A1 to A2 grammar focus
Present Simple Questions and Negatives
Master do, does, don’t and doesn’t so you can exchange information naturally and accurately.
Build accurate negatives
Use don’t + base verb with I, you, we and they. Use doesn’t + base verb with he, she and it.
I don’t drink coffee at night.
She doesn’t work on Saturdays.
It doesn’t take very long.
She doesn’t work on Saturdays.
It doesn’t take very long.
After doesn’t, do not add -s to the main verb. Say “He doesn’t live here,” not “He doesn’t lives here.”
Build questions
| Question type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Yes / No | Do / Does + subject + verb? | Does Maya speak English? |
| Information | Question word + do / does + subject + verb? | Where do you work? |
| With be | Am / Is / Are + subject? | Are they ready? |
Short answers
Do you study every day? Yes, I do. / No, I don’t.
Does he drive? Yes, he does. / No, he doesn’t.
Does he drive? Yes, he does. / No, he doesn’t.
Do not use do with be
The verb be forms its own questions and negatives: She isn’t late. Is she late?
Practice
Transform each statement as instructed.
- He watches tutorials. Make it negative.
- They work from home. Make a yes/no question.
- Sofia studies at night. Ask “When?”
- You are available. Make it negative.
- Correct: Does he works online?
Check the answers
- He doesn’t watch tutorials.
- Do they work from home?
- When does Sofia study?
- You aren’t available.
- Does he work online?
Speaking task: find the differences
Tell your teacher three things you normally do and two things you do not do. Your teacher asks follow-up questions and guesses which statement is false. Then exchange roles.
For a broader overview, visit Present Simple Tense A2.
Practise this skill in a personalized lesson
Use these ideas in conversation, receive precise correction and build confidence with material adapted to your goals.