Present Simple

Explanation

Use it for things generally true, for routines, and for fixed schedules. Add -s or -es to the third person singular. Questions and negatives use do or does plus the base verb, so the -s moves onto the auxiliary. Frequency adverbs go before the main verb but after be.

Examples

• She works at a bakery on the corner.
• Water boils at one hundred degrees.
• The train leaves at seven fifteen.

Common mistakes

• She work at a bakery.

  She works at a bakery.

  Third person singular needs -s.

• Does she works here?

  Does she work here?

  The -s belongs on does.

• I am always going to the gym.

  I always go to the gym.

  Routines take the simple form.