Speaking: Grammar in Speaking A1
Using the Present Simple
Listen to the examples here.
Talking About Everyday Life 🗓️
We use the Present Simple to talk about things that are always true or happen regularly. We use it for a habit, a routine, or a fact. The most important rule is the verb changes for "He", "She", and "It". Click 🔊 to hear the examples.
Rule 1: Use the Base Verb
For subjects: I, You, We, They
"I like coffee."
"They work in Siem Reap."
"We study English."
Rule 2: Add -s to the Verb
For subjects: He, She, It
"She likes tea."
"He works at a hotel."
"It rains a lot in June."
Pronunciation & Questions
🗣️ Pronouncing the "-s" Ending
The "-s" at the end of the verb can have different sounds. Click 🔊 to hear the difference.
- /s/ sound: After 'p', 't', 'k', 'f', 'th' sounds. (e.g., works, stops, eats)
- /z/ sound: After vowel sounds and 'b', 'd', 'g', 'v', 'l', 'm', 'n', 'ng', 'r' sounds. (e.g., lives, plays, drives)
- /ɪz/ sound: After 's', 'z', 'sh', 'ch', 'x', 'ge' sounds. (Adds an extra syllable) (e.g., watches, washes, misses)
💡 Questions and Negatives (do/does)
To make questions and negative sentences, we need the helping verbs "do" and "does". Click 🔊 to hear.
Questions
- You like coffee. ➡ Do you like coffee?
- He works here. ➡ Does he work here?
Negative Statements
- They live here. ➡ They don't live here.
- She likes spicy food. ➡ She doesn't like spicy food.
Very Important Rule: After "do", "does", "don't", or "doesn't", the main verb NEVER has an "-s". It always goes back to the base form (like 'work', 'like', 'live').
Practice Present Simple 🎯
Activity 1: Choose the Correct Verb
Click the correct verb form to complete the sentences.
Activity 2: Talk About Your Routine
Answer these questions about your daily routine using a full sentence. Click 🔊 to hear the example.
- What time do you get up? Example: "I get up at 6:30 AM."
- Where do you eat lunch? Example: "I eat lunch at home."
- Do you like to study English? Example: "Yes, I do. I like to study English."
Vocabulary
- Present Simple A verb tense used for habits, routines, and facts.
- Habit / Routine Something you do often or every day.
- Fact Something that is always true (e.g., The sun rises in the east).
- Base Verb The simple form of a verb, without '-s', '-ed', or '-ing' (e.g., work, like, eat).
- Negative A statement that says something is NOT true (uses 'not', 'don't', 'doesn't').
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
This week, your mission is to talk about your daily life using the Present Simple.
- Tell a friend one thing you do every day. (e.g., "I ride my moto to school.")
- Tell a friend one thing a family member does. Remember the "-s"! (e.g., "My father works in an office.")