







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 | |
|---|---|
| Certainly honey, do you want a glass or a bottle? | |
| Oh, your girlfriend's cat... Does she live here with you? | |
| So I don't snore everyday... | |
| I hope it’s not serious. | |
| Good point, I'm sure they don't pay that much! | |
| Why did you ask, do you want me to boil it? | |
| Do you have another one? | |
| Isn't Morrison's closer? | |
| It's always the same. | |
| So, it's obvious you have no clue how much renting a house costs. | |
| Do you know how to use them? | |
| Thanks father, where is Bear's lead? | |
| Yeah, our room has only got one window! | |
| You are very funny mate. | |
| What's your favourite movie? | |
| Which appointment? Do you mean the house in Angel? | |
| Sorry, I don't have much time, can I tell you the story when I'm back? | |
| It won't change anything, but reminding me is stressing me out! | |
| Erm... I know I snore occasionally, do I snore everyday? | |
| Don't you think it's too far away from the tube station? | |