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Present simple: I work, she works
A1 A1 grammar · lesson 9 of 24
The present simple is the tense for habits, routines and facts. In this lesson you learn the positive form and the important -s ending.
Rule
For I, you, we and they, use the base verb (the verb from the dictionary). For he, she and it, add -s.
| Subject | Verb |
|---|---|
| I / you / we / they | work, live, play |
| he / she / it | works, lives, plays |
When do we use it?
- Habits and routines: I get up at seven every day.
- Facts that are always true: Water boils at 100 degrees.
- Things that are true for a long time: Anna lives in Dublin.
I drink tea in the morning.
Tom works in a bank.
We play football on Saturdays.
My sister speaks three languages.
The shop opens at nine.
They live near the sea.
Ali watches TV in the evening.
Lucy studies English.
Spelling of he / she / it
| Verb ends in | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| most verbs | add -s | read → reads |
| -s, -sh, -ch, -x, -o | add -es | wash → washes, go → goes, do → does |
| consonant + y | y → -ies | study → studies, fly → flies |
| vowel + y | add -s | play → plays |
Have is irregular: he / she / it has.
Tip: Remember «he, she, it — the -s is there!» Only these three (or one person / thing) take -s.
Tip: Two names or a plural noun are like they: Tom and Anna work here. My friends live in Paris.
Common mistakes
✗ She work in a hospital.
✓ She works in a hospital.
✗ I works at home.
✓ I work at home.
✗ He haves a car.
✓ He has a car.
✗ Mia studys every day.
✓ Mia studies every day.