Present Simple
The Present Simple tense describes habits, routines, and general truths. It is also used for facts that are always true and for schedules or timetables. For most verbs, add -s or -es in the third person singular (he, she, it).
WHEN TO USE
Describes habits, routines, and general truths. Also used for facts that are always true, and for fixed schedules or timetables.
STRUCTURE
S + V(s/es) + OShe plays tennis every Sunday.
S + don't / doesn't + VShe doesn't play tennis on Monday.
Do / Does + S + V?Does she play tennis?
SIGNAL WORDS
- always
- usually
- often
- sometimes
- rarely
- never
- every day
- every week
- on Mondays
EXAMPLES
I play football every day.
She works at a hospital.
The sun rises in the east.
We don't eat meat.
Does he speak English?
SPELLING RULES (HE/SHE/IT)
| Most verbs | add -s | play → plays, work → works |
|---|---|---|
| Ends in -s, -sh, -ch, -x, -o | add -es | go → goes, wash → washes |
| Ends in consonant + y | change y → -ies | study → studies, carry → carries |
| have | → has | I have → she has |
COMMON MISTAKES
She go to school every day.
She goes to school every day.
Add -es/-s for he/she/it
He don't like coffee.
He doesn't like coffee.
Use doesn't (not don't) for he/she/it
Does she plays tennis?
Does she play tennis?
After does, use base verb (no -s)
Tip
Many languages don't change verb forms, so it's easy to forget the -s/-es rule. Quick trick: if the subject is he, she, or it — always add -s or -es to the verb!