Present Simple

Form

The present simple uses the base form of the verb for I, you, we, and they. For he, she, and it, you add -s or -es to the verb (she works, he watches). To make negatives and questions, use the auxiliary verbs do and does (I do not work, Does she work?). The verb to be is irregular: am, is, are.

When to Use It

• For facts and general truths, such as 'The sun rises in the east.'
• For habits and routines, such as 'I drink coffee every morning.'
• For permanent situations, such as 'She lives in Chicago.'
• For scheduled events and timetables, such as 'The train leaves at 6 p.m.'
• For instructions and directions, such as 'You turn left at the corner.'

Signal Words

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting the -s on the third person singular: write 'he plays', not 'he play'.
• Using the base verb with 'does' in negatives: write 'She doesn't like it', not 'She doesn't likes it'.
• Confusing present simple with present continuous for habits: use 'I go to the gym every week', not 'I am going to the gym every week' for a routine.