Simple Present Tense

The Simple Present Tense: Statements and Questions
I You We You They He She It

Simple Present: Affirmative Statements
work.

1. Use a subject and verb. Add –s, -es, -ies to the third personsingular form. (See Spelling Rules for adding –s to verbs.) 2. Use the third person singular form for singular nouns: • • Maria works in a bank. The manager likes Maria.

works.

Simple Present:Negative Statements
I You We You They He She It Does Do do not (don’t) work. work.

1. Use do + not and does + not to make the action. • • I do not play lacrosse. My brother does not sell computers.Simple Present Yes / No Questions:
work? work?

he she it your brother the teacher

does not (doesn’t)

2. Use contractions (short forms) in informal speaking and writing. • I don’t playbasketball. • My sister doesn’t work in a bank.

1. Use “do” or “does + subject + BASE form of the verb. • • • •

they you your brothers the teachers

2. No! Don’t use the –s form of the verb with“do” or does.” Does Tom likes basketball? = Does Tom like basketball?

Does your friend go to school in the evening?? Does Maria study at home? Do the computers run fast? Do the teachers meet afterschool?

Simple Present: Wh- (information) Questions
When How often does do he she it your brother work? work?

1. Use a “Wh-“ word + “do” or “does + subject + BASE form of the verb. • • When doesMaria go to school? What does Sarah play?

they you your brothers

2. For questions about the subject (Who / What) use the main verb without the helping words do or does. • Who repairs computers? •What happens in the evenings?

The Simple Present Tense: Grammar Notes

1. Use the simple present tense to talk about daily life, routines, repeated actions     I usually get up at 6:00 AM.Tom never leaves the house before 7:00. Do Maria and Robert work in the city? When does the family eat dinner?

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2. Use the simple present tense to talk about customs, cultural practices,...