Grammar Lesson · Level A1–A2
The Present Simple Tense
Master the form, understand the uses, and practise with exercises.
Form
Spelling rules
5 key uses
Time expressions
Exercises + answers
1
Form
The present simple has three main forms. For he / she / it, add –s or –es to the verb in positive sentences.
Positive
Subject + base verb (+ s/es for he/she/it)
Negative
Subject + do / does not + base verb
Question
Do / Does + subject + base verb ?
Short answer
Yes, I do. / No, she doesn't.
-
+She works in a hospital in Lyon.
-
+They play tennis every Sunday.
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–He doesn't eat meat.
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–We don't live in Paris.
-
?Does she speak English?
-
?Do you like coffee?
2
Spelling rules for –s / –es (he, she, it)
Remember: these rules only apply to he, she, it in positive sentences.
| Rule | Verb ending | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Most verbs → add –s | Any consonant or vowel | work → works |
| –ch, –sh, –ss, –x, –o → add –es | -ch, -sh, -ss, -x, -o | watch → watches | go → goes |
| Consonant + –y → –ies | Consonant + y | study → studies | fly → flies |
| Vowel + –y → add –s | Vowel + y | play → plays | say → says |
| Irregular: be, have, do | — | is / has / does |
3
When do we use the present simple?
1. Habits & routines
Things we do regularly — often used with frequency adverbs.
"She goes to the gym every Monday."
2. Permanent situations
States that are stable or long-lasting.
"I live in Lyon." / "He works for a French company."
3. General truths & scientific facts
Universal facts and natural laws.
"Water boils at 100°C." / "The Earth orbits the Sun."
4. Timetables & fixed schedules
Official or fixed future events (transport, events).
"The train leaves at 8:15." / "The exam starts at 9 a.m."
5. Instructions & directions
Step-by-step guides, recipes, manuals.
"First, you add the eggs. Then you mix well."
4
Key time expressions
These words often signal the present simple. Learn to recognise them.
always
usually
often
sometimes
rarely
never
every day
every week
once a week
twice a month
on Mondays
in the morning
Word order tip: Frequency adverbs (always, usually, often…) go before the main verb but after the verb to be.
✔ "She always drinks coffee." | ✔ "He is always late."
✔ "She always drinks coffee." | ✔ "He is always late."
5
Practice exercises
Exercise A — Put the verb in the correct form
1.She (work) at a school in Paris.
2.My brother (not / eat) vegetables.
3.The museum (open) at 9 a.m. on Sundays.
4.We (study) English twice a week.
5. (you / like) jazz music?
6.He (watch) TV every evening.
- She works at a school in Paris.
- My brother doesn't eat vegetables.
- The museum opens at 9 a.m. on Sundays.
- We study English twice a week.
- Do you like jazz music?
- He watches TV every evening.
Exercise B — Choose the correct option
1.He play / plays football on Saturdays.
2.They don't / doesn't have a car.
3.Do / Does she speak French?
4.The train leave / leaves at 7 o'clock.
5.I always wake / wake always up at 7 a.m.
6.Water freeze / freezes at 0°C.
- He plays football on Saturdays.
- They don't have a car.
- Does she speak French?
- The train leaves at 7 o'clock.
- I always wake up at 7 a.m.
- Water freezes at 0°C.
Exercise C — Write sentences about yourself
1.A habit or routine you have.
2.Something you don't like or don't do.
3.A fact about where you live or work.
Write your answers in the comments below or share them with your teacher for feedback!
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