Present simple explained in Amharic

Use the present simple to talk about habits, routines, and general facts. In this lesson, focus on ordinary action verbs such as work, study, and live. The verb be follows a different pattern: “I am,” “she is,” and “they are.”

Try it in daily life

Describe a routine: “I live in Addis Ababa. I work in a shop. My sister studies English.” Notice the final -s in studies. Change the city and activities to describe your own week.

Say what usually happens

With he, she, or it, most verbs add -s. Some add -es: “go” becomes “goes,” and “watch” becomes “watches.” A consonant followed by y changes to -ies: “study” becomes “studies.” But “play” becomes “plays.”

Make a negative sentence

• I do not work on Sunday. → I don't work on Sunday.
• She does not work on Sunday. → She doesn't work on Sunday.

After doesn't, use the base verb: “She doesn't work,” not “She doesn't works.” The does already carries the he/she/it change.

አስታውሱ፦ does ወይም doesn't ሲኖር ዋናው ግስ -s አይወስድም።

Ask a question

Do you work here? — እዚህ ይሠራሉ?

Does she work here? — እሷ እዚህ ትሠራለች?

The order is Do/Does + subject + base verb. Short replies include “Yes, I do,” “No, I don't,” “Yes, she does,” and “No, she doesn't.”

Do not use this pattern with be: ask “Are you ready?” rather than “Do you be ready?” Learn that pattern separately.

Try it yourself

1. She ___ English every evening. (study)
2. They ___ near the school. (live)
3. He doesn't ___ coffee. (drink)
4. ___ your sister work here? (Do / Does)
5. Rewrite as a negative: “Hana works on Sunday.”

Check your answers

1. studies — consonant + y changes to -ies.
2. live — no -s with they.
3. drink — base form after doesn't.
4. Does — “your sister” uses the she pattern.
5. Hana doesn't work on Sunday.

Write three true sentences about your routine. Then change one into a question and ask a friend, or practise it with Banana.