Present Simple

Basic · Verb Tenses

Despite its name, the present simple is not really about "right now" — it is about things that are generally true: your routines, habits, and facts that do not change.

If you do something every day, or if it is a permanent truth, this is the tense you need. The only tricky part is remembering to add -s for he, she, and it.

How to build it

I / you / we / they + base verb · he / she / it + verb + -s · (?) do/does + subject + base · (–) do/does + not + base

Rules & examples

  1. Habits and routines (things you do regularly).

    Often used with always, usually, every day, on Mondays.

    • I drink coffee every morning.
    • We play football on Sundays.
  2. General truths and facts that stay the same.

    Science, geography, permanent situations.

    • Water boils at 100°C.
    • The Earth orbits the Sun.
    • She lives in Paris.
  3. Add -s or -es to the verb for he / she / it.

    This is the number-one thing learners forget.

    • I work → She works
    • They go → He goes
    • You study → She studies
  4. Timetables and fixed schedules (a future meaning).

    For official times that are set by a schedule.

    • The train leaves at 9 a.m.
    • The film starts at 8.
  5. Make questions and negatives with do / does + base verb.

    Once you add do/does, the -s disappears from the main verb.

    • She doesn't smoke.
    • Do you like tea?
    • Does he work here?

Tips to remember

  • Signal words: always, usually, often, sometimes, never, every day, on Fridays.
  • After does/doesn't, the main verb loses its -s: "He doesn't works" ✗ → "He doesn't work" ✓.

Common mistakes

  • ✗ She go to school every day. → ✓ She goes to school every day. — For he/she/it, add -s/-es in the present simple.
  • ✗ He doesn't works here. → ✓ He doesn't work here. — After "doesn't", use the base verb without -s.