In this unit, you will learn how to use the Present Simple to talk about habits, routines, facts, and general truths. Let’s dive in!
What is the Present Simple?
The Present Simple is one of the most basic tenses in English. It is used to describe:
- Habits or routines: Actions that happen regularly.
- Example: I wake up at 6 AM every day.
- Facts or general truths: Things that are always true.
- Example: The sun rises in the east.
- Permanent situations: Things that do not change often.
- Example: She lives in New York.
How to Form the Present Simple
The structure of the Present Simple depends on whether you are talking about a singular or plural subject.
Affirmative Sentences
| Subject | Verb Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I / You / We / They | Base form of the verb | I eat breakfast every morning. |
| He / She / It | Verb + s/es | She works in an office. |
Note: Add -s to most verbs for he/she/it. For verbs ending in -o, -ch, -sh, -ss, or -x, add -es (e.g., “He watches TV”).
Negative Sentences
To make a sentence negative, use do not (don’t) or does not (doesn’t) before the base form of the verb.
| Subject | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I / You / We / They | Subject + do not + Verb | I don’t drink coffee. |
| He / She / It | Subject + does not + Verb | She doesn’t play soccer. |
Questions
To form a question, use Do or Does at the beginning of the sentence.
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| Do + Subject + Verb? | Do you like pizza? |
| Does + Subject + Verb? | Does she study French? |
Common Time Expressions with Present Simple
Here are some common time expressions used with the Present Simple:
- Every day/week/month/year
- Example: I go to the gym every day.
- Always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never
- Example: He always eats breakfast.
- On Mondays/Tuesdays/etc.
- Example: We have a meeting on Fridays.
Spelling Rules for Verbs Ending in -s
When adding -s to verbs for he/she/it, follow these rules:
| Verb Ending | Add | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Consonant + y | -ies | He studies English. |
| Vowel + y | -s | She plays tennis. |
| -o, -ch, -sh, -ss, -x | -es | She watches TV. |
Practice Games
Key Takeaways
- The Present Simple is used for habits, routines, facts, and permanent situations.
- For he/she/it, add -s or -es to the verb.
- Use do/does for negatives and questions.
- Practice with common time expressions to improve fluency.
Lesson Practice
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