Present simple / Frequency Adverbs
1: We use the present simple when something is generally or always true.
- People need food.
- It snows in winter here.
- Two and two make four.
2: Similarly, we need to use this tense for a situation that we think is more or less permanent or
- Where do you live?
- She works in a bank.
- I don't like mushrooms.
3: The next use is for habits or things that we do regularly. We often use adverbs of frequency (such as 'often', 'always' and 'sometimes') in this case, as well as expressions like 'every Sunday' or 'twice a month'. (See the present continuous for new, temporary or annoying habits).
- Do you smoke?
- I play tennis every Tuesday.
- I don't travel very often.
Third Person
Normally in the present tense we add S to the end of the verb in the 3rd person (He, She, It).
Verb 3rd Person
Speak Speaks
Play Plays
Give Gives
Make Makes
- He speaks three languages.
- She drinks coffee every morning.
- My dog hates my cat.
Irregular verbs in English in the present tense follow very simple rules. The only change that is made to these verbs is in the third person - for He, She or It.
1. If the verb ends in SS, X, CH, SH or the letter O, we add + ES in the third person.
Verb 3rd Person
Kiss Kisses
Fix Fixes
Watch Watches
Crash Crashes
Go Goes
- A mechanic fixes cars.
- She watches soap operas every afternoon.
- He kisses his wife before he goes to work.
2. If the verb ends in a Consonant + Y, we remove the Y and + IES in the third person.
Verb 3rd Person
Carry Carries
Hurry Hurries
Study Studies
Deny Denies
- Isabel studies every night.
- The baby cries all the time.
- He denies all responsibility.
FREQUENCY ADVERBS
