Present Simple for Beginners
Quick Answer
The present simple is the form English uses for habits, facts, and things that are usually true. There are three shapes: positive (“I work”), negative (“I don’t work”), and question (“Do you work?”). And inside each shape, there is a small change for he/she/it.
Click any single lesson below to learn one shape at a time.
What Is the Present Simple?
Use the present simple for habits and facts. The six lessons below practise ordinary verbs such as work, live and like. The verb be has different forms: I am, she is, they are. Look at these examples:
- I live in London. (true now)
- She drinks coffee every morning. (every day habit)
- The shop opens at nine. (usually true)
The Six Lessons
Each lesson teaches one small piece. Pick one, learn it, take the quiz, then come back for the next.
| Shape | Subjects | Example | Lesson |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positive (base) | I, you, we, they | I work. | Learn It |
| Positive +s | he, she, it | She works. | Learn It |
| Negative don’t | I, you, we, they | I don’t work. | Learn It |
| Negative doesn’t | he, she, it | She doesn’t work. | Learn It |
| Question Do | I, you, we, they | Do you work? | Learn It |
| Question Does | he, she, it | Does she work? | Learn It |
The Rule in One Line: Three shapes (positive / negative / question), and one small change for he/she/it.
How to Learn These Six Lessons
Many learners try to memorise all six at once and get them mixed up. The easy way is to learn them as three pairs:
- Pair 1 — positive: base form / +s
- Pair 2 — negative: don’t / doesn’t
- Pair 3 — question: Do / Does
Three pairs, three small wins. Open the first lesson when you are ready.
Test Yourself: Present Simple
Choose an answer to see your feedback immediately. Your first answer counts towards your score.
1. She _______ in a hospital.
2. I _______ like horror films.
3. _______ he speak English?
Keep Going — You Are Building Something
You now have a map of the present simple. The next step is to take each piece one at a time.
The first lesson is the simplest one — the positive base form. Just subject and verb, with no changes. From there, the rest of the present simple builds up step by step.
Next lesson: Present Simple — Positive Sentences With I, You, We, They
I’m Khamis Maiouf. I’m studying Health and Social Care and have completed Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Level 3 Hairdressing. I have taught ESOL in my community and helped students with GCSE English. I run English Teacher Site to help people learn and practise English.