Welcome to your The Present Simple lesson! In this topic we talk about:
• Conjugate verbs in the present simple
• Short answers
• Using the present simple
• Frequency adverbs
Take the quizzes when you’re ready! If you’re having problems, use the comment box to contact our English Teachers.
Conjugate verbs in the present simple
The present simple is formed with the infinitive of the verb (without “to”). Look at these examples for the verb “work” :
| affirmative | interrogative | negative | |
| full form | contracted form | ||
| I work | Do I work? | I do not work | I don’t work |
| You work | Do you work? | You do not work | You don’t work |
| He works She works It works |
Does he work? Does she work? Does it work? |
He does not work She does not work It does not work |
He doesn’t work She doesn’t work It doesn’t work |
| We work | Do we work? | We do not work | We don’t work |
| You work | Do you work? | You do not work | You don’t work |
| They work | Do they work? | They do not work | They don’t work |
Notice that the 3rd person singular, you have to add:
- “+s” to the verb in affirmative sentences:
“He likes sushi.”
- “+es” to “do” in negative and interrogative forms:
“Does he like sushi?”
The auxiliary “do” is used in the interrogative and negative forms. It changes depending upon the subject. (The verb doesn’t change) :
“They like cheese.” → “Do they like cheese?”
“She likes pasta.” → “Does she like pasta?”
Short answers
Short answers are formed with “Yes/No + Subject + Auxiliary” :
“Do you like beef?” “Yes, I do.” / “No, I don’t.”
“Does she like tomatoes?” “Yes, she does.” / “No, she doesn’t.”
Using the present simple
- The present simple is used to talk about what we like, what we don’t like, and what we think:
“I like cheese, but I hate cake, I think it’s too sweet.”
- The present simple is used to talk about generalities, permanant facts, and to talk about habits:
“I live in London.”
“It rains in April.”
“Dogs play all the time.”
- Using question tags with the present simple :
“Mark lives in Paris, doesn’t he?”
“They like chicken, don’t they?”
Frequency adverbs
Frequency adverbs are invariable and are always placed before the verb, but after an auxiliary:
| always | often | sometimes | never |
“Do you sometimes go to the park?”
“Yes, I always go to the park.”
