Present Simple (I do)

When to Use the Present Simple

Use the present simple to talk about things in general. It says that something happens all the time or repeatedly, or that something is true in general.

• The office opens at 9 o’clock every morning.
• She works in the finance department.
• We send invoices at the end of each month.

Form

Note the spelling with he/she/it:

Questions and Negatives with do/does

Use do and does to make questions and negative sentences. Do not put the verb in question form by itself.

• Where do you come from?
• What does this report mean? (not What means this report?)
• I don’t go to that branch very often.
• Sales don’t grow in a weak economy.

When do is also the main verb, you get do you do or doesn’t do:

• ‘What do you do?’ ‘I work in procurement.’
• He doesn’t do anything to help with the project.

How Often: Frequency with the Present Simple

Use the present simple to say how often you do things.

• I check my email at 8 o’clock every morning.
• How often do you meet with clients?
• She doesn’t travel for work very often.
• He usually visits the branch office two or three times a year.

Performative Verbs: I promise / I apologise / I suggest …

Sometimes we do things by saying something. When you promise to do something, you say I promise. When you suggest something, you say I suggest.

• I promise I won’t miss the deadline. (not I’m promising)
• ‘What do you suggest I do?’ ‘I suggest that you talk to the manager.’

The same pattern applies to: I apologise / I advise / I insist / I agree / I refuse / I recommend.

• I apologise for the delay in shipping your order.
• I insist that we review the contract before signing.
• I recommend the supplier on Bridge Street.

Quick Self-Check