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Grammar Lessons

Present Simple

Likes, Routines & Personality

The tense you use every day — for habits, facts, schedules, and opinions. In this lesson you'll practise the present simple through conversation about personality, what you do, and what you like.

Beginner · A2 Lesson ready

Grammar Focus

When to use it and how to form it.

When do we use the Present Simple?

Habits & routines

Actions that happen regularly — often with always, usually, often, sometimes, never.

"She goes to the gym every morning."

Facts & general truths

Things that are always true — in science, nature, or everyday life.

"Water boils at 100°C."

Fixed schedules

Timetables and scheduled events that are set in advance.

"The train leaves at 8:15."

Opinions & states

Feelings and beliefs with stative verbs: think, believe, know, like, want, need.

"I think honesty is really important."

Structure

Use the base form of the verb. Add -s / -es for he, she, it.

+ Subject + verb (+-s/-es) + … — "She works from home."
− Subject + don't/doesn't + base verb — "He doesn't enjoy early starts."
? Do/Does + subject + base verb + …? — "Do you speak any other languages?"

Vocabulary in Context

Six phrasal verbs and idioms that come up naturally in the present simple. Each example uses the tense so you can see them in action.

01

carry on

Meaning

To continue doing something, especially without stopping.

Example

"She carries on working even when she feels tired."

Conversation questions

  • What do you usually carry on doing even when you're exhausted?
  • Is it easy for you to carry on a conversation in English for a long time?
02

come across

Meaning

To seem or appear to others in a certain way; also to find something unexpectedly.

Example

"He comes across as very confident in meetings."

Conversation questions

  • How do you think you come across to people who meet you for the first time?
  • Have you ever come across a word in English that really surprised you?
03

deal with

Meaning

To handle, manage, or take action about a problem or situation.

Example

"She deals with customer complaints every day."

Conversation questions

  • How do you usually deal with stress or pressure at work or school?
  • What kinds of tasks do you find most difficult to deal with?
04

keep up with

Meaning

To stay at the same level or pace as someone or something; to stay informed.

Example

"I find it hard to keep up with all the news in English."

Conversation questions

  • Do you find it easy to keep up with current events? How do you stay informed?
  • How do you keep up with changes in your industry or area of interest?
05

get along with

Meaning

To have a friendly and harmonious relationship with someone.

Example

"I get along with most of my colleagues really well."

Conversation questions

  • Do you generally get along with people easily, or does it take time for you?
  • Is there a type of person you find it difficult to get along with? Why?
06

speak your mind

Meaning

To say exactly what you think, even if it might be uncomfortable for others to hear.

Example

"She always speaks her mind — you always know where you stand with her."

Conversation questions

  • Do you find it easy to speak your mind, or do you tend to hold back?
  • In what situations do you think it's most important to speak your mind?

Conversation Practice

Questions grouped by theme — all using the present simple. Try to answer in full sentences and use the phrasal verbs from the cards above naturally.

Personality

  • How do you think you come across to people who meet you for the first time? Do others describe you the way you describe yourself?
  • Do you tend to speak your mind in discussions, or do you prefer to listen first and speak later?
  • Are you someone who deals with problems head-on, or do you prefer to step back and think things through?
  • Are you easy-going in most situations, or do you find it hard to let things go?

Routines & Habits

  • What do you usually do to relax after a long day? Do you find it easy to carry on your hobbies when life gets busy?
  • What habits do you carry on no matter how tired or busy you are?
  • Do you keep up with the news in English? What sources do you use and how often do you check them?

Likes & Relationships

  • Is it easy for you to get along with people who have very different opinions from yours? What helps?
  • Think about someone you get along with really well — what is it about that person that makes the relationship work?
  • What kinds of activities do you genuinely enjoy in your free time? Do you prefer doing them alone or with others?