Present simple

Do you know how to use the present simple?

Look at these examples to see how we use the present simple.

• I eat a lot of fruit and vegetables.

• My dad phones me every day.

• She doesn't like her job.

• What time do you get up at weekends?

Explanation

The simple present is a verb tense with two main uses. Use the simple present tense when an action is happening right now or when it happens regularly (or unceasingly, which is why it's sometimes called present indefinite).

We can use the present simple to talk about things we do regularly.

• I go to the gym three times a week.

• We drink coffee at work.

We can also use it for things which are generally true.

• She loves her job.

• A lot of people work at home now.

Remember that we add s or es for he, she and it. Sometimes we also change y to i.

• My favourite TV show starts at 8 o'clock.

• She finishes work early on Fridays.

• My brother studies at university.

The he, she and it forms for have, do and go are irregular.

• He has a flat in the city centre.

• She does yoga on Tuesdays.

• My dog goes for a walk every morning.

For the negative, we use don't or doesn't.

• We don't eat meat.

• She doesn't have a lot of free time.

For questions, we use do or does.

• Do you watch a lot of films?

• Does he speak English?

Short answers

We can answer questions with Yes, I/you/we/they do, Yes, he/she/it does, or No, I/you/we/they don't or No, he/she/it doesn't.

• Do you like cheese?
  Yes, I do.

• Does she play football on Saturdays?
  No, she doesn't.

Questions with question words

We can also put question words like what, where, who or what time before do or does.

• Where do you work?

• What time does he have lunch?