📘 Part of the Complete English Course · Beginner (A1), week 2
We use the present simple for things we do regularly (habits and routines) and for facts. The most important rule: add -s with he, she and it.
The rules
Positive
| Subject | Verb | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I / you / we / they | work | I work in a café. |
| he / she / it | works | She works in a hospital. |
Spelling with he / she / it
| Rule | Examples |
|---|---|
| most verbs: + s | work → works, live → lives |
| -ch, -sh, -s, -x, -o: + es | watch → watches, go → goes, do → does |
| consonant + y: y → ies | study → studies |
| have | has |
Remember
- Use it for habits: I drink coffee every morning.
- Use it for facts: The shop opens at 9.
- Common time words: every day, usually, often, sometimes, never, on Mondays.
- Don't forget the -s with he, she and it: He lives in Perth.
Listen and repeat
- I get up at seven every day.
- My son goes to school by bus.
- We usually cook dinner at home.
- The train leaves at 8:15.
Common mistakes
| Not this | Say this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| She works in a shop. | he/she/it + -s. | |
| He has two kids. | have → has. | |
| I work every day. | Don't use 'am' with another verb here. |
Check yourself
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Frequently asked questions
When do we use Present simple in English?
We use the present simple for things we do regularly (habits and routines) and for facts. The most important rule: add -s with he, she and it. Use it for habits: I drink coffee every morning.
What are common mistakes with Present simple?
Say 'She works in a shop.', not 'She work in a shop.' (he/she/it + -s). Say 'He has two kids.', not 'He haves two kids.' (have → has). Say 'I work every day.', not 'I am work every day.' (Don't use 'am' with another verb here).
What level is this Present simple lesson?
It's a Beginner (A1) lesson, week 2 of the free Complete English Course. It takes about 10 minutes and ends with a quiz.