Lesson 1: Present Simple Questions & Negatives (do/does)

Welcome! When English learners first start asking questions or saying "no," they often translate directly from their native language and forget a tiny but powerful word: "do" (or "does").

In English, we need these "helper verbs" to form a complete sentence in the present simple tense. Let's practice so you can ask for directions, talk to tourists, and clearly describe what you do not like.

warning The "Double S" Mistake

When using negative sentences, you MUST use "don't" or "doesn't".

Crucial Rule: After using "does" or "doesn't", the main verb NEVER has an "s".
✅ Correct: He doesn't work.
❌ Wrong: He doesn't works.

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Grammar Structures

Question

Do you...?

Used to ask a question directly to the person you are speaking to.

Example: Do you want to try some local food?

Question

Does she/he...?

Used to ask a question about one other person or thing (third-person singular).

Example: Does she work as a guide at the museum?

Negative

Don't

Short for "do not". Used to make a negative sentence for I, you, we, and they.

Example: We don't have time to visit the floating village today.

Negative

Doesn't

Short for "does not". Used to make a negative sentence for he, she, and it.

Example: The bus doesn't go all the way up the mountain.

Question

Do they...?

Used to ask a question about a group of people, places, or things.

Example: Do they accept credit cards at this cafe?

Negative

I don't...

Expressing something you personally do not do or do not like.

Example: I don't drink coffee, but I love fresh tea.

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Knowledge Check

local_cafe Coffee Shop Order

You want to ask your customer if they want milk. "_____ you want milk in your iced coffee?"

(Hint: You are asking 'you' directly.)

work Talking About a Colleague

Sophea is off today. She _____ work on Sundays.

(Hint: 'She' is third-person singular.)

map Giving Directions

A tourist asks about the night market. "_____ it open at 5 PM?"

(Hint: The market ('it') is singular.)

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Lesson Complete!

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Study Resources

Lesson Summary & Review

Let's review the key concepts covered in the interactive module above to ensure you are ready to form questions and negatives.

Using "Do" and "Don't"

Use these helper verbs with the pronouns I, you, we, and they.

• Question: "Do you like coffee?"
• Negative: "I don't like coffee."

Using "Does" and "Doesn't"

Use these helper verbs with the third-person singular pronouns he, she, and it (or singular nouns like 'the dog' or 'Sophea').

• Question: "Does he play football?"
• Negative: "He doesn't play football."

The Golden Rule for "Does"

When you use "does" or "doesn't" in a sentence, the main verb loses its 's'.

Correct: "She doesn't want to go."

Incorrect: "She doesn't wants to go."