Present simple

Present Simple

We use the present simple to describe permanent states, facts and regular activities, e.g. where we live and what a company produces.

The present simple is formed with the infinitive of the verb (e.g. to work -> I work in London).
In the third person singular (he/she/it) “-s” or “-es” is added (e.g. he works).
“-es” is used for verbs which end in -o, like ‘to do’ and with verbs which end in -s, -ss, -sh, -ch and -x (because the ending is difficult to pronounce) – e.g. faxes
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I live in Berlin.
Sally works at Quick Logistics.
VW produces cars.
We write emails.

Negatives in the present simple are formed with don’t unless the subject is a “he/she / it” – then we use doesn’t.
With doesn’t the next verb does not get the –s ending.
This rule does not apply to the verbs to be, can and any other modal verbs. (see the verb ‘to be’).

I don’t work at Speed Logistics.
He doesn’t work at Lexis Languages.
We don’t work at Ford.

Questions in the present simple are formed with do/does. This rule does not apply to the verbs to be, can and any other modal verbs. (see the verb ‘to be’)

Do you work at Speed Logistics?
Does he work at Lexis Languages?
Do they work at Ford?

We also use the present simple to describe routine activities and habits, e.g. things we sometimes or never do. In English the adverbs are placed before normal verbs and after to be (as opposed to German, where the adverb generally comes after the verb).

I always start work at 8am.
I am never late for work!

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