







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 | |
|---|---|
| We are back, where is Bear? | |
| But I want to see Brighton Pier before the sun sets. | |
| Do you go to the Windmill often? | |
| Okay, who sings it? | |
| Yes, that's okay, we are just about to leave. | |
| Erm, she's the marketing manager at the company. | |
| Hello, my name is Mike, I'm Cate's boyfriend... | |
| I think I've got a better idea about what to do with the bed! | |
| I have no idea what arborio rice is! | |
| That's a good choice, they do great calamari here, too. | |
| Yeah, I think it's a bit early to knock on someone's door! | |
| I don't think it's a suitable movie for kids, dear. | |
| Sorry, is it possible to see it this Saturday after 2 o'clock? | |
| My laptop is in it. | |
| He is the bartender. | |
| Yes, that's the one. | |
| I've checked some, there is nothing I like so far. | |
| I hope it's not related to me! | |
| Is there a garlic crusher, then? | |
| It doesn't matter, I think they are the same distance away. | |