Learn about the Present Simple
The two main uses are ...
Present States - something true for a long time (usually a feeling, not an action).
I like cake.
Present Habits - an action is repeated (sometimes, every week ...)
I eat cake every day.
| Positive | Negative | Question | |
|---|---|---|---|
| I, you, we and they | You like mice. | You don't like mice. | Do you like mice? |
| He, she and it | She likes mice. | She doesn't like mice. | Does she like mice? |
Time expressions with present simple
When you are using present simple for repeated habits, you must remember to say how often it happens.
- I often go to the cake shop.
- I go to the cake shop three times a week.
When we only use one word (never, rarely, sometimes, often, usually, always), it comes before the verb. When we use more than one word (every week, four times a month) it comes at the end of the sentence.
Other uses of Present Simple
Facts - we believe it always happens and will always be true.
The sun rises in the east.
'Scheduled' future events - something which we can see in a timetable (here a film guide).
The film starts at 6pm.
(The teacher likes presents, especially chocolate ...)
Present Simple practice Next Lesson: Past Simple