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 | |
---|---|
Until you just light your cigarette. | Jusqu'à ce que vous allumiez votre cigarette. |
How are things going, is everything ok? | Comment les choses se passent-ils, tout va bien? |
Do you want the tray in the middle? | Tu veux que le plateau soit au milieu? |
We don't have that system in Brighton yet. | Nous n'avons pas encore ce système à Brighton. |
Then, I don't think we need to see the next one! | Alors, je pense qu'on n'a pas besoin de voir la prochaine! |
In the recipe it says 600g. | Dans la recette, il est dit 600g. |
I think we should wait for a while till all that smoke disappears. | Je pense qu'on devrait attendre jusqu'à ce que cette fumée disparaisse. |
Is that a crack in the bath? | C'est une fissure dans la baignoire? |
I'm checking again, there are only two forks and a teaspoon! | Je vais revérifier, il n'y a que deux fourchettes et un cuillère à café! |
Oh yeah, it's our girls' night out tonight. | Oh oui, c'est notre soirées entre filles ce soir ? |
How often do you have free time, then? | Et quand avez-vous du temps libre ? |
Umm, you can tell them it's our wedding anniversary. | Heu, tu pourrais leur dire que c'est notre anniversaire de mariage. |
You never pick Bear's poo up from the pavement. | Tu ne ramasses jamais la crotte de Bear sur le sol. |
Can you stop acting like I always ask for money? | Est-ce que tu peux arrêter d'agir comme-si j'allais toujours te demander de l'argent ? |
What do you think, dear, do you like it, too? | Qu'est-ce que que tu en penses chéri, tu l'aimes bien aussi? |
My rent is monthly, I pay £600 per month. | Je paye mensuellement, 600£ par mois. |
What is it about? | De quoi ça parle ? |
Is that what you want me to do? | C'est ce que tu veux que je fasse? |
Yes, he is one of them. | Oui. C'est l'un d'entre eux. |
It won't change anything, but reminding me is stressing me out! | Non, ça ne va rien changer, mais me le rappeler me fait stresser! |