Present Simple
Used for habits, facts, routines, and general truths
The present simple tense describes habits, routines, general truths, and permanent situations. Verbs take their base form, except in the third person singular (he/she/it), which adds -s or -es.
When to Use Present Simple
- •Habits and routines: I wake up at 7am every day.
- •Facts and general truths: Water boils at 100°C.
- •Permanent situations: She lives in London.
- •Scheduled events: The train leaves at 6pm.
- •Instructions and directions: You turn left at the corner.
How to Form Present Simple
Subject + verb (add -s/-es for he/she/it)
Subject + do/does + not + base verb
Do/Does + subject + base verb?
💡 Third person singular (he/she/it) adds -s or -es to the verb. Verbs ending in -s, -sh, -ch, -x, -o add -es. Verbs ending in consonant + y change to -ies.
Examples of Present Simple
Talking about someone's job
✓She works in a hospital.
✗She work in a hospital.
Third person singular (she) requires -s on the verb.
Expressing preferences
✓They don't like coffee.
✗They doesn't like coffee.
Use 'don't' with plural subjects (they, we, you) and 'doesn't' with singular (he, she, it).
Asking about abilities
✓Does he speak French?
✗Do he speaks French?
In questions, use 'does' with he/she/it and the base form of the verb (without -s).
Stating a fact
✓The sun rises in the east.
✗The sun rise in the east.
General facts use present simple. 'The sun' is third person singular, so add -s.
Common Mistakes with Present Simple
💡 Practice Tips for Present Simple
- • Remember: he/she/it = add S to the verb
- • Time markers that signal present simple: always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never, every day/week/month
- • Think of it as 'timeless' - facts that are always true
- • For questions and negatives, the auxiliary (do/does) carries the -s, not the main verb