A1-A2 grammar reference
Present Simple
Use the present simple for situations you present as regular, generally true, or stable. It does not mean that an action is happening at this exact moment.
Form at a glance
Affirmative: subject + base verb (add -s/-es with he, she, or it)
When to use it
- Habits and routines:
I walk to work most days.
- Facts and general truths:
Water freezes at 0 C.
- States and opinions:
She prefers tea.
- Timetables and fixed schedules:
The train leaves at 18:10.
Sentence patterns
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | S + V(s/es) | Marta works from home. |
| Negative | S + do/does not + V | Marta does not work on Fridays. |
| Question | Do/Does + S + V? | Does Marta work nearby? |
| With be | S + am/is/are | The shops are busy today. |
Compare the meaning
Present simple
A repeated or stable situation: I teach English.
Present progressive
A temporary or current situation: I am teaching online this week.
Common mistakes
- After does or doesn't, use the base verb:
Does he live here?
, notDoes he lives here?
- Frequency adverbs usually go before a main verb but after be:
We often eat out
;She is always punctual.
- Use the progressive for an activity in progress now:
I am reading
, notI read
, when describing this moment.
Nuance and natural usage
- Stative verbs such as know, need, own, and believe normally use a simple form even when the state is current.
- The present simple can narrate live events or stories:
He passes the ball, turns, and shoots.