







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 | |
|---|---|
| By the way, I like the colour of the walls... What do you think? | |
| Do you live in this house, too? | |
| Okay, the grated one's 20% off today. | |
| I'm a bit paranoid about it. | |
| Do you have a cigarette? | |
| You are absolutely right! | |
| Because the other people complain about me smoking there. | |
| Thanks Rocco, that's all for now. | |
| I have two more lessons, I finish at three thirty. | |
| He wouldn't run away, he just wants to check what's outside. | |
| I've got a meeting with some people. | |
| Is your dog a Chow Chow? | |
| It's in Islington, zone-1, it's the best place for me so far. | |
| Um, I don't feel like eating anything but fish today. | |
| Hmm.. yes, we get on really well. | |
| Hello, I'm sorry, but there is no chardonnay left, Cate. | |
| I don't believe you! What's the difference today? | |
| Where is my f*cking tenner? | |
| Thank you very much! | |
| Where is Flora, isn't she here? | |