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 | |
---|---|
Do you mean Rebecca and Cecilia? | |
Anyway, what else do we have left to do now? | |
Are you close friends? | |
I hope she is not a problematic one, then... | |
What line is it on? | |
Yes, he definitely doesn't like changing places. | |
So do you want me to find a house by myself? | |
Maybe I know your friend. | |
I guess you need to change your cooking plan now! | |
Do you have any sisters or brothers? | |
Aren't there four of us dear? | |
As they say, time is the best medicine. | |
Bacon and eggs with some olives is enough for me. | |
Hello madam, are you still on the line? | |
Eating leftovers during the week saves me some time. | |
You are lucky! | |
Hello, is that Cate? | |
Yes, I can hear you, but I don't understand! | |
It's hard to believe, but we have a pressure cooker in the house. | |
Unfortunately, I don't have one! Where is yours? |