







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 | |
|---|---|
| Do you want me to put the chicken into the cooker first? | |
| I need some parsley, but it looks a bit limp. | |
| Dear, who is it? | |
| That's so sad, how old are your parents? | |
| Um.. it could be blue, I don't really remember. | |
| Sorry, I don't have much time, can I tell you the story when I'm back? | |
| Oh god, I feel too tired now. | |
| I have no idea what arborio rice is! | |
| It seems there is no one in the house! | |
| So do you want me to find a house by myself? | |
| Umm, oh yes, I can see it now, the ad number is 9845... | |
| Let me check, we only need butter. | |
| No, no, nothing is wrong, no need to worry, we are all fine... | |
| Shall we meet at the train station, or do you want me to pick you up from your house? | |
| Watch out for the 3rd step, it's not very stable. | |
| Why? It looks pretty clean to me! | |
| I hope she is not a problematic one, then... | |
| You are so realistic dear, where is your wedding ring? | |
| I want to try the sauvignon blanc. | |
| Do you go to the Windmill often? | |