







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 | |
|---|---|
| Why do you think it's weird? | |
| Umm, oh yes, I can see it now, the ad number is 9845... | |
| Oh god, I feel too tired now. | |
| Do you live around here? | |
| Umm, Dick is here, dear, he is the landlord... | |
| Okay, if you say so, I trust you! | |
| Okay, here we are, this is Honeybrook Street. | |
| Shall we meet at the train station, or do you want me to pick you up from your house? | |
| What's your favourite movie? | |
| Do you like train rides, too? | |
| Well, that's another problem! | |
| I'm sorry guys, there is no negotiation on the rent! | |
| Is that a crack in the bath? | |
| Welcome to the Diamond Duck, do you have a reservation, sir? | |
| Bacon and eggs with some olives is enough for me. | |
| I'm checking again, there are only two forks and a teaspoon! | |
| It's all your fault! I feel so embarrassed now... | |
| Yeah, our room has only got one window! | |
| No, what is that? | |
| You're right, but he is not only here to fix things... | |