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 | |
---|---|
There's a whole 500g unopened packet. | |
As far as I know, Chows are not good with other animals. | |
Come on, don't cry, she is just a stupid girl! | |
Here you go sir, this is your receipt and your £20 cashback. | |
I'm so sorry about the inconvenience. | |
I don't think she wants to talk or solve anything! | |
Okay, how much salt do you want me to add? | |
Erm, we don't have any, but there is someone else's bread. | |
How is there four of us? | |
But I don't know him well. | |
I don't want you to spend a fortune. | |
We are back, where is Bear? | |
Yeah, I think this wardrobe is too small for two people. | |
Yeah, it's better not to fully fill the bath, it leaks downstairs. | |
Normally, it's much more expensive than the other ones. | |
Is that okay for you? | |
There is nothing much left to do, there are only bits and pieces. | |
Sorry, they don't serve chips here... | |
Hmm... Tomorrow is a bank holiday. | |
I'm not really in the mood to join them. |