1. Formation of Present Simple

Affirmative Sentences:

• Structure:
  • Subject + Base verb (for most subjects)
  • Subject + verb + s/es (for he, she, it)

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Negative Sentences:

• Structure:
  • Subject + do/does + not + base form of the verb

Subject	Negative Form	Example Sentence
I / You / We / They	do not (don't).	I don’t like spinach.
He / She / It	does not (doesn't).	He doesn’t go to school on Sundays.

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Interrogative Sentences:

• Structure:
  • Do/Does + Subject + base verb?

Subject	Interrogative Form	Example Sentence
I / You / We / They	Do + Subject + base verb?	Do you like coffee?
He / She / It	Does + Subject + verb ?	Does she speak Spanish?

 

2. Rules for Forming Present Simple

General Rules:

• For he, she i it we add -s or -esto the basic form of the verb.
  • She walks to work every morning.
  • He eats lunch at 1 p.m.

When to Add -es:

• Add -es to verbs ending in -ch, -sh, -x, -z, -s, or -about.
  • She watches TV every night.
  • He fixes cars for a living.

When to Add -ies:

• Verbs ending with-y preceded by a consonant: change -y to -ies.
  • He flies to Paris every month.
  • She studies languages.

Exceptions:

• If the verb ends in the vowel +y, just add -s.
  • He plays the guitar.
  • She enjoys reading.

3. Uses of Present Simple

1. Routine and Habits

We use the Present Simple to talk about things we do regularly or routinely.

• They live in New York. (They live in New York).
• He works as a doctor. (He works as a doctor).

2. General Truths / Facts

We use the Present Simple to express facts or truths that are always true.

• First, mix the ingredients. (Mix the ingredients first).
• You take the second left. (Make the second turn left).

3. Permanent Situations

We use it for situations that are generally permanent.

• The train leaves at 6 PM. (The train leaves at 6:00 p.m).
• My flight departs tomorrow morning. (My flight leaves tomorrow morning).

4. Instructions / Directions

The Present Simple is also used to give instructions or directions.

• First, mix the ingredients.
• You take the second left.

5. Scheduled Events (Future)

We can use the Present Simple for future events that are scheduled or part of a timetable.

• The train leaves at 6 PM.
• My flight departs tomorrow morning.