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 | |
---|---|
Yeah, I want to see the bathroom... | Ja, ich möchte das Badezimmer sehen... |
Do you mean the guy with the beard? | Meinst du den Kerl mit dem Bart? |
Hello, I'm sorry I'm a bit late. | Hallo, es tut mir leid, dass ich ein bisschen spät dran bin. |
We're out tonight for Laura. | Wir sind heute unterwegs für Laura. |
My housemates don't clean anything in the kitchen. | Meine Mitbewohner machen nichts in der Küche sauber. |
Yeah, it's a very popular restaurant. | Ja, es ist ein sehr beliebtes Restaurant. |
Yeah, our room has only got one window! | Ja, unser Zimmer hat nur ein Fenster! |
Thanks father, where is Bear's lead? | Danke Papa. Wo ist Bears Leine? |
No she is a very cute, easygoing and friendly girl. | Nein, sie ist ein sehr süßes, lockeres und freundliches Mädchen. |
How is it my fault? | Wie ist es meine Schuld? |
The recipe is for 6 people. | Das Rezept ist für 6 Personen. |
I've finally completed it and tomorrow is the big day! | Ich habe es endlich beendet und morgen ist der große Tag! |
Do you live in this house, too? | Lebst du auch in diesem Haus? |
Can you stop acting like I always ask for money? | Kannst du aufhören so zu tun, al ob ich immer nach Geld fragen würde? |
That's bad, do you have a cold? | Das ist schlecht. Bist du erkältet? |
They also have three big windows in their room! | Sie haben auch drei große Fenster in ihrem Zimmer! |
It's the second one from the top. | Es ist der Zweite von oben. |
Yes, I think she's great! | Ja, ich denke sie ist großartig! |
Erm... Yeah... Sure! It's our first anniversary! | Ähm... Ja... Klar! Es ist unser erstes Jubiläum! |
Bear's sitting here with me, his willy is out. | Bear sitzt hier mit mir. Sein Pimmel ist draußen. |