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 think I've got a better idea about what to do with the bed! | Ich denke ich habe eine bessere Idee, was wir mit dem Bett machen können! |
Yeah, I guess spring is the worst time for allergies! | Ja, der Frühling ist wahrscheinlich die schlimmste Zeit für Allergien! |
I can bring him with me when I come back for breakfast. | Ich kann ihn mitbringen, wenn ich wieder für's Frühstück herkomme. |
Well, I hope he doesn't keep on pooping all around the house! | Nun, ich hoffe er macht nicht das ganze Haus voller Häufchen! |
I have two more lessons, I finish at three thirty. | Ich habe noch zwei Unterrichtsstunden. Ich bin um dreiuhrdreißig fertig. |
Mike, it is a continent! | Mike, es ist ein Kontinent! |
So, it's obvious you have no clue how much renting a house costs. | Also hast du offensichtlich keine Ahnung was es kostet ein Haus zu mieten. |
I don't think it's a suitable movie for kids, dear. | Ich denke nicht, dass der Film für Kinder geeignet ist mein Lieber. |
He wouldn't run away, he just wants to check what's outside. | Er würde nicht davonlaufen. Er will nur sehen, was draußen ist. |
I don't think we need to pay for it. | Ich denke nicht, dass wir dafür zahlen müssen. |
I don't think you really want me to stay here anymore! | Ich denke du willst nicht wirklich, dass ich länger hier bleibe! |
It looks like you've got some experience with coffee. | Es scheint so, als ob du dich mit Kaffee auskennst. |
I have one sister and she is nineteen. | Ich habe eine Schwester und sie ist neunzehn Jahre alt. |
My beard makes me look older, I think. | Ich denke, mein Bart lässt mich älter aussehen. |
I like girls' nights out. | Ich mag Frauenabende. |
My dad is British and my mum is Australian. | Mein Vater ist Brite und meine Mutter ist Australierin. |
Anyway, I need to go to the loo as well... | Egal, ich muss auch auf die Toilette gehen... |
I mostly work till late at night, I never wake up at 7 in the morning. | Ich arbeite meistens bis spät in die Nacht. Ich stehe nie um 07:00 Uhr früh auf. |
Oh god, I feel too tired now. | Oh Gott, ich fühle mich jetzt zu müde. |
But which button? It doesn't show which controls which! | Aber welcher Knopf? Man kann nicht sehen, welcher Knopf, was steuert! |