







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 | |
|---|---|
| Is it because the other tenants don't want pets? | |
| Sometimes he doesn't even recognize my mum. | |
| Do you have any sisters or brothers? | |
| Okay, what temperature do you want me to set it at? | |
| Toby! This is Cate, she is my... friend, from London. | |
| I don't know, maximum 33? | |
| Come on, Mike, it's not about me being home. | |
| I think we need to put some of your clothes away. | |
| Also, I think we all need to leave soon. | |
| Hello madam, are you still on the line? | |
| Because I'm sure they don't serve bugs in London! | |
| No, I'm a real estate agent. | |
| Yeah, it is very important for me, actually. | |
| You are welcome, here is the menu, madam. | |
| Well, maybe we can get a 2 bedroom flat. What do you think? | |
| There is a little market near the school. | |
| Then, I don't think we need to see the next one! | |
| You never pick Bear's poo up from the pavement. | |
| Hello, is that Cate? | |
| Sorry, the line is very bad! | |