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 | |
---|---|
The cat is not actually mine, it's my girlfriend's cat. | |
Not long, my lessons start at 12:30. | |
Oh sorry, unfortunately, that one is reserved. | |
How often do you have free time, then? | |
Do we have a mortar and pestle? | |
I'm happy to hear that. | |
How is your mum, does she have any health problems? | |
Maybe we can get something on the way to the station. | |
I am planning to sleep in a bit since it's a holiday. | |
Hang on, I remember you telling me you never kill animals! | |
Yeah, it's open here already... | |
Then you can decide if I'm a good cook or not! | |
Yes, it might be, but I'm very busy with some projects these days. | |
I hope they are going to be here on time, too... I don't like waiting. | |
Hello guys, is it possible to make a little less noise? | |
Cate, are you okay? You seem a little bit aggressive. | |
Why is that? | |
I know, I thought you might like to have it with her alone. | |
Does the kid think he is a robot or the robot think it's a kid? | |
What's wrong with him? |