Present Simple Tense
The present simple tense is one of the most commonly used tenses in English. It is used to describe habits, general truths, and permanent situations.
When to Use Present Simple
1. Habits and Routines
Use the present simple to talk about things you do regularly.
- I wake up at 7 AM every day.
- She drinks coffee in the morning.
- They play football on Sundays.
2. General Truths and Facts
Use it for things that are always true.
- Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
- The sun rises in the east.
- Cats like to sleep.
3. Permanent Situations
Use it for situations that don't change.
- He lives in London.
- She works as a teacher.
- I speak three languages.
4. Schedules and Timetables
Use it for fixed events in the future.
- The train leaves at 9 AM.
- The movie starts at 8 PM.
- School begins in September.
How to Form Present Simple
Affirmative (Positive)
| Subject | Verb |
|---|---|
| I / You / We / They | work |
| He / She / It | works |
Note: Add -s or -es to the verb for he/she/it (third person singular).
Spelling Rules for Third Person Singular:
| Ending | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Most verbs | Add -s | play → plays, eat → eats |
| -s, -sh, -ch, -x, -o | Add -es | watch → watches, go → goes |
| Consonant + y | Change y to -ies | study → studies, fly → flies |
| Vowel + y | Add -s | play → plays, stay → stays |
Negative
| Subject | Form |
|---|---|
| I / You / We / They | do not (don't) + verb |
| He / She / It | does not (doesn't) + verb |
- I don't like coffee.
- She doesn't work on Sundays.
Note: The main verb stays in base form after don't/doesn't.
Questions
| Form | Structure |
|---|---|
| Yes/No Questions | Do/Does + subject + verb? |
| Wh- Questions | Wh-word + do/does + subject + verb? |
- Do you speak English?
- Does she live here?
- Where do you work?
- What does he do?
Common Time Expressions
These words often go with present simple:
| Expression | Example |
|---|---|
| always | I always eat breakfast. |
| usually | She usually takes the bus. |
| often | They often go to the cinema. |
| sometimes | He sometimes works late. |
| rarely / seldom | We rarely eat out. |
| never | I never drink alcohol. |
| every day/week/month/year | She exercises every day. |
| on Mondays/Tuesdays... | I work on Mondays. |
| once/twice a week | He plays tennis twice a week. |
Word Order: Frequency adverbs usually come before the main verb but after "be".
- She always arrives on time. (before main verb)
- He is always late. (after "be")
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| She work every day. | She works every day. | Add -s for he/she/it |
| He don't like pizza. | He doesn't like pizza. | Use doesn't for he/she/it |
| Does she works here? | Does she work here? | Base form after does |
| I am go to school. | I go to school. | Don't use "be" with present simple |
| She studies hard everyday. | She studies hard every day. | "Every day" is two words |
Practice Tips
- Start with daily routines: Describe your typical day using present simple.
- Talk about facts: Practice with general knowledge statements.
- Use time expressions: Add "always", "usually", "never" to make your sentences more natural.
- Remember the third person: Pay special attention to he/she/it forms.
Now try the exercises to practice what you've learned!