







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 | |
|---|---|
| Okay, we have all the things we need, then. | |
| Here you go sir, this is your receipt and your £20 cashback. | |
| They're there, under the duvet. | |
| No, she is a uni student in Russia. | |
| So I want to cook as much as I can now. | |
| What's your plan, Cate? | |
| It's like there's evil hidden inside them! | |
| And this is my girlfriend, Cate. | |
| Calm down dear, I don't think he realises what he says. | |
| Do you want to bet on it? | |
| Umm, you can tell them it's our wedding anniversary. | |
| It's usually at the top right of your screen. | |
| No, I won't... I don't want a house in Mayfair anymore! | |
| Yes, I can hear you, but I don't understand! | |
| Don't worry, we don't do it everyday. | |
| I'm sorry to say that no pets are allowed in the house! | |
| Hello, what kind of dog do you have, Mike? | |
| Yes, I think she's great! | |
| You are right, it's probably worth more than one cigarette. | |
| Is your dog a Chow Chow? | |