Basic Verbs - Simple Present
Learn how to use verbs in the simple present tense to talk about daily life in English.
Answer the following grammar questions.
Simple Present Verbs
Here are some basic ways to use verbs in English.
Point 1: Questions
We ask questions using do to talk about daily life or regular actions.
We ask questions using do to talk about daily life or regular actions.
- What do you eat for breakfast?
- Where do you eat lunch?
- When do you eat dinner?
- Who do you talk to?
- How do you get to work?
- Why do you study English?
Point 2: Affirmative Sentences
When we talk about things we do, we use the base verb after the subject.
When we talk about things we do, we use the base verb after the subject.
- I eat toast and fruit.
- I work at home.
- I live near the station.
- They have a nice car.
Point 3: Negative Sentences
To say we do not do something, we use do not (don't) + base verb.
To say we do not do something, we use do not (don't) + base verb.
- I do not eat cereal.
- I do not work in town.
- I do notlive by my work.
- I do nothave a pet.
Point 4: Negative Contractions
We can make short negative sentences by using contractions like don’t.
We can make short negative sentences by using contractions like don’t.
- I don't eat cereal.
- I don't work in town.
- I don't live by my work.
Point 5: Yes / No Questions
We ask Yes / No questions using Do you + base verb?
We ask Yes / No questions using Do you + base verb?
Do you eat at home?
- Yes, I do. / Yes, I eat at home.
- No, I don't. / No, I don't eat at home.
About the Teacher
My name is Todd Beuckens and I am an ESL teacher in Japan.
I created this site to provide teachers and students free audio lessons and learning materials not usually found in commercial textbooks.