Form
| I like | I don’t like. | Do I like |
| you like | you don’t like | Do you like |
| he/she/it likes | she doesn’t like | Does it like |
| we like | we don’t like | Do we like |
| they like | they don’t like | Do they like |
Video
The Present Simple in use – example sentences
We use the present simple to talk about actions we see as long term or permanent. It is a very common and very important tense.
Regular actions or events
Here, we are talking about regular actions or events.
- They drive to the office every day.
- She doesn’t come here very often.
- The news usually starts at 6.00 every evening.
- Do you usually have bacon and eggs for breakfast
- We start work at 9.
Facts
Here, we are talking about facts.
- We have two children.
- Water freezes at 0° C or 32° F.
- What does this expression mean?
- The Thames flows through London.
- Penguins don’t live in the Sahara.
Future Facts
Here, we are talking about future facts, usually found in a timetable or a chart.
- Christmas Day falls on a Monday this year.
- The plane leaves at 5.00 tomorrow morning.
- Ramadan doesn’t start for another 3 weeks.
- Does the class begin at 10 or 11 this week?
- The library doesn’t close until 6.30.
Thoughts and feelings
Here, we are talking about our thoughts and feelings at the time of speaking. Although these feelings can be short-term, we use the present simple and not the present continuous.
- They don’t ever agree with us.
- I think you are right.
- She doesn’t want you to do it.
- Do you understand what I am trying to say.
- I wonder what she is doing now.