Present Simple
A1 · BeginnerPresent TensesThe present simple is the most basic English tense: used for things that are generally true, or that happen regularly.
What you'll learn
- Form: base verb (I/you/we/they work) or verb + -s (he/she/it works)
- Negative: don't/doesn't + base verb (I don't work, she doesn't work)
- Question: Do/Does + subject + base verb (Do you work? Does she work?)
- Used for habits, routines, facts, permanent situations, and fixed schedules
What the present simple is for
The present simple describes things that are generally true (facts), things that happen regularly (habits and routines), and permanent situations — not necessarily what's happening at this exact moment.
Forming the present simple
For I/you/we/they, use the base form of the verb. For he/she/it, add -s (or -es after -ch, -sh, -ss, -x, -o; or change y to -ies after a consonant): work → works, watch → watches, study → studies.
Negatives and questions with do/does
To make a negative, use don't (do not) or doesn't (does not) before the base form of the verb — the -s moves onto doesn't, so the main verb stays in its base form. To make a question, put Do or Does before the subject, again followed by the base form.
Fixed schedules and timetables
The present simple is also used for fixed schedules and timetables — even for events in the future, as long as they're part of a fixed plan: The train leaves at 6 pm. The movie starts at 8.
Real English
Watch out
With he/she/it, the main verb needs -s in the affirmative present simple.
Once doesn't carries the -s, the main verb goes back to its base form — never 'doesn't works'.
English negatives need the auxiliary do/does before not — you can't just add 'not' directly to the main verb.
Real life — Getting to know a coworker
"So, what do you do?"
"I work in marketing. I usually start around 9."
"Do you take the bus?"
"No, I don't — I usually walk. It only takes fifteen minutes."
Practice
Exercise 1 · Choose the correct form
She ___ coffee every morning.
Exercise 2 · Choose the correct word
___ you speak French?
Exercise 3 · Choose the correct word
He ___ like spicy food.
Exercise 4 · Choose the correct sentence
Which sentence is correct?
Exercise 5 · Choose the correct sentence
Which sentence is correct?
Exercise 6 · Choose the correct form
Water ___ at 100 degrees Celsius.
Exercise 7 · Choose the correct use
Which use of present simple is this? 'The train leaves at 6 pm.'
Exercise 8 · Complete the sentence
Complete: He ___ (study) English every evening.
Exercise 9 · Complete the sentence
Complete: They ___ (not/live) in this city anymore.
Exercise 10 · Build the sentence
Exercise 11 · Choose the correct spelling
Which spelling is correct for the he/she/it form of 'go'?
Quick challenge
Five quick questions to check what stuck.
Question 1 / 5
Score: 0/0
My sister ___ in a hospital.
You learned
- Present simple: base verb, or verb + -s for he/she/it.
- Negatives and questions need do/does — the main verb stays in its base form.
- Used for facts, habits, routines, permanent situations, and fixed schedules.
- Never add 'not' directly to the main verb — always use don't/doesn't.
Related grammar lessons
Present Continuous
Learn how to form and use the present continuous (be + verb-ing) — for actions happening right now, temporary situations, and stative verbs that avoid it.
Present Perfect
Learn how to form and use the present perfect (have/has + past participle) — connecting a past action to the present moment, without saying exactly when it happened.
Present Perfect Continuous
Learn how to form and use the present perfect continuous (have/has been + verb-ing) — for actions that started in the past and continue now, or whose recent activity explains a present result.
Past Simple
Learn how to form and use the past simple for completed actions at a specific time in the past — statements, negatives with didn't, and questions with did.