Casa ESL · grammar guides · level A1
Present Simple — Complete Guide with Examples
The present simple is the most used tense in English. We use it for habits, routines, facts, and things that are always true. If you learn one tense perfectly, learn this one.
When to use the present simple
Use the present simple for four main situations. First: habits and routines — things you do regularly. "I drink coffee every morning." Second: facts and general truths — "Water boils at 100°C." Third: permanent situations — "She lives in Toronto." Fourth: timetables and schedules — "The train leaves at 9:00."
A good signal: words like always, usually, often, sometimes, never, every day, on Mondays. When you see these adverbs of frequency, you almost always need the present simple.
The third person -s (the most important rule)
With he, she, and it, the verb takes an -s: I work → she works. I go → he goes. I study → she studies. This tiny letter is the number one mistake for learners at every level — even advanced speakers drop it when speaking fast.
Spelling changes: verbs ending in -o, -ch, -sh, -ss, -x add -es (goes, watches, washes). Verbs ending in consonant + y change to -ies (study → studies, carry → carries). But play → plays, because a vowel comes before the y.
Questions and negatives with do/does
English uses do and does as helpers. Questions: "Do you like tea?" / "Does she work here?" Negatives: "I don't like tea." / "She doesn't work here."
Critical rule: when does or doesn't carries the -s, the main verb loses it. "Does she works here?" is wrong — the s lives on does, not on work.
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| Positive (I/you/we/they) | I work in a hospital. |
| Positive (he/she/it) | She works in a hospital. |
| Negative | They don't work on Sundays. / He doesn't work on Sundays. |
| Question | Do you work here? / Does it work? |
| Short answers | Yes, I do. / No, she doesn't. |
Common mistakes
✓ She works in a bank.
Third person (he/she/it) needs -s.
✓ Does he play football?
After does, the main verb has no -s.
✓ I agree with you.
Agree is a verb — it doesn't need am.
✓ He doesn't like fish.
He/she/it uses doesn't, not don't.
Practice
- My sister ___ (study) medicine in Montreal.
show answer
studies - ___ you ___ (speak) French?
show answer
Do you speak - The museum ___ (not open) on Mondays.
show answer
doesn't open - Water ___ (freeze) at 0°C.
show answer
freezes - What time ___ the film ___ (start)?
show answer
does the film start
FAQ
What is the present simple used for?
The present simple is used for habits and routines (I run every day), facts (the sun rises in the east), permanent situations (he lives in Canada), and schedules (the bus leaves at 8).
When do I add -s to the verb?
Add -s (or -es) to the verb only with third-person singular subjects: he, she, it, or one person/thing. I work, you work, but she works.
What is the difference between do and does?
Use do with I, you, we, and they. Use does with he, she, and it. After does, the main verb returns to its base form with no -s.
Want this to actually stick?
One-on-one lessons with a real teacher, or free worksheets for this level — your pace, your goals.
More guides: Past Simple · Present Continuous · Present Perfect · Articles: A, An, and The