Present Simple
The tense we use for habits, facts, and anything that is generally or always true.
Simple in name — essential in practice.
What is Present Simple?
Present Simple is one of the most frequently used tenses in English. It describes actions and states that are regular, permanent, or universally true. Unlike Present Continuous, it does not focus on what is happening right now — instead, it talks about what generally happens.
How to Form It
+ Subject + V1 (base form) → I work. / She works.
− Subject + do/does + not + V1 → I don't work. / She doesn't work.
? Do/Does + subject + V1? → Do you work? / Does she work?
V1 — base form (infinitive): work, go, be
| + | − | ? | |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | I work | I don't work | Do I work? |
| you | You work | You don't work | Do you work? |
| he / she / it | She works | She doesn't work | Does she work? |
| we | We work | We don't work | Do we work? |
| they | They work | They don't work | Do they work? |
When to Use It
Habitual Action
Something you do regularly or repeatedly+ I drink coffee every morning.
− She doesn't eat meat.
? Do you exercise on weekends?
General Truth
A fact that is always true+ Water boils at 100 °C.
− The Sun doesn't revolve around the Earth.
? Does light travel faster than sound?
Permanent Situation
A state that doesn't change+ He lives in Berlin.
− They don't own a car.
? Does she work at a hospital?
Schedule
A fixed timetable or scheduled event+ The train leaves at 9:15 AM.
− The shop doesn't open on Sundays.
? Does the flight depart before noon?
Headline
A news headline summarizing an event+ Scientists discover new species in the Amazon.
− Government doesn't approve the budget.
? (Questions are rare in headlines, but possible:) Does the new law protect workers?
Passive Voice in Present Simple
We use the passive when the action itself matters more than who performs it, or when the doer is unknown or obvious.
+ Subject + am/is/are + V3 (past participle) → Coffee is grown in Brazil.
− Subject + am/is/are + not + V3 → Coffee isn't grown in Iceland.
? Am/Is/Are + subject + V3? → Is coffee grown in Brazil?
V3 — past participle: worked, gone, been
Passive: General Truth
+ Rice is eaten in most Asian countries.
− This river isn't used for drinking water.
? Is gold found in this region?
Passive: Habitual / Repeated Process
+ The office is cleaned every evening.
− These reports aren't checked by the manager.
? Are the orders shipped on the same day?
Passive: Schedule / Rule
+ Passengers are asked to fasten their seatbelts.
− Phones aren't allowed in the exam room.
? Are visitors permitted after 8 PM?