







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 | |
|---|---|
| Then he finds out he is a robot, not a real kid. | |
| Is there anything else you want me to do? | |
| Do you know the pub around the corner? | |
| You're right, but he is not only here to fix things... | |
| Yes, I still don't do it. | |
| Well, maybe we can get a 2 bedroom flat. What do you think? | |
| It's too fruity. | |
| It sounds like a good deal. | |
| Don't worry Diego, it's not related to you! | |
| I don't think it's a suitable movie for kids, dear. | |
| It seems Pogo wants to go into the garden. | |
| Nothing, 'cause I don't know what the woman looks like. | |
| You were explaining why you are here at 07:30 in the morning. | |
| No, what is that? | |
| I'm really sorry to hear that, mate! | |
| It's half past 4, so we are here right on time. | |
| Hello, I'm sorry I'm a bit late. | |
| Of course, here you go, this is the bathroom. | |
| That's a good choice, they do great calamari here, too. | |
| What do you expect English teachers to look like? | |