







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 | |
|---|---|
| And it's hard to believe, but it's clean. | 그리고 믿기 어렵겠지만 깨끗하답니다. |
| Can I get you some more drinks? | 잔부터 먼저 채워드릴까요? |
| Also, I think we all need to leave soon. | 실은, 우리 모두 곧 가야할 걸. |
| The packets have 2 pieces in them. | 이 패키지에는 두 조각이 들었어. |
| They're there, under the duvet. | 저기 이불 밑에 있네. |
| I am, I have to be there at 12:30. | 해야 돼. 12시 반까지 가야 해. |
| Why is that rice so special? | 그 쌀이 뭐가 그렇게 특별해? |
| All of my work is in that laptop and I don't have any backup! | 내가 작업한 거 다 거기 있고, 난 백업파일 없단 말야! |
| That's a very interesting combination. | 되게 재밌는 조합이네. |
| No, it's not mine, I think it belongs to the house. | 아니, 내 건 아니고. 이 집 소유인 것 같아. |
| I'm sorry for not showing up at your opening. | 오픈 때 못 찾아와서 미안해. |
| I don't mind sitting outside as long as I'm not cold. | 춥지만 않으면 바깥에 앉는 것도 좋아. |
| He wouldn't run away, he just wants to check what's outside. | 도망치려는 건 아냐. 밖에 뭐가 있는지 보고싶어서 이러는 거야. |
| I prefer red onions. | 나는 적양파가 좋아. |
| How old do I look? | 몇 살처럼 보여요? |
| Depends on where you look. | 어디를 알아보느냐에 달려있지. |
| Okay, how long is it, do you know? | 좋아, 얼마나 긴지 혹시 알아? |
| Hey, Cate! Do you need anything? | 이야, 케이트! 뭐 필요한 거 있어? |
| No, she is totally fine, thankfully. | 아니, 다행히도 엄마는 쌩쌩해. |
| Come on, don't cry, she is just a stupid girl! | 그러지 말고, 울지 마, 그냥 저 여자가 이상한 거야! |