







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 | |
|---|---|
| Also, I think we all need to leave soon. | |
| Do you know her well? | |
| Here you can take it, be careful, it's very hot. | |
| You know, she is normally an extremely quiet and calm person. | |
| 50% of 135 is 67.50... And it comes to totally 202.50. | |
| What's your maximum monthly budget for the rent? | |
| Yes, that's a good idea. | |
| Sorry, I hope it doesn't ruin your childhood memories... | |
| Depends on where you look. | |
| But I want to see Brighton Pier before the sun sets. | |
| I have an appointment with the home office for my visa extension. | |
| But I think that's only for older women. | |
| Erm, I can't work it out, I guess it's more than 150 years old. | |
| I've checked some, there is nothing I like so far. | |
| Hang on a minute, they are both 300 gr and the same brand. | |
| I was just joking, how are you? | |
| It's too fruity. | |
| These days I'm into 60's, 70's remixes. | |
| Normally, it's much more expensive than the other ones. | |
| Upstairs, there is Diego and a British couple next to him. | |