







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 | |
|---|---|
| Hey, the water is boiling, do you want me to pour it into a pot? | |
| I'm sorry to say there is nothing very exciting. | |
| Because I don't want to waste more time finding a new house... | |
| Her name is Ayumi! | |
| I need to use chicken stock for the risotto! | |
| I'm happy to hear we have similar music taste! | |
| How is your mum, does she have any health problems? | |
| I don't like their chardonnay. | |
| Mike, it is a continent! | |
| When I have free time. | |
| Because I'm sure they don't serve bugs in London! | |
| It's £135 per week! | |
| If you are going to ask for money, I don't have any, either. | |
| Can I get you some more drinks? | |
| Excuse me ma'am, here is an undamaged packet of rice for you. | |
| My meeting starts at one o'clock. | |
| But I want to see Brighton Pier before the sun sets. | |
| Oh yeah, it's our girls' night out tonight. | |
| Is there anything else I can do for you, love? | |
| Watch out for the 3rd step, it's not very stable. | |