00 / Verbs & Tenses
Present simple
The present simple describes habitual actions, permanent states, and general truths. It is the primary tense for discussing daily routines and facts.
A1Beginner
01 / Usage
The present simple is used for repeated actions, such as habits or routines. It also expresses permanent situations and general facts that are always true.
- Habits: I drink coffee every morning.
- Facts: The sun rises in the east.
- States: They live in London.
02 / Form
Subject + verb(-s/-es)
For most subjects, use the base form of the verb. For the third person singular (he, she, it), add -s or -es. Use the auxiliary verb do or does for negatives and questions.
03 / Examples
04 / Common mistakes
He live in New York.
He lives in New York.
Always add -s to the verb for he, she, or it.
Do she speak English?
Does she speak English?
Use 'does' for third person singular questions.
I no like pizza.
I don't like pizza.
Use 'do not' or 'don't' to make negative sentences with most verbs.
05 / Practice
Complete the sentence: My brother ___ (eat) breakfast at 7:00.
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Answer: eats
Why: The subject 'my brother' is third person singular (he), so the verb must take the -s ending.
Make this sentence negative: They work on Sundays.
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Answer: They do not work on Sundays.
Why: To make a negative sentence with 'they', use the auxiliary 'do' + 'not' before the base verb.
Turn this into a question: You live here.
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Answer: Do you live here?
Why: For questions with 'you', place the auxiliary 'do' at the beginning of the sentence.