







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 | |
|---|---|
| Yes, of course I remember. | Sì, certo che mi ricordo. |
| Australia is very strict with its customs rules. | Le regole per la dogana sono molto rigide in Australia. |
| I think we should wait for a while till all that smoke disappears. | Credo che dovremmo aspettare un po’ prima che se ne vada tutto il fumo. |
| Hey, Cate! Do you need anything? | Ehi Cate! Hai bisogno di qualcosa? |
| The meeting is not the actual problem! | Il vero problema non è la riunione! |
| I'm checking again, there are only two forks and a teaspoon! | Controllo di nuovo, ci sono solo due forchette e un cucchiaio! |
| Are they older or younger? | Sono più grandi o più piccole? |
| Do you want to bet on it? | Vuoi scommetterci? |
| As they say, time is the best medicine. | Come dicono il tempo è la miglior medicina. |
| Yes, my number is 0773***0282. | Si, il mio numero è 0773***0282 |
| Okay, the total is £36.74, sir. | Ok, il totale è £ 36,74 signore. |
| I took Bear out and I'm just about to leave. | Ho portato fuori Bear e sto per uscire. |
| Yeah, it's normal, he even hisses at my new socks sometimes! | Sì, è normale, a volte soffia anche ai miei calzini nuovi! |
| Hello Beatrix, it's me, Cate. | Ciao Beatrix, sono io, Cate. |
| Yeah, that's a good idea. | Sì, è una buona idea. |
| I've finally completed it and tomorrow is the big day! | L'ho finalmente completato e domani è il grande giorno! |
| Come on, don't cry, she is just a stupid girl! | Andiamo, non piangere, è solo una stupida ragazza! |
| Do you feel a bit better now? | Ti senti un po’ meglio ora? |
| No, we drain pasta with a grater. | No, scoliamo la pasta con una grattugia. |
| Yes sir, you can have a seat at this table. | Sissignore, potete sedervi a questo tavolo. |