Present simple
We need the present simple tense (also called present indefinite) to talk about regular, repeated actions, common knowledge, habits — everything that happens on a permanent basis, not situative or temporary.
Be in present simple
The verb be is an exception and we have to memorize its forms.
| Pronoun | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| I | am | am not ('m not) |
| you | are | are not ('re not, aren't) |
| he, she, it | is | is not ('s not, isn't) |
| we | are | are not ('re not, aren't) |
| they | are | are not ('re not, aren't) |
Other verbs in present simple
To make the present simple positive we use the base form of the verb. We add -(e)s in the third person singular (pronouns he/she/it). The exceptions are "to be" and "to have". "Have" becomes "has" with he/she/it (he has, she has, it has).
To make negative and question sentences in the present simple we use the auxiliary verb do. In the third person singular, does takes the ending -(e)s over from the main verb, so the main verb returns back to its infinitive form without any ending.
| Pronoun | Positive | Negative | Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | I learn | I do not learn (don't learn) | Do I learn |
| you | you learn | you do not learn (don't learn) | Do you learn |
| he, she, it | he/she/it learns | he/she/it does not learn (doesn't learn) | Does he/she/it learn |
| we | we learn | we do not learn (don't learn) | Do we learn |
| they | they learn | they do not learn (don't learn) | Do they learn |
-s or -es? Spelling rules
We add -s or -es in the third person singular (he/she/it) depending on the last letters of the verb.
If the verb ends in -s, -ss, -sh, -ch, -x, -z, -o, we write -es.
Examples
I miss — he misses
I watch — he watches
I go — he goes
If the verb ends in a consonant + y (like study, carry, marry), we change -y to -ies.
Examples
I carry — he carries
I modify — he modifies
Use -s with all other verbs. Pay attention to the pronunciation of does /dʌz/.
How to use present simple
We use this verb tense in the following cases:
- common knowledge
Water boils at 100 degrees Celcius.
Carnivores eat meat.
Crete lies in the Mediterranean Sea.
- more or less permanent situations, skills, preferences
Jessica works as a landscape designer.
Paul speaks four languages.
Do you drink coffee or tea in the morning?
- habits, regular actions
We watch films and series in the evening.
What time do you usually get up?
They go to a hypermarket once a week.
- with stative verbs, e.g. like, love, hate, want, need, know, think, understand, remember, depend, prefer
I don't really like fast food.
She knows how to surprise me.
Do you understand what I'm saying?
- public timetable (like buses, trains, flights, classes)
The next bus arrives in twenty minutes.
My Spanish lesson begins at 4 o'clock.
What time does the bank close tomorrow?
- a sequence of short actions
First, you open the sachet and put the contents into a bowl. Then you add a glass of warm water and stir the powder.
- news headlines in mass media, when we retell a film, video, book plot
Scientists discover new element
Minister resigns over money-laundering scandal
By the end of the first episode, we finally discover what The Mandalorian’s mysterious asset is.
He draws a funny example at the beginning of his talk.
- time clauses and first conditional sentences
We will finish very soon if you help me.
I won't believe this story unless you provide some facts.
I'll let you know when she calls.