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 | |
---|---|
For the risotto, I need some arborio rice. | 리조또를 하려면 아보리오 쌀이 필요한데. |
Oh, I think I know them. | 오, 알 것 같아. |
But before we go, can you call them and ask if they are okay with pets? | 하지만 가기 전에, 전화 해서 그 사람들은 반려동물 신경 안 쓰는지 물어봐줄래? |
Hey, Cate! Do you need anything? | 이야, 케이트! 뭐 필요한 거 있어? |
I think I've got a better idea about what to do with the bed! | 난 침대에서 뭘하면 좋을지 더 좋은 생각이 났는데! |
Is it the one with the blue tongue? | 혀가 파란 개 아녜요? |
It has 1 year to pass its expiry date. | 유통기한이 지나려면 아직 1년이 남았어요. |
Erm, we don't have any, but there is someone else's bread. | 음, 내 건 없는데, 남의 빵은 있지. |
It's like there's evil hidden inside them! | 속에 무슨 마귀라도 숨겨놓은 거 같다구! |
Do you mean Rebecca and Cecilia? | 레베카랑 세실리아 말야? |
Why don't you answer your phone? | 전화는 왜 안 받았어? |
Is your father sick? | 아버지가 아프셔? |
Hm, okay... I think I got it, is it like Pinocchio? | 흐음, 좋아... 알 것 같아. 피노키오 같은 거네? |
My rent is monthly, I pay £600 per month. | 나는 월세야. 한달에 600파운드 내. |
Because I'm sure they don't serve bugs in London! | 런던에서 벌레를 팔 리가 없잖아! |
But he hisses occasionally, is it normal? | 하지만 가끔 하악질을 하는데, 정상이야? |
What's the reason for the cancellation this time? | 이번엔 또 뭣 때문에 취소하겠다는 건데? |
Oh f*ck, what kind of tap is this? | 아, 젠장, 무슨 수도꼭지가 이래? |
How many people live in this house? | 이 집에 몇이나 살아? |
I'm sure it's where it always is. | 늘 두던 자리에 있을 텐데. |