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 | |
---|---|
Which website do you use? | |
Yeah, but the room is square and there are only four main objects in it. | |
What else could I do? Do you expect me not to sleep till I die? | |
Sorry, I hope it doesn't ruin your childhood memories... | |
Normally, girls check the wine list for half an hour before they order. | |
Yes it is, how are you? | |
What's the date today? | |
By the way, the deposit is £3,000 and non-negotiable... | |
But we have to be quick, I don't have much time. | |
We all love bank holidays. | |
I don't mind sitting outside as long as I'm not cold. | |
Sh*t! I can't believe it's already 10:30! | |
He just moved from Brighton and lives around here. | |
He hasn't realised that we are at a vet yet. | |
Of course, I researched it well, it's 525 metres. | |
I haven't seen her, either, and I don't really want to... | |
I think we should wait for a while till all that smoke disappears. | |
Thank you again for giving me your turn. | |
Umm, Dick is here, dear, he is the landlord... | |
Oh, your girlfriend's cat... Does she live here with you? |