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 | |
---|---|
Really? How do I wake you up? | ¿En serio? ¿Cómo te despierto? |
My cat is in the garden. | Mi gato está en el jardín. |
Do you know the pub around the corner? | ¿Conoces el pub a la vuelta de la esquina? |
Right! Who wants chardonnay, then? | ¡Bien! ¿Quién quiere Chardonnay entonces? |
Sometimes he doesn't even recognize my mum. | A veces ni siquiera reconoce a mi madre. |
I think I've got a better idea about what to do with the bed! | ¡Creo que tengo una mejor idea de qué hacer con la cama! |
He wants to, but tonight it's impossible. | Él quiere, pero esta noche es imposible. |
Excuse me sir, here are your drinks and the menu. | Perdone señor, aquí están sus bebidas y el menú. |
Do you really think it looks like we have a cleaner? | ¿Realmente crees que parece que tenemos un limpiador? |
I like some Jamiroquai songs, but not all of them. | Y me gustan algunas canciones de Jamiroquai, pero no todas. |
What line is it on? | ¿En qué línea está? |
I hope it's not related to me! | ¡Espero que no tenga que ver conmigo! |
Oh Jesus Christ... I get it now! That's disgusting... | Oh Dios Mío... ¡Ya entendí! Qué asqueroso... |
I am half-British and half-Australian. | Soy mitad británica y mitad australiana. |
In these cases, Pogo stays home alone with no food and no attention. | En estos casos, Pogo se queda en casa solo sin comida y sin atención. |
Is it a single or a double room? | ¿Es una habitación individual o doble? |
I've found 2, too, there aren't many options in Camden Lock. | También encontré 2, no hay muchas opciones en Camden Lock. |
I have one sister and she is nineteen. | Tengo una hermana y tiene diecinueve años. |
Of course! It's my favourite pub. | ¡Por supuesto! Es mi pub favorito. |
I hope she is not a problematic one, then... | Entonces espero que no sea una adolescente problemática... |