







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 | |
|---|---|
| That would be great! Do you think it's possible? | 그럼 최고지! 근데 가능할까? |
| It's difficult to find all the items manually on the self-checkout. | 셀프 계산대에서는 일일이 항목 찾는 게 어려워. |
| Well, instead of chicken you can try the duck, it's yummy! | 그럼, 닭 대신에 오리를 먹어보면 되지, 맛있다니까! |
| But that's true, some Chows are a bit aggressive. | 하지만 사실이긴 해, 어떤 차우차우들은 좀 공격적이지. |
| I'm checking again, there are only two forks and a teaspoon! | 다시 보고 있는데, 포크 두 개에 티스푼 하나만 있어! |
| Isn't Morrison's closer? | 모리슨즈가 더 가깝지 않아? |
| Um, on this floor, it's only me and a French girl next door. | 음, 이 층에는 나하고 옆집에 프랑스 여자애가 살아. |
| As I'm a smoker, I prefer sitting outside. | 나는 흡연자라서 바깥을 선호하긴 해. |
| Thanks, but I don't have time to stay. | 고맙지만, 곧 가야해서요. |
| That's good, seeing three houses in one day is not bad. | 그건 괜찮은 거지, 하루에 집 세 군데를 봤으면 나쁘지 않아. |
| I guess he wants to drink some water. | 물이나 좀 마시고 싶은 모양이야. |
| Don't worry, we don't do it everyday. | 걱정 마, 매일 이러는 것도 아닌데. |
| Yeah, do you mean tricycles? | 아, 인력거 같은 거? |
| I think the price is very cheap. | 되게 싼 것 같아. |
| No, they live in Australia. | 아니, 호주에 살아. |
| Eating leftovers during the week saves me some time. | 주중에는 남은 요리만 먹어도 시간을 좀 벌 수 있어. |
| Australia is very strict with its customs rules. | 호주는 관세규칙이 정말 빡빡하단 말야. |
| Unfortunately, I don't have one! Where is yours? | 안타깝게도, 그런 거 없어! 네 건 어딨는데? |
| It seems Pogo wants to go into the garden. | 포고가 정원에 가고 싶은 모양인데. |
| Anyway, my lesson is starting now, I have to go. | 아무튼, 곧 수업이 시작해. 가봐야겠어. |