Present Simple
Use the present simple for facts, habits, routines, and things that are generally true. Add -s/-es to the verb with he, she, and it.
Level A1
Tenses
Summary
- Use the present simple for facts, habits, routines, and things that are generally true. Add -s/-es to the verb with he, she, and it.
Structure
subject + base verb (+ -s/-es for he/she/it)
Examples
- I work in a bank.
- She drinks coffee every morning.
- Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
- They don't live here anymore.
Common mistakes
- • Don't forget the -s for he/she/it: NOT 'He play tennis' → 'He plays tennis.'
- • Use 'do/does' for questions and negatives: NOT 'He no like it' → 'He doesn't like it.'
Related
More tenses
Present Continuous
A1
Use the present continuous for actions happening now, around the present time, or for temporary situations. It is also used for fixed future arrangements.
Past Simple
A1
Use the past simple for completed actions at a definite time in the past. Regular verbs add -ed; many common verbs are irregular.
Future with 'Going To'
A2
Use 'going to' for plans and intentions decided before now, and for predictions based on present evidence.
Future with 'Will'
A2
Use 'will' for predictions, instant decisions made at the moment of speaking, promises, and offers.
Past Continuous
B1
Use the past continuous for an action in progress at a moment in the past, often interrupted by a shorter past simple action, or for two parallel ongoing actions.
Present Perfect
B1
Use the present perfect to connect a past action to the present — for life experiences, recent changes, and unfinished time periods. The exact time is not stated.