Present Simple use
We use the Present Simple to talk about habits and routines, facts and general truths, schedules and timetables, and permanent situations.
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Habits and routines
I usually drink coffee in the morning.
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Facts and general truths
Water boils at 100°C.
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Schedules and timetables
The train leaves at 8:30.
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Permanent or long-term situations
She works in a software company.
Present Simple Form
Subject + V1
He / She / It + V1(+s)
Present Simple Rule
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In the 3rd person singular (he/she/it) we add -s or -es.
He works in an office.
She watches online courses.
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Spelling rules for the 3rd person singular:
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verbs ending in -o, -sh, -ch, -ss, -x → add -es
He goes to the gym.
She washes the dishes.
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verb ending in consonant + y → y → ies
He studies English every day.
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verb ending in vowel + y → just add -s
She plays tennis on Sundays.
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verbs ending in -o, -sh, -ch, -ss, -x → add -es
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Adverbs of frequency usually go before the main verb and after the verb to be.
I always check my email in the morning.
She is often late for meetings.
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We often use the Present Simple with timetables, schedules and regular events.
The meeting starts at 10.
Our team call takes place every Monday.
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Some verbs (like know, like, love, hate, understand, believe) are not usually used in continuous forms.
I know the answer.
She likes this app.
Present Simple Negation
I / you / we / they do not (don’t) + V1
he / she / it does not (doesn’t) + V1
He doesn’t check messages at night.
Present Simple Questions
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Yes/No questions are formed with the auxiliary verbs do and does.
Do + I / you / we / they + V1?
Does + he / she / it + V1?Do you work from home?
Does she work on Sundays?
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After does, the main verb is used in its base form (without -s).
Does she work on Sundays?
Does he play tennis?
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Short answers:
Do you like coffee?
— Yes, I do. / No, I don’t.
Does he study English?
— Yes, he does. / No, he doesn’t.
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Wh-questions are formed with a question word + do/does.
Wh-word + do + I / you / we / they + V1?
Wh-word + does + he / she / it + V1?Where do you work?
Why does she get up early?
When does the train leave?
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When the question is about the subject, do/does is not used.
Who works in this office?
Who lives here?
Present Simple Exercises and tests
Practice right now
Reinforce the rule in practice. It takes only 30 seconds.
Use this exercise to check whether you can apply Present Simple in a real sentence.