







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 | |
|---|---|
| Everything is the same as it's advertised. | |
| Hmm... actually, we have to boil it. | |
| I'm so sorry about the inconvenience. | |
| I don't mind sitting outside as long as I'm not cold. | |
| As I'm a smoker, I prefer sitting outside. | |
| What's your maximum monthly budget for the rent? | |
| Yes sir, you can have a seat at this table. | |
| I mean, do you cook Asian or other kinds of cuisines? | |
| Unfortunately, she is a teenager, she is 19! | |
| Okay, the grated one's 20% off today. | |
| What about that table? It looks better. | |
| That's where Diego works, too! | |
| No, they live in Australia. | |
| I'm so sorry, but we need to cancel our meeting today. | |
| As they say, time is the best medicine. | |
| Do you want me to get you a glass of wine? | |
| I hope they are going to be here on time, too... I don't like waiting. | |
| What do you want me to do with them? | |
| Do you want me to put the chicken into the cooker first? | |
| Ah, I'm very sorry, but we're fully booked tonight! | |