The simple present tense

Form of the simple present tense   
Image result for work in a n office

We add "s " or "-es" to the base form of the verb in the third person singular: HE, SHE, IT

Positive form

I work

You work

He works

She works             in an office

It works

We work

You work

They work


Negative form

I don't work

You don't work

He doesn't work

She doesn't work

It doesn't work

we don't work

you don't work (plural)

They don't work


Spelling of the 3rd person singular

Most verbs add s work/works drive/drives play/plays run/runs

Verbs normally add es when they end in o do/does s miss/ misses x mix/mixes -ch catch/catches -sh push/pushes


When there is a consonant before -y, change to -ies cry/cries

but compare buy/buys   say/says    obey/obeys  !


Uses of the Simple Present


Habitual actions

The simple present can be used with or without an adverb of time to describe habitual actions, things that happen repeatedly/ get up at 7 John smokes a lot

We can be more precise about habitual actions by using the simple present with adverbs of indefinite frequency (always never, etc) or with adverbial phrases such as every day / sometimes stay up until midnight She visits her parents every day

We commonly use the simple present to ask and answer questions which begin with How often

How often do you go to the dentist? - I go every six months

Questions relating to habit can be asked with ever and answered with : never and sometimes not ever

Do you ever eat meat? - No I never eat meat



PRACTICE ONLINE

Positive and negative forms: go to the exercise

Negatives: Go to the exercise

Make YES/NO questions: go to the exercise