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 | |
---|---|
Here you can take it, be careful, it's very hot. | Ecco prendi, attento, è molto caldo. |
Um, I don't feel like eating anything but fish today. | Um, oggi mi va di mangiare soltanto pesce. |
Don't worry, we don't do it everyday. | Non preoccuparti, non lo facciamo tutti i giorni. |
It's £135 per week! | £ 135 a settimana! |
Erm, sorry, but I think you have the wrong Mike... | Erm, scusi, penso che abbia sbagliato Mike… |
I've got a meeting with some people. | Ho una riunione con alcune persone. |
Hmm... Tomorrow is a bank holiday. | Hmmm... Domani è Un giorno di ferie bancaria. |
It's almost 09:30. | Sono quasi le 9:30. |
Is that right? | È giusto? |
What genre do you listen to? | Che genere ascolti? |
Okay, so what's our plan now? | Ok, allora qual è il nostro piano? |
Yes I did, why, isn't it normal? | Sì l’ho fatto, perché, non è normale? |
Okay, how much salt do you want me to add? | Ok, quanto sale vuoi che ci metta? |
Do we have any paper towels? | Abbiamo della carta assorbente? |
Mike, it is a continent! | Mike, è un continente! |
How many people live in this house? | Quante persone vivono in questa casa? |
Also, I think we all need to leave soon. | Inoltre, penso che dovremmo andarcene tutti presto. |
Hi there, it's not Dick, it's Nick... Starts with N. | Ehilà, non mi chiamo Dick, ma Nick… Inizia con la N. |
I'm an English teacher. | Sono un'insegnante di inglese. |
I'm checking again, there are only two forks and a teaspoon! | Controllo di nuovo, ci sono solo due forchette e un cucchiaio! |