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're right, but he is not only here to fix things... | Du hast Recht, aber er ist nicht nur hier um Dinge zu reparieren... |
Hey, there is a stranger in the toilet, who is he? | Hey, in der Toilette ist ein Fremder. Wer ist das? |
Is your dog a Chow Chow? | Ist dein Hund ein Chow-Chow? |
Hello madam, are you still on the line? | Hallo gnädige Frau, sind Sie immer noch da? |
My meeting starts at one o'clock. | Mein Meeting beginnt um 13 Uhr. |
No, it doesn't look clean, do you want me to clean it? | Nein, sie sieht nicht sauber aus. Soll ich sie saubermachen? |
Don't worry Mike, I think this one is better. | Keine Sorge Mike, ich denke dieser hier ist besser. |
Umm, oh yes, I can see it now, the ad number is 9845... | Ähm, oh ja, ich kann sie jetzt sehen. Die Anzeigennummer ist 9845... |
I have no idea what arborio rice is! | Ich habe keine Ahnung was Arborio-Reis ist! |
I don't want to talk about this issue in this house. | Ich möchte darüber in diesem Haus nicht sprechen. |
I'm sorry guys, there is no negotiation on the rent! | Es tut mir Leid Leute, aber die Miete ist nicht verhandelbar! |
Hang on a minute, they are both 300 gr and the same brand. | Warte kurz. Beide wiegen 300g und sind von derselben Marke. |
Yeah, I wonder if we share the same taste in movies! | Ja, ich frage mich ob wir bei Filmen auch denselben Geschmack haben! |
Hello guys, is it possible to make a little less noise? | Hallo Leute, wäre es möglich etwas leiser zu sein? |
It's Marvin Gaye, from the 60's, but this is the remix. | Marvin Gaye aus den 60ern, aber das ist der Remix. |
Erm, sorry, but I think you have the wrong Mike... | Ähm Entschuldigung, aber ich denke Sie meinen einen anderen Mike... |
Does that help you to believe me? | Hilft dir das, mir zu glauben? |
Do you want me to make you a cup of tea or coffee? | Soll ich dir eine Tasse Tee oder Kaffee machen? |
I don't know, maximum 33? | Ich weiß nicht, maximal 33? |
I like girls' nights out. | Ich mag Frauenabende. |