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 | |
---|---|
Is one bunch enough for you? | |
As a result, he starts pooping and peeing all over the house. | |
I need to wake him up now! | |
Where is your school, is it in central London? | |
Well, instead of chicken you can try the duck, it's yummy! | |
Hm, okay... I think I got it, is it like Pinocchio? | |
Thank god there is nothing to worry about. | |
Is that what you want me to do? | |
Hi there, are you ready? | |
I like girls' nights out. | |
Do you remember the pub's name? | |
Why is that? | |
Eating leftovers during the week saves me some time. | |
Why don't you get it then? Do you want to see upstairs or not? | |
Maybe I get a bit moody on the first day of my period. | |
I usually take the train. | |
But Tesco is bigger, it has more variety of products. | |
How old are you? | |
It's too fruity. | |
Which appointment? Do you mean the house in Angel? |