Form of the present simple
The present simple is used when talking about and action that happens regularly. We often use the present simple with expressions like 'usually', 'often' or 'never', to describe the frequency in which events happen.
Present simple: positive and negative
|
I You We They |
live don't live |
in Leeds. |
|
He She It |
lives doesn't live |
Present simple: question
|
Where |
do |
I you we they |
work? |
|
does |
he she it |
Present simple: short answer
| Do you like apples |
Yes, I do No, I don't |
| Does she like apples? |
Yes, she does No, she doesn't |
Present simple: be careful!
- Remember to always write or pronounce the 's' for he/she/it. At this level this error should be eliminated.
- To make questions and negatives we use 'do/does'.
- For questions note the inversion of the subject and the auxiliary verb 'do'.
Uses of the present simple
The present simple has three main uses.
1. An action of habit
- Simon takes the train to work.
- I play football every Saturday
- She always has a cappuccino for breakfast.
2. Facts
3. States or actions that stay the same for a long time.
- They live in Oxford.
- Mary works in a bank.
- You understand?
