







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 | |
|---|---|
| What do you think, dear, do you like it, too? | 자기 생각은 어때, 마음에 들어? |
| That's why I never trust quiet people... | 내가 그래서 조용한 사람을 안 믿는 거야... |
| No, this one is the shop's own brand, that's why it's not expensive. | 아냐, 이건 이 가게 브랜드라서 안 비싼 거야. |
| My laptop is in it. | 안에 내 노트북 있어. |
| Sorry, madam, Friday is one of our busiest nights! | 죄송합니다, 부인, 금요일 저녁은 제일 바쁜 시간 중 하나라서요! |
| Hey, Cate! Do you need anything? | 이야, 케이트! 뭐 필요한 거 있어? |
| He just moved from Brighton and lives around here. | 브라이튼에서 최근에 이사와서 요 근처에 살아. |
| I've experienced how difficult and expensive it can be. | 얼마나 어렵고 비싼지 내가 딱 경험했잖아. |
| Is one bunch enough for you? | 한 뭉치면 되겠어? |
| Did you say Russia? That's unusual! | 러시아라고? 특이하네! |
| Calm down dear, I don't think he realises what he says. | 침착해 자기, 자기가 무슨 말 하는지 알면서 말한 것도 아닌 거 같아. |
| Is that you, Mike? | 마이크야? |
| Erm... You look about 30? | 흠... 한 서른 정도? |
| That's a good question! | 좋은 질문이야! |
| They are both okay for me. | 둘다 나는 상관없어. |
| What's up? Is everything okay? | 무슨 일이죠? 문제라도 있어요? |
| Sorry to ask, but are you on your period or something? | 물어봐서 미안하지만, 현재 생리 중이거나 한 거야? |
| Last night we were open till very late, and you know her excuse. | 어젯 밤 아주 늦게까지 영업했거든. 걔는 좀 쉴만 하잖아. |
| It's half past 4, so we are here right on time. | 4시 반이니까 딱 맞게 온 건데. |
| So do you want me to find a house by myself? | 그럼 나더러 혼자 집을 찾으라는 거야? |