







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 | |
|---|---|
| You were explaining why you are here at 07:30 in the morning. | Du warst am erklären weshalb du um 7:30 Uhr morgens hier bist. |
| Are you really asking me that question? | Fragst du mich das gerade wirklich? |
| Kisses to you, too, I'll call you when I get there! | Ich schicke dir auch Küsse. Ich werde dich anrufen, wenn ich dort bin! |
| That's a good question! | Das ist eine gute Frage! |
| I need some parsley, but it looks a bit limp. | Ich brauche etwas Petersilie, aber die sieht ein bisschen welk aus. |
| Thanks, but I don't have time to stay. | Danke, aber ich habe keine Zeit zu bleiben. |
| No she is a very cute, easygoing and friendly girl. | Nein, sie ist ein sehr süßes, lockeres und freundliches Mädchen. |
| And he looks about 3 years old now. | Und er sieht jetzt ungefähr 3 Jahre alt aus. |
| I don't know, maximum 33? | Ich weiß nicht, maximal 33? |
| I am 24. | Ich bin 24. |
| I didn't know that, I hope it's not serious. | Das wusste ich nicht. Ich hoffe es ist nichts Ernstes. |
| Okay, if you say so, I trust you! | Okay, wenn du das meinst, dann vertraue ich dir! |
| What's the date today? | Welches Datum haben wir heute? |
| I have no idea what arborio rice is! | Ich habe keine Ahnung was Arborio-Reis ist! |
| Yes, I think she's great! | Ja, ich denke sie ist großartig! |
| Oh, sorry, I also need a grater for the cheese. | Oh sorry, ich brauche auch eine Reibe für den Käse. |
| I'm really sorry, what kind of sickness is it? | Das tut mir wirklich leid. Was für eine Art Krankheit ist es? |
| Do you want to bet on it? | Möchtest du darauf wetten? |
| Excuse me, I need to go to the bathroom. | Entschuldigung, ich muss auf die Toilette gehen. |
| I think I did, too, but I've got a really bad headache! | Ich denke ich habe auch gut geschlafen, aber ich habe schlimme Kopfschmerzen! |