Present simple

Present Simple Form : (Base form (verb 1 ) )

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 :

For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.

Present Simple Example Sentences :

Positive Examples of Present Simple :

• She plays tennis on Saturdays.
• They often eat out in Soho.
• The train leaves at 9.00am.
• My name is Mike.
• I am 24 years old.

Negative Examples of Present Simple :

• I don’t work at weekends.
• He doesn’t go out on Fridays.
• We don’t live in the city centre.
• She isn't hungry.
• You aren't late.

Question Examples of Present Simple :

• Do you eat three meals per day?
• Does he have a car?
• Do they live in London? 
• Is your cat OK?
• What's wrong with him?