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 | |
---|---|
Because I don't want to waste more time finding a new house... | |
How old do I look? | |
Yes, sorry, everything seems filthy, but believe me, it's not my fault! | |
Well, that's another problem! | |
But we have to be quick, I don't have much time. | |
Yeah, I think it's a bit early to knock on someone's door! | |
Until you just light your cigarette. | |
Oh really? That's not good. | |
Hello, is that Cate? | |
Is it big money? | |
Hi there, it's not Dick, it's Nick... Starts with N. | |
They're there, under the duvet. | |
Nope, it gives me a headache! | |
I need some parsley, but it looks a bit limp. | |
That's nice... I hope she is not a teenager! How old is she? | |
No, I haven't, I don't know what's yours in the fridge. | |
So do you want me to find a house by myself? | |
Erm.. Isn't it there? | |
But sometimes I feel guilty not being there! | |
Are you the only smoker in the house? |