







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 | |
|---|---|
| This is my boyfriend, Mike. | 이쪽은 제 남자친구, 마이크예요. |
| Isn't that funny? | 그거 웃기지 않아요? |
| Yes, there are some knives, too. | 응, 나이프도 좀 있어. |
| That's why I never trust quiet people... | 내가 그래서 조용한 사람을 안 믿는 거야... |
| No, I'm not lying! I never lie. | 거짓말 아냐! 난 거짓말 안해. |
| Thanks father, where is Bear's lead? | 고마워요 아빠. 베어 목줄은 어디 있어? |
| Do you like train rides, too? | 기차 타는 것도 좋아해? |
| That's right, we should never forget how irresponsible my housemates are. | 맞아, 내 하우스메이트들이 얼마나 무책임한지 결코 잊어서는 안 되는데. |
| Look, there is a shop assistant. | 봐, 저기 가게 종업원이 있다. |
| Excuse me ma'am, here is an undamaged packet of rice for you. | 실례하겠습니다, 여기 손상되지 않은 봉투의 쌀을 드릴게요. |
| That's true! How much is your rent? | 하긴 그래! 방값이 얼만데? |
| I wake up and make my bed, then tidy my room. | 아침에 일어나면 이불을 개고 방 청소를 한다구. |
| Yes, it might be, but I'm very busy with some projects these days. | 그래, 그럴 수도 있지만, 나 요즘 프로젝트들로 정말 바빠서. |
| It's not a big deal but it's quite an important thing to mention. | 나한테 중요한 일은 아니어도 말해줄 만큼은 중요한 일인 거잖아. |
| Oh hello... I forgot to mention, it's also a very special occasion... | 아 안녕하세요... 제가 말하는 걸 깜빡했는데요, 엄청 중요한 날이라서요... |
| Sorry, the line is very bad! | 미안, 통화연결이 안 좋아! |
| Hi there, it's not Dick, it's Nick... Starts with N. | 안녕하세요, 니기미는 아니고, 닉입니다... 받침이 기역이죠. |
| Okay, if you say so, I trust you! | 그래, 네가 그렇다면야 믿어야지! |
| I hope it's not related to me! | 나랑은 상관 없는 일이길 바라! |
| Those kind of irresponsible people make me angry! | 그렇게 무책임한 사람들을 보면 화가 난단 말이지! |