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 | |
---|---|
Why is that rice so special? | Warum ist dieser Reis so besonders? |
Thanks, yeah, as I said, Camden is in zone-2... | Danke. Ja, wie ich gesagte habe, Camden ist in Zone 2... |
I'm hungry, but it's better to have something when we meet the guys. | Ich bin hungrig, aber es ist besser etwas zu essen, wenn wir die Jungs treffen. |
But before we go, can you call them and ask if they are okay with pets? | Aber kannst du sie vorher anrufen und fragen, ob sie mit Haustieren einverstanden sind? |
Oh really? That's not good. | Oh wirklich? Das ist nicht gut. |
Is one bunch enough for you? | Reicht dir ein Bündel? |
Are you the only smoker in the house? | Bist du der einzige Raucher im Haus? |
Is it the one with the blue tongue? | Ist es die mit der blauen Zunge? |
I have no idea what arborio rice is! | Ich habe keine Ahnung was Arborio-Reis ist! |
What does Diego do? | Was arbeitet Diego? |
No, it's the owner, she is an old lady and very strict about that. | Nein, es liegt an der Hausbesitzerin. Sie ist eine alte Dame und sie ist sehr strikt in diesem Punkt. |
Huh, it's quite good money! | Oh, das ist ziemlich viel Geld! |
She is doing well, we have 3 months left to go. | Es ist alles in Ordnung. Wir haben noch 3 Monate. |
Why do you think it's weird? | Warum denkst du es ist eigenartig? |
Yes, there are some knives, too. | Ja, es gibt auch ein paar Messer. |
Kisses to you, too, I'll call you when I get there! | Ich schicke dir auch Küsse. Ich werde dich anrufen, wenn ich dort bin! |
By the way, my name's Mike, what's yours? | Übrigens, mein Name ist Mike, wie heißt du? |
There is one at 11:00 and the next one is at 11:20. | Es gibt einen um 11:00 Uhr und der Nächste kommt um 11:20 Uhr. |
My landlords are a gay couple. | Meine Vermieter sind ein schwules Pärchen. |
I only have 3 hours today. | Ich arbeite heute nur 3 Stunden. |