General English A1 · Lesson 4B

Grammar Bank

The rules behind this lesson — form, use, model sentences and the mistakes to avoid.

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Grammar focus of this lesson

Present simple questions & negatives

2 structures

Present simple
For routines, habits, facts and things that are generally true.
I've got this
Rules & form
- ›Add -s / -es with he / she / it: she works, he watches, it goes.
- ›Negative and questions use do / does + base verb.
- ›Typical words: always, usually, every day, on Mondays.
Examples
- “I start work at nine.”
- “She doesn't drink coffee.”
- “Do you live near the office?”
Watch out · After does, never add -s: Does she works? ✗ → Does she work? ✓
Your own example
Question forms and short answers
The word order that makes every English question work.
I've got this
Rules & form
- ›(Wh-) + auxiliary + subject + main verb: Where do you work?
- ›With be, invert: Are you free? Was it useful?
- ›Short answers repeat the auxiliary: Yes, I do. / No, she isn't.
- ›Question tags check information: You're new here, aren't you?
Examples
- “How long have you worked here?”
- “What time does the call start?”
- “You've met Ana, haven't you?”
Watch out · Never keep statement order: Where you work? ✗
Your own example