Present Simple use
We use the Present Simple to talk about habits and routines, facts and general truths, schedules and timetables, and permanent situations.
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Habits and routines
I usually drink coffee in the morning.
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Facts and general truths
Water boils at 100°C.
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Schedules and timetables
The train leaves at 8:30.
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Permanent or long-term situations
She works in a software company.
Present Simple Form
Subject + V1
He / She / It + V1(+s)
Present Simple Rule
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In the 3rd person singular (he/she/it) we add -s or -es.
He works in an office.
She watches online courses.
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Spelling rules for the 3rd person singular:
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verbs ending in -o, -sh, -ch, -ss, -x → add -es
He goes to the gym.
She washes the dishes.
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verb ending in consonant + y → y → ies
He studies English every day.
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verb ending in vowel + y → just add -s
She plays tennis on Sundays.
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verbs ending in -o, -sh, -ch, -ss, -x → add -es
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Adverbs of frequency usually go before the main verb and after the verb to be.
I always check my email in the morning.
She is often late for meetings.
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We often use the Present Simple with timetables, schedules and regular events.
The meeting starts at 10.
Our team call takes place every Monday.
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Some verbs (like know, like, love, hate, understand, believe) are not usually used in continuous forms.
I know the answer.
She likes this app.
Present Simple Negation
I / you / we / they do not (don’t) + V1
he / she / it does not (doesn’t) + V1
He doesn’t check messages at night.
Present Simple Questions
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Yes/No questions are formed with the auxiliary verbs do and does.
Do + I / you / we / they + V1?
Does + he / she / it + V1?Do you work from home?
Does she work on Sundays?
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After does, the main verb is used in its base form (without -s).
Does she work on Sundays?
Does he play tennis?
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Short answers:
Do you like coffee?
— Yes, I do. / No, I don’t.
Does he study English?
— Yes, he does. / No, he doesn’t.
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Wh-questions are formed with a question word + do/does.
Wh-word + do + I / you / we / they + V1?
Wh-word + does + he / she / it + V1?Where do you work?
Why does she get up early?
When does the train leave?
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When the question is about the subject, do/does is not used.
Who works in this office?
Who lives here?