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 | |
---|---|
I think we need to put some of your clothes away. | |
Yes sir, you can have a seat at this table. | |
What’s their name? | |
I think 4000 quid is big enough. | |
I wake up and make my bed, then tidy my room. | |
That's nice, I like the music and the lyrics. | |
Because I'm sure they don't serve bugs in London! | |
I'm sure it's where it always is. | |
I have no idea what arborio rice is! | |
Are you close friends? | |
Bear hates being at a vet, too. | |
Also, he has got a very lovely, cute dog. | |
I'm an English teacher. | |
I don't have time to cook everyday. | |
Sh*t! I can't believe it's already 10:30! | |
I mostly cook meat, fish and chicken dishes. | |
Hey, what happened? Is everything okay? | |
Does anyone else need anything? | |
Where are you? | |
My favourite movie is Pulp Fiction. |