By the end of this lesson, I can…
- Present simple affirmative: I work, she works
- Present simple negatives and questions: do and does
- Adverbs of frequency: how often and where in the sentence?
Simple explanation
Combine previously studied patterns in one review. Recall the structures, then use separate practice and test banks. Return to the linked lessons for any weak points.
Choose the meaning
Present simple expresses routines, facts and usual states; a time phrase is not compulsory.
Does with third-person singular
He/she/it and my sister take does and doesn’t; my parents takes do.
After be
When be is the only verb: She is usually ready. Keep be.
Common verbs with es
Watch → watches, wash → washes, fix → fixes, finish → finishes.
Yes/no question order
Do/Does + subject + base verb? Put the subject between auxiliary and main verb.
Not always means not every time
I don’t always walk is not equivalent to I never walk and does not give an exact count.
Patterns at a glance
| Rule | Model sentence |
|---|---|
| Present simple affirmative: I work, she works | I walk to school every day. |
| Present simple negatives and questions: do and does | They do not work on Fridays. |
| Adverbs of frequency: how often and where in the sentence? | I always brush my teeth in the morning. |
| Present simple affirmative: I work, she works | You read English books. |
| Present simple negatives and questions: do and does | I don’t drink coffee. |
| Adverbs of frequency: how often and where in the sentence? | I usually walk to school. |
Grammar formula
I / You / We / They
Subject + base verb + ...They work in a restaurant.
He / She / It
Subject + verb-s/es/ies + ...She works in a restaurant.
Negative with don't
Subject + do not (don't) + base verbI don't watch TV.
Negative with doesn't
Subject + does not (doesn't) + base verbHe doesn't drive.
Core rules
- 1
Choose the meaning
Present simple expresses routines, facts and usual states; a time phrase is not compulsory.
- 2
Does with third-person singular
He/she/it and my sister take does and doesn’t; my parents takes do.
- 3
After be
When be is the only verb: She is usually ready. Keep be.
- 4
Common verbs with es
Watch → watches, wash → washes, fix → fixes, finish → finishes.
- 5
Yes/no question order
Do/Does + subject + base verb? Put the subject between auxiliary and main verb.
- 6
Not always means not every time
I don’t always walk is not equivalent to I never walk and does not give an exact count.
Useful examples
I walk to school every day.
Walking to school is my daily routine.
A routine with I and base walk, not walks.
They do not work on Fridays.
Working on Fridays is not their routine.
Do not is the full form of don’t; work stays in the base.
I always brush my teeth in the morning.
I brush my teeth on every relevant morning.
Always precedes main verb brush.
You read English books.
Reading English books is something you do.
You takes the base for one listener or several.
I don’t drink coffee.
Drinking coffee is not my habit.
I takes don’t and base drink.
I usually walk to school.
Walking to school is my usual pattern.
Usually means on most occasions, not a fixed percentage.
Common mistakes
- She work → She works: retain the third-person singular ending.
- She don’t work → She doesn’t work: third-person singular takes doesn’t.
- She often read books → She often reads books: the adverb does not remove third-person s.
Learning tips
- Find the verb first: lexical verb or be? Then place the adverb.
- Practise a lexical-verb sentence beside a be sentence: I usually read / I am usually ready.
- Use your own schedule for exact counts; do not replace once and twice with guessed percentages.
- After feedback practice, complete the separate test with your account to save progress.
Combine six patterns
Adapt the names, times or places in the models to write six sentences about your own life. Keep the target construction and check that the meaning fits the rule. This is a self-assessment activity; the multiple-choice test has a separate score.
- Present simple affirmative: I work, she works
- Present simple negatives and questions: do and does
- Adverbs of frequency: how often and where in the sentence?
- Present simple affirmative: I work, she works
- Present simple negatives and questions: do and does
- Adverbs of frequency: how often and where in the sentence?
Show the model
I walk to school every day. They do not work on Fridays. I always brush my teeth in the morning. You read English books. I don’t drink coffee. I usually walk to school.
Check your own work
- I identified the subject, verb and target construction in every sentence.
- I adapted the context instead of only copying the model.
- I checked my choices against this lesson’s rules and exceptions.
Put it into practice
Try two questions without an account. Sign up free to continue and save your results and progress.
Related grammar
Related dictionary words
Frequently asked questions
Which rule should I review for “Choose the meaning”?
Present simple expresses routines, facts and usual states; a time phrase is not compulsory.
Which rule should I review for “Does with third-person singular”?
He/she/it and my sister take does and doesn’t; my parents takes do.
Which rule should I review for “After be”?
When be is the only verb: She is usually ready. Keep be.
Which rule should I review for “Common verbs with es”?
Watch → watches, wash → washes, fix → fixes, finish → finishes.
Which rule should I review for “Yes/no question order”?
Do/Does + subject + base verb? Put the subject between auxiliary and main verb.
Which rule should I review for “Not always means not every time”?
I don’t always walk is not equivalent to I never walk and does not give an exact count.
Keep your reading history and test results with a free account.
Sign up free and continue