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 | |
---|---|
My husband and I really appreciate it. | 남편도 저도 정말 감사한 마음이에요. |
I need to wake him up now! | 이제 가서 깨워야겠다! |
Hello, I'm sorry, but there is no chardonnay left, Cate. | 안녕, 케이트, 미안한데 샤르도네 남은 게 없대. |
So I want to cook as much as I can now. | 그래서 지금 요리할 수 있는만큼 최대한 해두려고. |
I think Diego and I are the only smokers in the house. | 내 생각에 디에고랑 나 밖에 없는 거 같아. |
Hello, do you have a Tesco Clubcard sir? | 안녕하세요, 테스코 회원카드 있으신가요? |
It's not for me, it's for the rice, dear! | 내가 마시려는 게 아니라, 쌀에 넣으려고 그래! |
I am alone till my friend comes. | 나는 친구 올 때까지 혼자인데. |
Yeah, the packet is ripped, but it's not overdue. | 네, 포장은 찢어졌지만 유통기한은 지나지 않았네요. |
How is your cat? | 고양이는 좀 어때? |
Yes, I can hear you, but I don't understand! | 그래, 말은 들리는데, 이해가 안돼! |
Come on, don't cry, she is just a stupid girl! | 그러지 말고, 울지 마, 그냥 저 여자가 이상한 거야! |
Can I get you some more drinks? | 잔부터 먼저 채워드릴까요? |
Dear, who is it? | 자기야, 누구야? |
That would be great! Do you think it's possible? | 그럼 최고지! 근데 가능할까? |
So, I guess you are from Australia. | 넌 호주 출신인가봐. |
Do you want me to tell her that you are here? | 네가 왔다고 말해줄까? |
My landlords are a gay couple. | 우리 집주인 게이 커플이야. |
The packets have 2 pieces in them. | 이 패키지에는 두 조각이 들었어. |
A one year course? What kind of course is it? | 1년짜리 수업이라고? 무슨 수업이길래 그래? |