Present Simple
The Present Simple describes habitual actions, general truths, and fixed arrangements. This guide goes through forming the tense, common signal words, and key exceptions.
Usage
Use the Present Simple for routines, facts, and things that are generally true. It also appears in timetables and instructions.
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Form
The Present Simple uses the base verb for all subjects except third person singular, which adds -s or -es. Negative and questions use do/does.
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Examples
| English Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| ☕ I drink coffee every morning. | I drink coffee every morning. |
| 📰 She reads the news at breakfast. | She reads the news at breakfast. |
| 🚇 They take the train to work. | They take the train to work. |
| 🐕 He walks his dog before leaving. | He walks his dog before leaving. |
| 🗓️ We start work at nine o’clock. | We start work at nine o’clock. |
Signal Words
Signal words for the Present Simple include adverbs of frequency and time expressions that show habit or regularity.
| English Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| ☀️ I always have coffee in the morning. | I always have coffee in the morning. |
| 🕗 She usually leaves at eight o’clock. | She usually leaves at eight o’clock. |
| 📅 They often work on Fridays. | They often work on Fridays. |
| ⏰ He sometimes wakes up early to jog. | He sometimes wakes up early to jog. |
| 💤 I never skip my morning workout. | I never skip my morning workout. |
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Exceptions
Some verbs related to states or senses typically do not appear in continuous forms and remain in the Present Simple even when describing near time.
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Summary
The Present Simple expresses routines, facts, and scheduled events. Remember the -s in third person singular and use do/does for negatives and questions.
Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025