







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 | |
|---|---|
| That's nice, what do you usually cook? | |
| Erm... You look about 30? | |
| I don't think you really want me to stay here anymore! | |
| I don't want to talk about this issue in this house. | |
| What do you think, dear, do you like it, too? | |
| Yeah, I want to see the bathroom... | |
| My meeting starts at one o'clock. | |
| Yeah, that's a good idea. | |
| Oh sorry dear, my husband has some difficulties hearing... | |
| Wow, that's unbelievable, is it yours? | |
| He also wants to increase our rent by 50%! | |
| So does that mean you don't want to stay with me? | |
| There is also some cheese, but it's a bit mouldy. | |
| How is your cat? | |
| Oh really? That's not good. | |
| It definitely costs a lot, but that's not the only problem. | |
| Then you can decide if I'm a good cook or not! | |
| I'm sorry guys, there is no negotiation on the rent! | |
| But everybody calls him Rocco. | |
| Oh, sorry, I also need a grater for the cheese. | |