







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 | |
|---|---|
| Really? How do I wake you up? | |
| They weigh everything at the checkout. | |
| You need to change planes at some point on the way. | |
| That's good, seeing three houses in one day is not bad. | |
| It looks like you've got some experience with coffee. | |
| I'm checking again, there are only two forks and a teaspoon! | |
| Hello Mike, not much, how are you? | |
| Maybe I get a bit moody on the first day of my period. | |
| Hey Mike, you look so worried! | |
| You know some people don't like putting their ad on the internet. | |
| Mike, teriyaki is Japanese, we are at a Chinese restaurant. | |
| Anyway, the flight situation is a bit complicated. | |
| Hello, what kind of dog do you have, Mike? | |
| Oh yeah, it's our girls' night out tonight. | |
| Yes, it's in Piccadilly Circus right in the centre. | |
| I don't know, probably put it in the bin. | |
| I hope you are aware it's your last 3 days to find a house... | |
| Normally, girls check the wine list for half an hour before they order. | |
| A flat is not a good idea for Bear, it doesn't have a garden. | |
| That's why the rent is much lower than average. | |