







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 | |
|---|---|
| Isn't it faster taking the tube? | 지하철이 더 빠르지 않아? |
| It's impossible for me to commute from zone-9 to 1 everyday. | 런던 9구역에서 1구역까지 매일 통근하는 건 나한테 불가능한 일이야. |
| Yes, it's in Piccadilly Circus right in the centre. | 응, 딱 중앙에 피카딜리 서커스에 있어. |
| Umm, you can tell them it's our wedding anniversary. | 음, 우리 결혼기념일이라고 얘기해볼 수 있잖아. |
| I haven't been there before, where is it? | 거긴 안 가봤는데, 어디야? |
| So 2017 minus 1841 equals... | 그러니까 2017 빼기 1841을 하면... |
| I don't believe you! What's the difference today? | 무슨 소리야! 오늘이라고 뭐가 다르다고? |
| Yeah, it's not common, but that's what it says in the recipe. | 그래, 흔치는 않지만, 레시피가 그렇게 말하는 걸. |
| Is one bunch enough for you? | 한 뭉치면 되겠어? |
| This is the last one and, unfortunately, it has a hole in it. | 이게 마지막 건데, 애석하게도 구멍이 나 있군. |
| No she is a very cute, easygoing and friendly girl. | 아냐, 정말 귀여운데다 무던하고 붙임성있는 애라구. |
| Where is your school, is it in central London? | 너희 학교 어딨는데? 런던 중앙이야? |
| Okay, maybe it's better for you to have some rest. | 그래, 넌 좀 쉬는 게 나을 수도 있겠어. |
| Yeah, I've got it! | 응, 찾았어! |
| Yes, he is totally fine after resting for a while. | 응, 좀 쉬고 나더니 완전 괜찮아졌어. |
| It seems Pogo wants to go into the garden. | 포고가 정원에 가고 싶은 모양인데. |
| No, I'm not lying! I never lie. | 거짓말 아냐! 난 거짓말 안해. |
| It's almost 09:30. | 거의 9시 반 다 됐어. |
| What's your maximum monthly budget for the rent? | 방값으로 한달에 최대 얼마쯤 잡고 있어? |
| I don't have time to cook everyday. | 매일 요리할 시간이 없어. |