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 | |
---|---|
Um, on this floor, it's only me and a French girl next door. | |
I think 4000 quid is big enough. | |
It's the second one from the top. | |
But we have to be quick, I don't have much time. | |
This is the last one and, unfortunately, it has a hole in it. | |
You need to press the button down and turn it right. | |
Which appointment? Do you mean the house in Angel? | |
Don't you think it's too far away from the tube station? | |
Yes, he is totally fine after resting for a while. | |
Of course, there are 4 girls, all uni students from Germany. | |
You know some people don't like putting their ad on the internet. | |
No, but that's what I feel like having... | |
Did you say Russia? That's unusual! | |
Are you really asking me that question? | |
I've finally completed it and tomorrow is the big day! | |
I don't think she wants to talk or solve anything! | |
Hang on a minute, they are both 300 gr and the same brand. | |
Is your father sick? | |
Yeah, do you mean tricycles? | |
Sorry, they don't serve chips here... |