Learn how to describe habits, routines, and general facts using the present simple tense in English.
The Present Simple tense is used for habits, routines, general truths, and permanent situations. It's the most fundamental tense in English for everyday communication.
Base verb for I/you/we/they. Add -s/-es for he/she/it. Negative: don't/doesn't + base. Questions: Do/Does + subject + base.
The -s/-es rule
Most verbs: add -s (works, plays). Ending in -s/-sh/-ch/-x/-o: add -es (watches, goes). Consonant + y: change y→ies (study→studies). After does/doesn't, always use the BASE verb: ✗ 'Does he plays?' ✓ 'Does he play?'
The Present Simple tense describes things that are always true, happen regularly, or are permanent. It's the tense we use for facts, habits, routines, and scheduled events.
"I exercise three times a week."
"She always reads before bed."
"They usually eat dinner at 7 PM."
"Water boils at 100°C."
"The sun rises in the east."
"Birds fly south in winter."
Most subjects: I/you/we/they + base verb
✓ I work → I work
✓ You study → You study
✓ They play → They play
✓ He work → He works (add -s)
Every morning, Sarah wakes up at 7 AM. She brushes her teeth, gets dressed, and eats breakfast — the same routine, every single day.
At work, she checks her email, attends meetings, and writes reports. These are things she does regularly, not just today.
After work, she usually goes to the gym. Sometimes she cooks dinner, but on Fridays she always orders pizza.
Her friend asks: "Do you like your job?" She answers: "Yes, I do. I love it!" — a simple question and a simple answer.
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Learn the patterns for creating Present Simple sentences in affirmative, negative, and question forms.
I/You/We/They work
He/She/It works
I eat breakfast
She studies English
They play football
I/You/We/They don't work
He/She/It doesn't work
I don't drink coffee
She doesn't like meat
They don't live here
Do I/you/we/they work?
Does he/she/it work?
Do you like music?
Does she speak French?
Do they work here?
Complete these sentences:
1. "She __________ (study) English every day."
2. "He __________ (not like) coffee."
3. "__________ you __________ (work) on weekends?"
1. "She studies English every day." (he/she/it + verb + s)
2. "He doesn't like coffee." or "He does not like coffee."
3. "Do you work on weekends?" (Do + subject + base verb)
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Learn the specific situations where we use the Present Simple tense.
"I always brush my teeth before bed."
The sun rises...
Water boils at...
Plants need...
I live in...
He works as...
They speak...
"The Earth revolves around the sun."
"The train leaves at 6 PM sharp."
Want to try a Present Simple quiz?
Practice with multiple choice questions
These words and phrases are commonly used with the Present Simple tense.
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Ready to test your Present Simple knowledge?
Challenge yourself with fill-in-the-blank exercises
❌ He play football every Sunday.
✓ He plays football every Sunday.
❌ She don't like coffee.
✓ She doesn't like coffee.
❌ Does he plays tennis?
✓ Does he play tennis?
❌ I am study English.
✓ I study English.
❌ They usually goes shopping.
✓ They usually go shopping.
Master Present Simple sentence building!
Drag and drop words to form correct sentences
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