







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 | |
|---|---|
| Yes, she is coming back, but isn't it what I always do? | 응, 돌아온대. 근데 난 항상 청소 하잖아? |
| Erm... I know I snore occasionally, do I snore everyday? | 으음... 간간이 코 곤다는 건 알고 있었지만, 내가 매일 코를 골아? |
| I don't like going to hospitals, either. | 나도 병원가는 거 싫어하니까. |
| Do you have any relatives in London? | 런던에 친척은 없어? |
| I'm so sorry about the inconvenience. | 불편을 끼쳐드려서 정말 미안합니다. |
| Yeah, I guess normally you go to work around 06:30. | 맞아요, 평소에는 6시 반쯤에 출근하는 거 같길래. |
| Unfortunately, she is a teenager, she is 19! | 안타깝지만, 십대가 맞아. 19살이니까! |
| Is there a knife? | 나이프는 있어? |
| Hey, Cate! Do you need anything? | 이야, 케이트! 뭐 필요한 거 있어? |
| I have no idea... But I hope they have a good excuse! | 전혀 모르겠지만... 말이 되는 핑계거리가 있는 사람이길 바라! |
| We are back, where is Bear? | 왔어, 베어는 어딨어? |
| I really don't want to see her again! | 그 여자는 다시는 보고 싶지 않아! |
| Cate, are you okay? You seem a little bit aggressive. | 케이트, 괜찮아? 좀 날카로워 보인다. |
| Sorry Mrs. Jones, there is a misunderstanding... | 죄송합니다, 존스 부인, 오해가 있었던 것 같은데요... |
| You are so realistic dear, where is your wedding ring? | 실감이 정말 넘쳐나, 자기, 결혼 반지는 어디 있어? |
| That's nice, what do you usually cook? | 멋지다. 보통 어떤 걸 요리해? |
| Oh hello... I forgot to mention, it's also a very special occasion... | 아 안녕하세요... 제가 말하는 걸 깜빡했는데요, 엄청 중요한 날이라서요... |
| Oh god, I feel too tired now. | 아이고, 이제 너무 피곤해. |
| I hope he gets well soon. | 빨리 나아지시길 빌게. |
| I took Bear out and I'm just about to leave. | 베어 산책 좀 시키다가 이제 나갈 준비 마쳤어. |