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Mastering the Present Simple Tense: The Ultimate Interactive Tutorial for Daily English (B1 Level)
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July 26, 2025
Present Simple Tense: Daily English, Made Simple!
What is the Present Simple Tense?
The Present Simple is one of the most important tenses in English! We use it to talk about habits, routines, daily life, facts, and things that are always true. It is simple, regular, and appears everywhere in daily conversation, work, and school.
Examples:"I drink tea every morning."
"The Earth orbits the sun."
When Do We Use Present Simple?
Use Present Simple to talk about:
• Habits and routines ("She gets up at 7 a.m.")
• General truths ("Water boils at 100°C.")
• Facts and states ("Cats hate water.")
• Schedules/timetables ("The train leaves at 6:00.")
• Likes and dislikes ("We love pizza!")
"He speaks English."
"They play football on Sundays."
Present Simple – Structure & Spelling
Affirmative: Subject + base verb (+ s/es for he, she, it)
Negative: Subject + do/does not + base verb
Question: Do/Does + subject + base verb?
Remember: Only add -s or -es to verbs with he/she/it!
"She works in a hospital."
"Do you like coffee?"
"He doesn’t play the guitar."
Practice: Present Simple Basics
Test your understanding! Choose the correct answer for each question. Read the explanation after you submit.
The correct answer is B: "She works in a bank." In the Present Simple tense, with "he/she/it" we add -s to the verb. Options A, C, and D use incorrect forms for Present Simple. This is a common mistake for B1 students. The subject "She" requires "works" (verb + s), not "work". "Working" is present continuous, not present simple, and "is works" mixes two forms incorrectly.
The correct answer is C: "He doesn't like pizza." Use "doesn't" for he/she/it, and the verb is always the base form ("like"). "He not like" misses the auxiliary, "He doesn't likes" incorrectly adds -s to the verb, and "He don't" is only for "I/you/we/they". This error is frequent at B1, so always check the verb form after "doesn't."
The correct answer is A: "Do you like coffee?" For questions with "you/we/they/I" in Present Simple, use "Do + subject + base verb". "Does you" is only for "he/she/it", "Are you like..." is not correct for Present Simple, and "You like coffee?" is not a full English question.
The correct answer is D: "She plays the piano every day." The phrase "every day" shows a habit/routine, and "plays" is the correct form for "she" in Present Simple. "She play" is wrong for "she", and the other options use Present Continuous, not Present Simple, so do not describe a habit.
The correct answer is B: "goes". "My brother" is he/she/it, so add "es" to "go": "goes". "Go" is for I/you/we/they, "going" is -ing form (not Present Simple), and "gone" is past participle, not used here.
How to Use the Present Simple: Positive, Negative & Questions
Making Affirmative Sentences
In Present Simple, make an affirmative (positive) sentence by using the base form of the verb for I/You/We/They.
For He/She/It, add -s or -es to the verb.
Special Rules: For verbs ending in -ch, -sh, -x, -o, -ss, add -es (“She goes”, “He watches”). If a verb ends in consonant + y, change y to ies (“He studies”).
"I live in Paris."
"She studies English."
"The dog runs fast."
Making Negative Sentences
To make negatives, use do not (don't) with I/You/We/They and does not (doesn't) with He/She/It, plus the base verb (never with -s).
Tip: After “doesn’t,” the main verb NEVER gets “-s”. This is a classic B1 mistake!
"They don't like tea."
"He doesn't play tennis."
"I don't watch TV in the morning."
Making Questions
For yes/no questions, use Do (I/You/We/They) or Does (He/She/It) at the start, then the subject, then the base verb:
Do/Does + subject + base verb?
Wh- questions (what, where, when, why, how, etc.) put the question word at the start.
Remember: The main verb after “does” never ends in “-s”!
"Do you play chess?"
"Does he work here?"
"Where do they live?"
Practice: Affirmative, Negative, and Questions
Test your understanding of forming Present Simple sentences. Select the correct answer and read the explanations.
The correct answer is C: "He doesn't like football." In Present Simple negatives for "he/she/it," use "doesn't" + base verb ("like," not "likes").
"He not likes" is missing an auxiliary, "He don't like" is for "I/you/we/they," and "He doesn't likes" incorrectly uses the -s. Remember, after "doesn't" you never add -s to the verb!
The correct answer is A: "Do they play tennis?" In Present Simple, questions for "they" use "Do" + subject + base verb.
"Does they" is for "he/she/it," "Are they play" is Present Continuous, and "They do play tennis?" is not the correct question form. This structure is key for all B1 learners!
The correct answer is D: "She doesn’t like apples." Use "doesn’t" with "she" and never add -s to the verb after "doesn’t." The other sentences mix up subject/auxiliary or use incorrect verb endings. This is a frequent mistake for B1 students!
The correct answer is B: "Where does she work?" For Present Simple Wh- questions: Wh-word + does + subject + base verb. The other options use incorrect word order or verb forms. Practice Wh- question structure for strong B1 communication!
The correct answer is C: "leaves." "The bus" is "it" so use verb + s: "leaves." "Leave" is for "I/you/we/they," and "leaving" is not Present Simple. Timetables and schedules use Present Simple with "he/she/it + -s."
Special Rules & Common Mistakes in Present Simple
Special Spelling Rules for Third-Person Singular
With he/she/it, you usually add -s to the verb in Present Simple.
But: If the verb ends in -ss, -sh, -ch, -x, -o, add -es (watches, goes, fixes).
For verbs ending with a consonant + y, change y to i and add es (study → studies, cry → cries).
"He watches TV."
"She goes to school."
"It flies very high."
Pronunciation & Spelling of -s/-es
The -s and -es endings can sound different:
/s/ after unvoiced sounds (likes, stops, eats),
/z/ after voiced sounds (plays, calls, goes),
/ɪz/ after -ch, -sh, -ss, -x, -o (washes, fixes).
Tip: Practice listening to these differences!
"She teaches English."
"He likes pizza."
"It passes quickly."
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them!)
❌ Forgetting -s/-es: "He go to work" (Wrong!)
❌ Adding -s after “does” or “doesn’t”: "He doesn’t plays" (Wrong!)
❌ Using “do” with he/she/it: "She do her homework" (Wrong!)
✔ Always: Add -s/-es for he/she/it, and never add -s after “does” or “doesn’t”.
Wrong: "He go to school."
Right: "He goes to school."
Wrong: "She doesn’t likes music."
Right: "She doesn’t like music."
Practice: Special Spelling & Common Mistakes
Can you avoid common errors and spell Present Simple verbs correctly? Choose your answer, then check the explanation.
The correct answer is B: "She fixes the car." For verbs ending in -x, add -es for third-person: "fixes." "Fixs" is not a word, and "fix" is only for I/you/we/they. "Fixing" is not Present Simple. Remember, for -x, always use -es!
The correct answer is C: "He goes to school." With "he/she/it," add -es to "go" because it ends in -o. "Go" is for I/you/we/they. "Going" is present continuous, and "gone" is past participle—not used here. This is a classic B1 error!
The correct answer is A: "He studies English every day." For verbs ending consonant + y, change "y" to "i" and add -es: "studies." "Studys" and "studyies" are not correct. "Study" is only for I/you/we/they.
The correct answer is D: "He go to school every day." "He" needs "goes" in Present Simple, not "go." This is a very common B1 mistake! The other sentences use the correct form for he/she/it.
The correct answer is B: /ɪz/. For verbs ending in -sh, -ch, -ss, -x, -o, the -es is pronounced /ɪz/ (like "washes" /ˈwɒʃɪz/). Practice hearing this sound! Other verbs may use /s/ or /z/ endings.
Adverbs of Frequency, Routines & Time Expressions
Using Adverbs of Frequency
Adverbs of frequency (always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never) show how often something happens.
They are placed before the main verb (except “be”) and after “be”.
Examples: "I always get up early." / "She never eats meat." / "He is often late."
always > usually > often > sometimes > rarely > never
Talking About Daily Routines
Use the Present Simple to describe your routine or daily life. Start sentences with time expressions like "in the morning", "on Mondays", "every day".
Routines show what you do regularly or as a habit.
Tip: Use a mix of adverbs and time expressions for more natural speech.
"I brush my teeth every morning."
"She goes jogging on Sundays."
"We have lunch at 12:30."
Common Time Expressions
Common time words: every day, at night, in the evening, on weekends, always, never, sometimes, usually, often.
Structure: These usually go at the beginning or end of the sentence, or before the main verb.
Never put a frequency adverb between a main verb and its object.
"They visit their grandparents every Saturday."
"I usually read before bed."
"He is always friendly."
Practice: Adverbs of Frequency & Time Expressions
Practice using adverbs of frequency and time expressions in Present Simple. Choose the best answer and read the explanation.
The correct answer is D: "He always goes to school." The adverb "always" comes before the main verb ("goes"). "He goes always" and "Always he goes" are not natural English. This word order is important for adverbs of frequency.
The correct answer is B: "usually." "I usually eat breakfast in the morning" describes a routine. "At night" is a time, not a frequency. "Never" and "rarely" change the meaning to "not often" or "not at all."
The correct answer is C: "usually." In the full sentence, it's "They usually play football on Fridays." The adverb of frequency ("usually") comes before the main verb.
The correct answer is A: "We have lunch at 1 o'clock." "Have lunch" is the correct verb phrase for routines. "Has" is only for he/she/it. "Having" is present continuous, not present simple. "Lunch" is a noun, not a verb.
The correct answer is D: "is never." With the verb "be," adverbs of frequency go after the verb: "She is never late." This word order is special for "am/is/are."
Short Answers, Contractions & Present Simple “Be” Forms
Short Answers in Present Simple
In spoken English, use short answers instead of repeating the whole sentence.
Examples:
– “Do you like tea?” “Yes, I do.” / “No, I don’t.”
– “Does he play football?” “Yes, he does.” / “No, he doesn’t.”
Contractions in Present Simple
Contractions make your speech and writing sound more natural.
Examples: “I do not” → “I don’t”
“He does not” → “He doesn’t”
Tip: Contractions are used in negatives and short answers, but never in positive sentences with “does” or “do”.
"She doesn't like cats."
"We don't go out at night."
Present Simple Forms of “Be”
The verb “be” (am, is, are) is special in Present Simple.
Affirmative: I am / You are / He is / We are / They are
Negative: I’m not / You aren’t / He isn’t / We aren’t / They aren’t
Question: Are you…? / Is he…? / Am I…?
"Are you ready?" – "Yes, I am."
"She isn’t tired."
"We’re not from London."
Practice: Short Answers, Contractions & Present Simple “Be”
Practice forming short answers, contractions, and using "be" in Present Simple. Select the best answer and read the explanation!
"Do you like coffee?" – ___
The correct answer is A: "Yes, I do." For questions with "do/does," answer with "do/does" not "am" or the verb. "Yes, I am" is for "are you…?" questions. "Yes, I like" and "Yes, I does" are not correct in English.
The correct answer is B: "doesn't." Only this form is a standard English contraction. The others have spelling mistakes or extra letters. In speech and writing, always use the correct apostrophe position.
The correct answer is C: "She isn’t tired." “Isn’t” is the contraction for “is not,” and the only correct negative form here. The other options either have wrong word order or mix verb forms.
"Is he your brother?" – ___
The correct answer is D: "Yes, he is." For “be” questions (“Is he…?”), answer with “Yes, he is.” “Yes, he does” is for “does he…?” questions. “Yes, he’s” is incomplete.
The correct answer is B: "We aren't." This is the correct contraction for “We are not.” “Weren’t” is past tense, “We arent” is missing the apostrophe, and “We're nots” is not standard English.
Exceptions, Non-action Verbs & Real-life Present Simple
Exceptions in Present Simple
Some verbs have unusual spellings or forms in Present Simple.
For example: “have” → “has” for he/she/it.
Be careful: Irregular verbs may have different forms for “he/she/it.” Check these in a good dictionary.
"I have a dog." / "She has a cat."
"He does his homework."
Non-action (Stative) Verbs
Non-action verbs (like “know,” “believe,” “love,” “hate,” “prefer,” “want,” “need”) are usually NOT used in continuous forms.
Always use Present Simple for these verbs—even for now.
"I know the answer."
"She loves chocolate."
"They need help."
Real-life Use: Describing Facts & General Truths
Use Present Simple to state facts, scientific truths, and things that are always true.
Examples: “Water boils at 100°C.” / “The sun rises in the east.”
Use it to introduce yourself or your daily life in English conversations.
"My name is Sara. I work at a bank."
"Cats hate water."
"The Earth goes around the sun."
Practice: Exceptions, Stative Verbs & Facts
Test your understanding of exceptions, stative (non-action) verbs, and general truths in Present Simple. Select the correct answer and read the explanation!
The correct answer is D: "She has a brother." "Has" is the special Present Simple form for "have" with he/she/it. "Have" is only for I/you/we/they. "Hases" and "having" are not correct here.
The correct answer is A: "know." Non-action or stative verbs show state or opinion, not action. "Run," "swim," and "write" are all action verbs.
The correct answer is C: "does." "He does his homework" is a Present Simple fact and uses the correct verb for he/she/it. "Do" is for I/you/we/they, "have" and "haves" do not fit the phrase.
The correct answer is B: "Water boils at 100°C." This is a scientific fact and is always true, so we use Present Simple. The other options are Present Continuous.
The correct answer is A: "She loves music." Non-action verbs like "love" are used in Present Simple, not in continuous ("is loving"). The other options have grammar or spelling errors.
Present Simple: Key Patterns & Common Mistakes
Summary: Key Patterns in Present Simple
Affirmative: Subject + base verb (add -s/-es for he/she/it)
Negative: Subject + do/does + not + base verb
Question: Do/Does + subject + base verb?
Adverbs of frequency go before the main verb and after "be".
"She goes to school every day."
"They don’t like cheese."
"Do you play tennis?"
"He is never late."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Forgetting -s/-es with he/she/it ("She walk" → "She walks")
- ❌ Adding -s to the main verb after "does/doesn't" ("He doesn't likes")
- ❌ Using continuous form with non-action verbs ("I am knowing")
- ❌ Incorrect word order in questions ("You do like coffee?")
Top Tips for B1 Learners
- 🔷 Practice forming questions and negatives—say them out loud!
- 🔷 Use Present Simple to talk about routines, facts, likes, and dislikes.
- 🔷 Review the spelling rules for -s/-es and special verbs like "have/has".
- 🔷 Listen to native speakers and notice the word order and short answers.
Practice: Present Simple – Recap & Common Mistakes
Review all you’ve learned! Choose the best answer for each question and read the detailed explanation.
The correct answer is B: "She doesn’t work here." "Doesn't" is used for "she," and the main verb is in base form ("work"), not "works." The others have word order or verb form mistakes.
The correct answer is A: "Do they play football?" Use "Do/Does + subject + base verb" for Present Simple questions. "Are they playing" is Present Continuous, "Does they" is for "he/she/it," and "They play football?" is missing the auxiliary.
The correct answer is C: "goes." For he/she/it in Present Simple, add -es to "go." The other forms are incorrect for this subject.
The correct answer is D: "She sometimes eats cake." The adverb "sometimes" comes before the main verb ("eats"). Option B is possible for emphasis, but C and D use the standard structure.
The correct answer is A: "The main verb should be 'like,' not 'likes.'" After "doesn't," the verb must be the base form ("like"). Adding -s is a common B1 error.
🎉 Present Simple Mastery Quiz
Test yourself! 10 questions are chosen randomly from a set of 30. Check your answers, see your score, and review explanations. Retake the quiz for new questions!
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