PRESENT SIMPLE 2

Present Simple 2: Use and Adverbs of Frequency

Usage: In English, the Simple Present tense gives a general sense of the action using the -s or -es endings for most verbs.

I always eat fast food.

Do you watch TV every day?

Remember that only for 3rd person singular (he, she, it), the -s ending is added to the verb in affirmative sentences. Also, notice that in negative and question forms, the -s ending is removed for these pronouns:

SubjectAffirmativeNegativeQuestion
I-you-we-theyplaydon’tDo you play?
He-she-itplaysdoesn’tDoes she play?

For 3rd person singular (he, she, it), -s, -es, or -ies (when -y is removed) endings are used. Note that in the negative form, “doesn’t” is used for “he-she-it”.

When is “Present Simple” used?

1. Habits & routines (When talking about habitual actions and routines)

Mark leaves the office at 6:30.

2. Permanent states (When describing permanent situations)

My father works as a police officer. My mother doesn’t work.

Where do you live?

I live in Izmir.

Do you wake up early?

No, I don’t. I wake up very late.

How do you travel to work?

I travel to school by bus.

Do you like baseball?

I like baseball very much.

Adverbs of Frequency

always – 100%

usually – 70%

often – 50%

sometimes – 25%

rarely – 20%

hardly ever – 10%

never – 0%

I rarely drive to work.

She hardly ever goes to the cinema with her friends.

Adverbs of frequency are used after the verb “to be”.

I am always late for work.

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