







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 | |
|---|---|
| What's your favourite movie? | |
| It's more than enough, I need some garlic, also. | |
| So, it's obvious you have no clue how much renting a house costs. | |
| My friend noted here it is your wedding anniversary! | |
| Look, there is a shop assistant. | |
| I hate taking long flights! | |
| Oh, sorry, I also need a grater for the cheese. | |
| Okay, the grated one's 20% off today. | |
| It's still £5 more than the bigger room! | |
| Okay, if you say so, I trust you! | |
| Yes, Bear eats one and a half cats everyday for breakfast. | |
| But I don't think I can use them all, there are too many! | |
| I think so, he can look around while Bear is not here. | |
| We don't have that system in Brighton yet. | |
| Erm, I can't work it out, I guess it's more than 150 years old. | |
| Of course, 2 tomatoes are enough, I think. | |
| It's half past 4, so we are here right on time. | |
| It has 1 year to pass its expiry date. | |
| Is there a problem with your phone battery? | |
| Also, one of my friends works there. | |