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 | |
---|---|
Is it possible to move in tomorrow? | |
So, it's obvious you have no clue how much renting a house costs. | |
Yes, that's a good idea. | |
You need to press the button down and turn it right. | |
Toby! This is Cate, she is my... friend, from London. | |
I'm unleashing him now, is that okay for you? | |
Plus the bathroom and the kitchen are clean. | |
Hey, before you go... | |
I'm not really in the mood to join them. | |
The room is spacious and sunny and the bed looks comfortable! | |
Yes, Bear eats one and a half cats everyday for breakfast. | |
Mike, it is a continent! | |
Yeah, that's a good idea. | |
I will ask him to take Bear out, so we can have breakfast. | |
It's a kind of welcoming party for her. | |
Do you mean Rebecca and Cecilia? | |
Okay, maybe it's better for you to have some rest. | |
I have no idea what arborio rice is! | |
Oh f*ck, what kind of tap is this? | |
My friend noted here it is your wedding anniversary! |