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 | |
---|---|
I can't call him at the moment because his phone is unreachable. | |
I hope he gets well soon. | |
You were explaining why you are here at 07:30 in the morning. | |
What line is it on? | |
But I think that's only for older women. | |
Don't worry, we don't do it everyday. | |
I'm really sorry to hear that, mate! | |
Do you remember me? | |
You're right, but he is not only here to fix things... | |
Until you just light your cigarette. | |
I've got a meeting with some people. | |
Are you sure she is from Australia? | |
I don't think so, trains leave about every 20 minutes. | |
I'm really amazed by the structure of this station. | |
Mike, it is a continent! | |
Because you are in it. | |
Here you can take it, be careful, it's very hot. | |
Do we have to do that every time we need to open the door? | |
Yeah, that's a good idea. | |
I'm checking again, there are only two forks and a teaspoon! |