







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 | |
|---|---|
| Yes it is, how are you? | Oui c'est moi, comment vas-tu? |
| What’s their name? | Comment s'appelle-t-il ? |
| Sometimes he doesn't even recognize my mum. | Parfois, il ne reconnaît même pas ma mère. |
| It's all about my lovely little cat, Pogo. | Tout est à propos de mon chaton, Pogo. |
| I'm not really in the mood to join them. | Je n'ai pas réellement envie de les rejoindre. |
| Hello, do you have a Tesco Clubcard sir? | Bonjour, avez-vous une carte de fidélité Tesco monsieur ? |
| So I want to cook as much as I can now. | Alors je veux préparer autant à manger que possible. |
| I'm happy to hear we have similar music taste! | Je suis content d'entendre que nous avons des goûts musicaux similaires ! |
| Thank you, dear... For helping me to be a liar! | Merci, chéri... De m'avoir aidé à être une menteuse ! |
| No, she is a uni student in Russia. | Non, elle est étudiante à l'université en Russie. |
| Hello, I'm sorry, but there is no chardonnay left, Cate. | Bonjour, je suis désolé mais il ne reste plus de Chardonnay, Cate. |
| Erm, sorry, but I think you have the wrong Mike... | Euh, désolé, mais je pense que vous vous êtes trompés de Mike... |
| It doesn't matter, I think they are the same distance away. | Ce n'est pas grave, je pense qu'elles sont à la même distance. |
| Your perfectly shaped mushrooms are ready! | Tes champignons perfaitement découpés sont prêts! |
| Is it because it's too violent? | Est-ce parce que c'est trop violent ? |
| I didn't know that, I hope it's not serious. | Je ne savais pas, j'espère que ce n'est rien de trop sérieux. |
| That's why you have a headache now! | C'est pour ça que tu as mal à la tête! |
| I really don't want to see her again! | Je n'ai pas vraiment envie de la voir de nouveau! |
| You look a bit sad, are you okay? | Tu sembles un peu triste, tout va bien? |
| I am half-British and half-Australian. | Je suis moitié Britannique moitié Australienne. |