'm sure they don't serve bugs in London! | |
What else do we need? | |
But I don't know him well. | |
Nope, it gives me a headache! | |
Is it a single or a double room? | |
It has 1 year to pass its expiry date. | |
Yeah, it is very important for me, actually. | |
There is no table for you, then! | |
I have two more lessons, I finish at three thirty. | |
The ones at the bottom look fresher. |