We use the present simple when we want to talk about,
Things we do regularly/often
Things that are true/facts
To tell someone how to do something
To talk about timetables/schedules
When do we use the present simple and what does it look like?
Present simple form
I work I do not (don’t) work
You work You do not (don’t) work
He works He does not (doesn’t) work
She works She does not (doesn’t) work
It works It does not (doesn’t) work
We work We do not (don’t) work
They work They do not (don’t) work
Present simple function
Things we do regularly or as a habit.
I get up at six during the week but at the weekend I don’t get up until 7.30.
She plays tennis every Thursday evening.
We always go skiing in the winter but we don’t always take the children.
He usually walks to work because he doesn’t have a car.
We visit our parents twice a week.
Talk about things that are true/facts.
I live in England.
The moon goes round the earth.
They are both doctors.
That clock is broken.
He works for a bank.
I like chocolate but I don’t like cake.
I don’t want to go to out tonight. I don’t feel very well.
Tell someone how to do something.
How to make a sandwich.
Take two pieces of bread. Spread butter on one side of each slice.
Put ham, cheese, salad etc. on one slice. Lay the second slice on top.
Cut into two and you have a sandwich. Enjoy!
Talk about timetables or schedules.
The bus leaves Bristol at 8.00 and arrives in Bath at 8.50.
The train departs (leaves) at 19.30.
My flight lands in Hong Kong early evening on the 31st.
The meetings are on Tuesday and Friday at 10 am.
My job interview is next week on Thursday.
Questions in the present simple using auxiliary verb ‘do’.
Do I work?
Do you work?
Does he/she/it work?
Do we work?
Do they work?
These type of questions are yes or no questions. The answers often have a ‘tag’.
Do I like cheese? Yes, I do or No, I do not (don’t)
Do you like cheese? Yes, I do or No, I do not (don’t)
Does he like cheese? Yes, he does or No, he does not (doesn’t)
Does she like cheese? Yes, she does or No, she does not (doesn’t)
Do we like cheese? Yes, we do or No, we do not (don’t)
Do they like cheese? Yes, they do or No, we do not (don’t)
We use the longer form (do not) in formal situations or when writing and we use the shorter form (the contractions – don’t, doesn’t) when speaking or writing to friends.