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Present Simple Negative Statements

A1 Level

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To make a negative sentence in the present simple, use don't or doesn't before the basic form of the verb. Use don't (do not) with I, you, we, and they: "I don't like spiders," "They don't live here." Use doesn't (does not) with he, she, and it: "She doesn't eat meat," "It doesn't rain much in summer." The main verb always stays in its basic form — never add -s after don't or doesn't.

The most common mistake is adding -s to the verb after "doesn't": saying "She doesn't likes" instead of the correct "She doesn't like." Remember this rule: doesn't already shows that the subject is he, she, or it, so the verb does not need the -s ending. Another common error is using "don't" with he or she: "He don't work" is not correct — always use "doesn't" for he, she, and it. Practising negative sentences helps you learn these patterns and avoid mistakes that are common even at higher levels.

Quick Rule

subject + don't / doesn't + base verb

1.I don't drink coffee in the evening. (I — use don't)
2.She doesn't work on Sundays. (she — use doesn't)
3.We don't have a car. (we — use don't)
4.He doesn't like cold weather. (he — use doesn't)
5.They don't eat fast food during the week. (they — use don't)

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Present Simple Negative Statements

Quick Rule

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