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 there anything else you want me to do? | |
I would like to... But I have other things to do... | |
But he hisses occasionally, is it normal? | |
Hi there, are you ready? | |
Oh god, it's the second thing I hate doing in the kitchen! | |
I see, I love cooking! | |
Umm... We are married... I mean, today is our wedding anniversary! | |
No, but I definitely don't want to live in that house anymore! | |
Don't worry Mike, I think this one is better. | |
Yes it is, how are you? | |
Okay, how much salt do you want me to add? | |
It's not a big deal but it's quite an important thing to mention. | |
That's nice, I like the music and the lyrics. | |
You need to change planes at some point on the way. | |
Okay, if you say so, I trust you! | |
I don't like violence in real life, I only like it in movies. | |
It's on the Northern line, the same one we use here. | |
They weigh everything at the checkout. | |
How much are they supposed to pay? | |
Is it Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus? |