Grammar

Present simple

We use the present simple to talk about repeated actions or events, permanent states or things which are always true.

The present tense is the base form of the verb:

^{Ex: I work in London.} 

But with the third person singular (she/he/it), we add an –s:

^{Ex: She works in London.}

We also use the present simple to talk about:

something that is true in the present:

Ex: I'm nineteen years old.

I'm a student.

He lives in London.

something that happens regularly in the present:

I play football every weekend.

something that is always true:

Ex: The human body contains 206 bones.

Light travels at almost 300,000 kilometers per second.

something that is fixed in the future

Ex: The school term starts next week.

The train leaves at 19.45 this evening.

We fly to Paris next week.

something in the future after time words like when, after and before and after if and unless:

Ex: I'll talk to John when I see him.

You must finish your work before you go home.

If it rains we'll get wet.

He won't come unless you ask him.

We often use adverbs of frequency like sometimes, always, and never with the present simple:

EX: I sometimes go to the cinema.

She never plays football.

Read Jack's introduction.

My name's Jack. I'm nineteen years old. I come from Manchester but I live in London. I'm a student and I go to London University. I have two brothers and a sister. I love football! I play every weekend.

Multiple Choice

Read Jack's introduction. How many verbs in the present simple can you find? Choose the correct number.

• 8

• 9

• 10

Multiple Choice

His name's Jack.

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

He is 19 years old.

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

He live in London

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

He comes from Manchester

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

He is a student and He go to London University

• True

• False

Open Ended

Does he love football? How often does he play it?

Poll

Where does he live in?

• A. London

• B. London University

• C. Manchester

• A, C