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 | |
---|---|
I wasn't expecting anything like this to happen, so I have no plan. | |
I was just joking, how are you? | |
Maybe I get a bit moody on the first day of my period. | |
So does that mean you don't want to stay with me? | |
I want him to check the heaters in the rooms while he is here! | |
Alright, deal! You have 3 days to think, starting now! | |
Let's calculate, I pay 135 per week for one person... | |
Maybe they prefer electric stoves in shared houses for safety reasons. | |
I've experienced how difficult and expensive it can be. | |
I'm on my way to Brighton, nearly there! | |
I want to be sober and energetic for tomorrow. | |
Anyway, the flight situation is a bit complicated. | |
No, she is a uni student in Russia. | |
How do you want me to chop the onions, big or small? | |
Come on, don't cry, she is just a stupid girl! | |
Aren't there four of us dear? | |
Hang on, I remember you telling me you never kill animals! | |
Thanks for warning me now, that's very helpful! | |
What kind of trick is that? | |
Of course, oh, there is a half-eaten pizza in the oven. |