







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 | |
|---|---|
| Umm... We are married... I mean, today is our wedding anniversary! | |
| I guess so, but I want to finish seeing all the houses today. | |
| I didn't know that, I hope it's not serious. | |
| Who knows, I consider it as nothing more than a hobby. | |
| So do you want me to find a house by myself? | |
| I like girls' nights out. | |
| No, she is totally fine, thankfully. | |
| Yeah, I've got it! | |
| Welcome to the Diamond Duck, do you have a reservation, sir? | |
| Isn't it too early for dinner? | |
| Of course! It's my favourite pub. | |
| What's the reason for the cancellation this time? | |
| Is there a garlic crusher, then? | |
| What else do we need? | |
| I will ask him to take Bear out, so we can have breakfast. | |
| Yes, that's okay, we are just about to leave. | |
| Is it because it's too violent? | |
| Okay, I found it... but it looks filthy! | |
| I don't think it's hay fever! I believe it's from the cat... | |
| There is also some cheese, but it's a bit mouldy. | |