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 | |
---|---|
You are absolutely right! | Hai assolutamente ragione! |
I'm an English teacher. | Sono un'insegnante di inglese. |
I need some parsley, but it looks a bit limp. | Mi serve un po’ di prezzemolo ma sembra un po’ moscio. |
Don't worry Mike, I think this one is better. | Non preoccuparti Mike, penso che questo sia meglio. |
You never pick Bear's poo up from the pavement. | Non raccogli mai la cacca di Bear dal marciapiede. |
We're out tonight for Laura. | Stasera siamo usciti per Laura. |
I've got a meeting with some people. | Ho una riunione con alcune persone. |
Is that you, Mike? | Sei tu, Mike? |
Absolutely not, while you are working you smoke like a chimney. | Assolutamente no, mentre lavori fumi come una ciminiera. |
Alright, I think I know who he is... | Giusto, penso di sapere chi è… |
Don't worry, I don't like having a very heavy breakfast. | Non preoccuparti, non mi piace mangiare molto a colazione. |
Yes, I think she's great! | Sì, penso sia fantastica! |
Is your dog a Chow Chow? | Il tuo cane è un Chow Chow? |
I don't know, probably put it in the bin. | Non so, probabilmente la metterei nel cestino. |
What's the reason for the cancellation this time? | Qual è il motivo della cancellazione questa volta? |
Thanks father, where is Bear's lead? | Grazie padre, dov’è il guinzaglio di Bear? |
It goes faster, but we don't want to walk to the tube station. | Va più veloce, ma non vogliamo camminare fino alla stazione della metro. |
Until you just light your cigarette. | Fino a quando non ti accendi una sigaretta. |
Hello mate, where are you? | Ciao amico, dove sei? |
What else do we need? | Cos’altro ci serve? |