







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 | |
|---|---|
| The ones at the bottom look fresher. | 바닥에 깔린 게 더 신선해 보여. |
| 360 degrees should be good. | 360도면 될 거야. |
| Nope, I don't cook fancy things, only regular dishes. | 아니, 막 대단한 건 안하고, 그냥 평범한 요리만 해. |
| Dear, who is it? | 자기야, 누구야? |
| I like some Jamiroquai songs, but not all of them. | 자미로콰이 노래는 몇 개는 좋아하는데, 다는 아니고. |
| Oh, sorry, I didn't know I wasn't allowed to order what I want! | 아, 미안해라, 내가 먹고싶은 걸 주문해서는 안되는 줄 모르고 있었네! |
| I have an appointment with the home office for my visa extension. | 비자 연장하러 내무부에 가기로 약속 잡아놨어. |
| I don't think it's a suitable movie for kids, dear. | 애들 보는 영화는 아닌 것 같아, 자기. |
| That's a very interesting combination. | 되게 재밌는 조합이네. |
| No, what is that? | 뭔데? |
| But before we go, can you call them and ask if they are okay with pets? | 하지만 가기 전에, 전화 해서 그 사람들은 반려동물 신경 안 쓰는지 물어봐줄래? |
| I have no idea... But I hope they have a good excuse! | 전혀 모르겠지만... 말이 되는 핑계거리가 있는 사람이길 바라! |
| Yes, I think she's great! | 네, 되게 잘 하신다고 봐요! |
| That's right, we should never forget how irresponsible my housemates are. | 맞아, 내 하우스메이트들이 얼마나 무책임한지 결코 잊어서는 안 되는데. |
| No she is a very cute, easygoing and friendly girl. | 아냐, 정말 귀여운데다 무던하고 붙임성있는 애라구. |
| Anyway, the flight situation is a bit complicated. | 아무튼, 비행 상황은 좀 복잡해. |
| But sometimes I feel guilty not being there! | 하지만 내가 없으니까 가끔은 죄책감이 들어! |
| Cate, are you okay? You seem a little bit aggressive. | 케이트, 괜찮아? 좀 날카로워 보인다. |
| Why did you ask, do you want me to boil it? | 왜 물어봤어? 삶았으면 좋겠어? |
| As I said, it's much easier to open with two people. | 말했죠, 두 사람이 하면 훨씬 열기 쉽다고. |