The simple present tense

The simple present tense is one of the basic tenses in the English language. It is the first tense you learn before all other tenses. It is very important to know how to build it.

Positive statements

With I, you, we, they, verbs in the simple present tense don't have any special ending. You simply use the infinitive form of the verb: I want.., You need.., We go.., They like...

With he, she, it you need to add -s to the verb: he wants, she needs, he likes, he eats, she meets, it works.

Read the simple present forms of the verb to have. There is an exception to the rule above:

I have
You have
He, she, it has
We have
You have
They have

As you see, you don't just add s to the verb have! You must use the form has with he, she, it.

Note: the verb to have indicates possession: I have a car. She has a dog. They have a new house. You can also use the verb have got to indicate possession: I have got a car. She has got a dog. They have got a new house.

Have or has? Fill in the gaps with the correct form of the verb to have in the simple present tense.

en

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Negative statements

To negate a sentence in the simple present tense, we use "don't" or "doesn't".

Use "don't" with I, you, we, they + infinitive form of the main verb to negate a statement:

I don't like parties.
You don't listen to me.
We don't have a car.
They don't have any money.
I don't want any ice-cream.

Use "doesn't" with he, she, it + infinitive form of the main verb to negate a statement:

He doesn't like apples.
She doesn't use a computer.
It doesn't work.
He doesn't have a swimming lesson today.
She doesn't know that.

Look at the pictures and answer the questions. When the picture is crossed out, write a negative answer. For example: Does he have a car?

No, he doesn't have a car.. When there is a picture without a cross, write a positive answer: Does he have a car?

Yes, he has a car.

en

Repeat exercise ?