THE PRESENT SIMPLE

Formation:

Affirmative: (subject + base form of the verb [+s/es])

 

I work

You work

He/she/it works

We work

You work

They work

 

Negative: (subject + aux. verb ‘do’ + not + base form of the verb)

(Note that don’t and doesn’t often appear as do not and does not in written text)

 

I don’t work

You don’t work

He/she/it doesn’t work 

We don’t work

You don’t work

They don’t work

 

Question: (aux. verb ‘do’ + subject + verb)

 

Do I work?

Do you work?

Does he/she/it work? 

Do we work?

Do you work?

Do they work?

 

How to form the third person singular

Most verbs

 

Add s to the base form of the verb – sits

Verbs ending in a consonant plus y, change y to i and add es – i.e tries

Verbs ending in o, s ,z, x, ch, and sh, add es – e.g. washes (+ extra syllable when pronounced. )

Note in the negative form, the auxiliary verb doesn’t has the 's' so the main verb doesn’t need an s – e.g. She doesn’t work. The same applies with does in questions.

 

Usages, with example sentences:

Habitual or routine actions

 

He goes fishing every week.

I usually get up at 7 o'clock.

She doesn't often go to the cinema.

When do they usually have lunch?

 

Permanent situations and facts

The sun sets in the west. 

Where do you work?

The store opens at 9 o'clock.

She lives in New York.

 

Commentaries

Messi passes to Rooney who shoots and scores.

 

Directions and instructions

First you go left, then you go straight on.

 

Newspaper headlines

Stock market falls to all time low.

 

Present stories

So I open the door and what do I see but a policeman in a pink uniform.

 

Typical mistakes/errors

Here are some examples of the most common problems that students have with the present simple.

 

She walk to school every day. - Correction: She walks to school every day.

He no(t) like to watch TV. -  Correction: He doesn't like to watch TV.

Where lives your father? -  Correction: Where does your father live?

She go often to Paris. - Correction: She often goes to Paris.

She doesn’t likes football. - Correction: She doesn't like football.

I’m go to the post office tomorrow. - Correction: I'm going to the post office tomorrow.