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 | |
---|---|
But I think that's only for older women. | |
I guess so, but I want to finish seeing all the houses today. | |
What's your maximum monthly budget for the rent? | |
They weigh everything at the checkout. | |
Oh sorry, unfortunately, that one is reserved. | |
It won't change anything, but reminding me is stressing me out! | |
It doesn't matter, I think they are the same distance away. | |
I want him to check the heaters in the rooms while he is here! | |
Is there a knife? | |
Diego, do you want me to get you anything to eat? | |
But he hisses occasionally, is it normal? | |
How is your mum, does she have any health problems? | |
You can ask whatever you want to know. | |
As a result, he starts pooping and peeing all over the house. | |
I've only got Saturday left before I have to move on Sunday. | |
Nothing, 'cause I don't know what the woman looks like. | |
Yes, I like them, too. | |
No, because she is mental and can harm Pogo or Bear! | |
I'm just teasing you, dear, 200 degrees is okay! | |
No, what is that? |