Verb tenses: Present Simple Affirmative (level: elementary)

This printable handout includes the formation of the present simple in affirmative sentences. It provides various examples, paying particular attention to the addition of -s for 3rd person singular and offers some basic activities to work on it.

Present simple affirmative

I work
You work
He works
She works
It works
We work
You work
They work

We use the base form of the verb (infinitive without “to”) with I, YOU, WE & THEY:

• I play tennis every day.
• You usually watch TV at night.
• We eat pizza for dinner.
• They read magazines in English.

BUT, we add -s to the 3rd person singular (HE, SHE & IT)

• He plays tennis every day.
• Mary reads magazines in English.
• The dog eats bones.

Spelling rules (for 3rd person singular (he/she/it)):

a) We usually add -s (see examples above)

b) We add -es if the verb ends in -s, -sh, -ch, -x or -o)

• I miss my friends. → He misses his friends.
• I wash my hair every day. → She washes her hair every day.
• We catch the ball. → The dog catches the ball.
• You fix the pipes. → The plumber fixes the pipes.
• My friends go to school. → My friend goes to school.

c) We change -y to -i and add -es if the verb ends in a consonant + a vowel + a consonant.

• I study English. → My brother studies French.
• They cry a lot. → The baby cries a lot.

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• Download the printable handout with activities for the present simple affirmative.

Also on this blog:

• Present simple in questions.
• Present simple in negatives sentences.
• Present simple (formation and use).
• Contrast - Present simple vs. present continuous.