







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 | |
|---|---|
| It's not a big deal but it's quite an important thing to mention. | |
| No, we drain pasta with a grater. | |
| Sorry, I hope it doesn't ruin your childhood memories... | |
| He wouldn't run away, he just wants to check what's outside. | |
| By the way, I like the colour of the walls... What do you think? | |
| I agree, long flights aren't very pleasant. | |
| But it's my favourite restaurant... | |
| Hmm... actually, we have to boil it. | |
| Are you really asking me that question? | |
| I'm really sorry, what kind of sickness is it? | |
| What do you want me to do with them? | |
| That's very interesting! | |
| Is there a problem with your phone battery? | |
| No, I haven't, I don't know what's yours in the fridge. | |
| Hang on, I remember you telling me you never kill animals! | |
| I need to use chicken stock for the risotto! | |
| That's a good question! | |
| I don't want to live in the suburbs! | |
| It seems Pogo wants to go into the garden. | |
| I think so, he can look around while Bear is not here. | |