







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 | |
|---|---|
| Why don't we pay 100 more each, and get a house in Mayfair? | 인당 100씩 더 내고, 메이페어에 집을 구하는 건 어때? |
| It sounds important. | 중요한가 보네. |
| I'm so sorry, but we need to cancel our meeting today. | 정말 미안한데, 오늘 회의 취소해야 할 것 같아. |
| Okay, how much salt do you want me to add? | 좋아, 소금은 얼마나 칠까? |
| Yeah, I wonder if we share the same taste in movies! | 그러게, 우리 영화 취향도 비슷하려나! |
| Is it because of the cost, or another reason? | 경비 때문에 그래, 아님 다른 이유가 있어? |
| No worries, it's free for you today. | 걱정마, 오늘 너는 공짜로 타니까. |
| That's nice, the cupboards look good, the bench is okay... | 좋네요, 찬장도 좋아보이고, 식탁도 괜찮고... |
| Yes, he is totally fine after resting for a while. | 응, 좀 쉬고 나더니 완전 괜찮아졌어. |
| Hello dear, how is it going, do you need any help? | 안녕 자기. 어떻게 돼 가? 필요한 거 있어? |
| That's nice, I guess I like the house very much! | 좋은 걸요, 전 이 집이 되게 마음에 들어요! |
| Do you feel a bit better now? | 기분은 좀 나아졌어? |
| Sorry, look, here is the station. | 미안한데, 봐봐, 역 도착했다. |
| There is no table for you, then! | 그럼 자리 못 구하는 거지, 뭐! |
| Are you going to say sorry for saying I am stupid then? | 그럼 나더러 멍청하다고 한 거에 대해 사과해주겠어? |
| Thanks Rocco, that's all for now. | 고마워 로코, 일단 그만하면 됐어. |
| You are absolutely right! | 지당하신 말씀! |
| Yes, the guy with the beard is Mike. | 응, 수염 기른 남자가 마이크야. |
| Can you stop acting like I always ask for money? | 너는 내가 맨날 돈 빌리는 사람으로 보이냐? |
| Hmm.. I think it's overdue. | 어라... 지난 것 같은데. |