Simple Present

1. Use of the Simple Present

1.1. repeated actions

My friend often draws nice posters.

1.2. things in general

The sun rises in the east.

1.3. fixed arrangements, scheduled events

The plane flies to London every Monday.

1.4. sequence of actions in the present

First I get up, then I have breakfast.

1.5. with special verbs

I understand English.

2. Signal words

• every day
• often
• always
• sometimes
• never

3. Form

infinitive (3rd person singular he, she, it: infinitive + -s)

4. Examples

4.1. Affirmative sentences in the Simple Present

Long forms	Contracted forms
I read books.	not possible
You read books.
He reads books.

4.2. Negative sentences in the Simple Present

Do not negates a main verb in English. Always use the auxiliary do for negations and the infinitive of the verb.

Long forms	Contracted forms
I do not clean the room.	I don't clean the room.
You do not clean the room.	You don't clean the room.
He does not clean the room.	He doesn't clean the room.

4.3. Questions in the Simple Present

You need the auxiliary do/does and the infinitive of the verb.

Long forms	Contracted forms
Do I play football?	not possible
Do you play football?
Does he play football?