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 guess time doesn't pass for you while I'm away. | |
No, what is that? | |
Yes, it's in Piccadilly Circus right in the centre. | |
Is one bunch enough for you? | |
I don't understand why they call it a bank holiday. | |
The ones at the bottom look fresher. | |
I hope they are going to be here on time, too... I don't like waiting. | |
There are plenty more, but I think gumtree.com is the best. | |
I need some parsley, but it looks a bit limp. | |
Yes, my number is 0773***0282. | |
It won't change anything, but reminding me is stressing me out! | |
I prefer red onions. | |
Yes, I like them, too. | |
Thank you very much! | |
You look a bit sad, are you okay? | |
Thanks for being thoughtful, dear. | |
How is there four of us? | |
Yeah, I think killing mosquitoes is fair. | |
Hey Mike, you look so worried! | |
I didn't know that, I hope it's not serious. |