Grammar › Verb Tenses › Present Simple
Present Simple
The present simple (base verb, or verb + -s for he/she/it) is for things that are generally true. Use it for:
- Facts and general truths — Water boils at 100°C.
- Habits and routines — She walks to work every day.
- Timetables and schedules — The train leaves at 6.
For something happening right now, use the present continuous instead — She's walking to work at the moment.
How to form the present simple
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | subject + base verb (+ -s for he/she/it) | She works in Girona. |
| Negative | subject + don’t/doesn’t + base verb | They don’t work on Sundays. |
| Question | Do/Does + subject + base verb? | Do you work here? |
The tricky part is the third person (he/she/it), which adds -s: work → works. Add -es after -o, -ch, -sh, -ss, -x (go → goes, watch → watches), and change -y to -ies after a consonant (study → studies).
When to use the present simple
1. Facts and general truths
Things that are always true, not just now.
- The sun rises in the east.
- Water freezes at 0°C.
⚠️ Typical error:
The sun is rising in the east every morning.→ A permanent truth takes the present simple: The sun rises in the east.
2. Habits and routines
Actions you repeat, often with an adverb of frequency (always, usually, never).
- I usually get up at seven.
- He never drinks coffee.
⚠️ Typical error:
I am going to the gym every Monday.→ A regular habit takes the present simple: I go to the gym every Monday.
3. Timetables and schedules
Fixed events in the future — trains, films, opening times.
- The film starts at eight.
- Our flight leaves at noon tomorrow.
Signal words
| Word | Position | Example |
|---|---|---|
| always / usually / often | before the main verb | We usually eat at home. |
| sometimes | before the main verb | She sometimes works late. |
| never | before the main verb (with a positive verb) | He never lies. |
| every day / on Mondays | usually at the end | I check my email every day. |
Common mistakes
1. Forgetting the -s on he/she/it. The number-one present-simple error, especially for speakers whose first language does not add an ending here (Chinese, and often Spanish or Catalan speakers who overthink it). He work → He works in a bank.
2. Using the present continuous for habits. Spanish and Catalan speakers sometimes stretch estoy trabajando too far. For a routine, English uses the present simple: I work here, not I am working here (unless it is temporary or happening right now). Pro tip: if it happens regularly, use the present simple; if it is happening at this exact moment, use the present continuous.
3. Keeping the -s in questions and negatives. After does or doesn’t, the main verb goes back to its base form. Does she works? → Does she work? and He doesn’t works → He doesn’t work.
✏️ Practice: Present Simple
1. She ___ to work every day.
2. ___ your brother ___ English?
3. We ___ on Sundays.
4. Water ___ at 100°C.
5. He ___ coffee. He prefers tea.
6. I ___ get up early on Saturdays.
7. The train ___ at 6 o'clock tomorrow morning.
8. My parents ___ in Barcelona, but I live in Girona.
9. How often ___ you ___ to the gym?
10. Rewrite with the same meaning: 'He isn't in the habit of eating breakfast.'
Frequently asked questions
When do I add -s to the verb?
Only with he, she and it: she works, he goes, it rains. With I, you, we and they, use the base verb with no -s: they work.
What is the difference between the present simple and the present continuous?
The present simple is for habits and general truths (I work in a bank). The present continuous is for things happening right now (I'm working from home today).
Why do we say 'Does she work?' and not 'Does she works?'
The -s is already carried by 'does', so the main verb goes back to its base form: Does she work? and She doesn't work.
Can the present simple talk about the future?
Yes, for timetables and schedules: The train leaves at 6. The shop opens at 9 tomorrow.
👩🏫 For teachers
CEFR objectives for “Present Simple”:
- Can form affirmative, negative and interrogative present simple sentences, including the third-person -s (CEFR A1).
- Can place adverbs of frequency (always, usually, sometimes, never) correctly in a sentence.
- Can choose the present simple over the present continuous for habits, facts and timetables.
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