The present simple tense in negative sentences is used to express that an action or event does not happen regularly, is not a fact, or is not true.
Here’s how to form present simple negative sentences:
Structure:
Subject + Do not (don’t) / Does not (doesn’t) + Base form of the verb + Complements or Additional Information
Examples:
I don’t like coffee.
She doesn’t work on weekends.
We don’t have a pet.
They don’t play football.
The sun doesn’t set in the east.
Table: Present simple – negative form
| Subject | Present Simple Negative | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | I do not (don’t) + base verb | I don’t play the piano. |
| You | You do not (don’t) + base verb | You don’t work hard. |
| He/She/It | He/She/It does not (doesn’t) + base verb | She doesn’t read a book. |
| We | We do not (don’t) + base verb | We don’t study together. |
| You (plural) | You do not (don’t) + base verb | You don’t speak Spanish. |
| They | They do not (don’t) + base verb | They don’t enjoy music. |
Usage:
Negating regular actions:
Used to express actions that do not happen regularly or habits that are not true.
Example:
I don’t eat meat.
Negating facts or general truths:
Used to express that something is not a fact or general truth.
Example:
The sun doesn’t revolve around the earth.
Expressing absence or lack:
Used to state the absence or lack of something.
Example:
She doesn’t have a car.
Negating timetables and schedules:
Used to express that something is not part of a timetable or schedule.
Example:
The train doesn’t leave at 3 PM.
Common mistakes to avoid:
Incorrect: He doesn’t likes ice cream.
Correct: He doesn’t like ice cream. (Use the base form of the verb after “doesn’t.”)
Incorrect: We don’t has a garden.
Correct: We don’t have a garden. (Use the base form of the verb after “don’t.”)
Understanding how to form and use present simple negative sentences allows you to express the absence or negation of actions, facts, or habits in English. Practice constructing negative sentences in the present simple tense to strengthen your language skills. Happy learning!
