The Present Simple describes things that are generally true: habits, routines, facts and timetables. It is the first tense every learner meets and the one used most often in everyday English.
How to form the Present Simple
| Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | I/you/we/they + verb · he/she/it + verb-s | They work. · She works. |
| Negative | subject + do not (don't) / does not (doesn't) + verb | I don't work. · He doesn't work. |
| Question | Do/Does + subject + verb? | Do you work here? · Does she work here? |
When to use the Present Simple
- Habits and routines: I get up at seven every day.
- Permanent facts and general truths: Water boils at 100 degrees.
- Timetables and schedules: The train leaves at 8:15.
- States with verbs such as be, have, know, like, want: She knows the answer.
Signal words
These words often show that the Present Simple is needed: always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never, every day, on Mondays, once a week, in the morning.
Examples
- I walk to school every day.
- My sister works in a bank.
- The shop opens at nine.
- Do you like coffee?
- He doesn't eat meat.
- It rains a lot in autumn.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the -s in the third person: He work → He works.
- Using does and the -s together: Does she works? → Does she work?
- Using the Present Simple for things happening right now: I read now → I am reading now (Present Continuous).
Frequently asked questions
When do we add -s, -es or -ies?
Add -s to most verbs (works). Add -es after -s, -sh, -ch, -x, -o (watches, goes). After a consonant + y change y to -ies (study → studies).