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 | |
---|---|
Why? It looks pretty clean to me! | |
What's your plan, Cate? | |
But I don't know him well. | |
Nope, as I said before, they live in Australia. | |
I've checked some, there is nothing I like so far. | |
Why did you ask, do you want me to boil it? | |
It's individually, the small ones are 30p, big ones 50p. | |
You are lucky! | |
That's very interesting! | |
When you stop believing we can get a house in Mayfair for 2,400! | |
It's a kind of welcoming party for her. | |
Anyway, what else do we have left to do now? | |
That's why I never trust quiet people... | |
That's a good question! | |
Sorry, the line is very bad! | |
Do you like train rides, too? | |
Of course! It's my favourite pub. | |
I wear some of them, can I check them when I get back? | |
You are welcome, here is the menu, madam. | |
Here you go sir, this is your receipt and your £20 cashback. |