







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 | |
|---|---|
| No, it's not mine, I think it belongs to the house. | |
| Look, there is a shop assistant. | |
| I really don't know, but I believe it's more than 100 years old. | |
| Erm... While your hands are already dirty... | |
| No, what is that? | |
| Where are you? | |
| Yes, it seems more logical in this case. | |
| No, I won't... I don't want a house in Mayfair anymore! | |
| Oh, okay, is there a problem with your house? | |
| Is it hay fever? I've got some pills for it! | |
| Do you think electric stoves are better? | |
| Excuse me, I need to go to the bathroom. | |
| Alright, deal! You have 3 days to think, starting now! | |
| Bear is okay with cats, but definitely not with dogs. | |
| I can't believe you still don't get it! | |
| Oh god, I feel too tired now. | |
| Do you have another one? | |
| Oh Jesus Christ... I get it now! That's disgusting... | |
| Mike, 250 degrees is the highest! | |
| Hey Mike, you look so worried! | |