







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 | |
|---|---|
| How much do you pay for your room? | 네 방은 얼마 내는데? |
| As I said, it's much easier to open with two people. | 말했죠, 두 사람이 하면 훨씬 열기 쉽다고. |
| Thank god there is nothing to worry about. | 천만다행으로, 걱정할 일 없어. |
| Is it a single or a double room? | 싱글룸이야, 아니면 더블룸이야? |
| Oh god, it's the second thing I hate doing in the kitchen! | 아 저런, 그건 내가 두번째로 싫어하는 부엌일인데! |
| Hello, I'm sorry I'm a bit late. | 안녕, 좀 늦었지, 미안해. |
| Hey, which is the closest station to China Town? | 있지, 차이나타운에 제일 가까운 역이 어디야? |
| Kisses to you, too, I'll call you when I get there! | 자기한테도 뽀뽀. 도착하면 전화할게! |
| They are both okay for me. | 둘다 나는 상관없어. |
| I hope it’s not serious. | 별 일 아니면 좋겠는데. |
| I don't want you to spend a fortune. | 네가 돈을 잔뜩 쓰는 건 원하지 않아. |
| Hello, do you have a Tesco Clubcard sir? | 안녕하세요, 테스코 회원카드 있으신가요? |
| I don't understand why they call it a bank holiday. | 공휴일을 왜 뱅크 홀리데이라고 부르는지 모르겠어. |
| Do you want me to tell her that you are here? | 네가 왔다고 말해줄까? |
| Excuse me sir, here are your drinks and the menu. | 실례하겠습니다, 여기 음료와 메뉴를 드릴게요. |
| I guess mine is older than yours! | 내가 좋아하는 영화가 네 것보다 오래된 거 같은데! |
| Well, instead of chicken you can try the duck, it's yummy! | 그럼, 닭 대신에 오리를 먹어보면 되지, 맛있다니까! |
| I don't think it's normal, do you think it's normal? | 정상이 아닌 거 같아. 네 생각엔 어때? |
| And he looks about 3 years old now. | 그런데 고양이가 지금 딱 세 살쯤 돼보이니까. |
| How is there four of us? | 어떻게 사람이 네 명이 돼? |