Grammar: Present Simple (Negative)
A1 Lesson 18: Using 'don't' and 'doesn't'
How to Say "No"
To make a sentence negative (to say "no"), we need a helping verb. We cannot just add "not" to an action verb like 'work' or 'eat'. The helping verbs for the Present Simple are don't and doesn't.
The Grammar Rule 📖
How to Make Negative Sentences
| Subject | Negative Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I / you / we / they | don't + [base verb] | We don't live in Phnom Penh. |
| he / she / it | doesn't + [base verb] | He doesn't speak French. |
Important: The main verb is always the simple base form. The '-s' is on 'do' to make 'does'!
✔️ Correct: She doesn't work here.
❌ Incorrect: She doesn't works here.
In Conversation
Let's see how 'don't' and 'doesn't' are used when talking about food.
Lina: Do you like spicy food?
Marco: No, I don't like it very much. It's too hot for me!
Lina: What about your brother?
Marco: He is different. He loves it! But he doesn't eat meat.
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise: Make it Negative
Change the positive statements into negative sentences.
- I like waking up early.
→ I don't like waking up early. - She works in the city center.
→ She doesn't work in the city center. - They have a tour guide.
→ They don't have a tour guide. - He understands the lesson.
→ He doesn't understand the lesson.
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Write True Sentences
Write three true negative sentences about yourself, your friends, or your family. Use 'don't' and 'doesn't'.
Example: I don't drink coffee. My mother doesn't work on Saturdays.
Key Vocabulary
- Helping Verb A verb (like 'do' or 'be') that helps the main verb.
- Negative Meaning 'no' or saying something is not true.
- Base Form The simplest form of a verb, with no endings (e.g., work, eat, go).