Present Simple Verbs
Learn how to use the present simple in English.
Verbs in Simple Present Tense (First Person)
We use the simple present to talk about actions we do again and again.
Point 1:
WH questions use the following pattern.
Wh + do (does) + noun / pronoun + verb ... ?
- What do you do?
- Where do you live?
- How do you get to school?
- When do you exercise?
- Why do you want a pet?
Point 2:
Affirmative statements use the following
pattern:
- I work for a tech company.
- I live near the station.
- I take the bus.
- I play soccer every Monday night.
Point 3:
Negative statements use the following pattern:
- I do not work from home.
- I do not live near my work.
- I don't drive to work.
- I don't exercise that much.
In spoken English we often say don't instead of do not.
Point 4:
Yes/No questions use the following pattern:
Do (does) + noun / pronoun + verb ... ?
- Do you like tennis?
- Do you have a car?
- Do you cook a lot?
- Do you want a pet?
Point 5: You do not need to repeat the verb when you
answer a Yes/No question.
- Do you like tennis?
- Yes, I do. (Yes, I like tennis.)
- No, I don't. (No, I don't like tennis.)
- It depends. (Sometimes yes and sometimes no.)
Answer the following questions about the interview.
About the Teacher
My name is Todd Beuckens and I am an ESL teacher in Thailand. I created this site to provide teachers and students free audio lessons and learning materials not usually found in commercial textbooks.