Present Simple Tense for Questions

A1 Eiken 3 Beginner

do/does + subject + base verb?

Explanation

Use the present simple question form for habits, facts, and routines. Put "do" or "does" before the subject, then use the base verb.

For example, "Does your sister live here?" In this sentence, "does" makes the question, "your sister" is the subject, and "live" is the main verb. We do not say "lives" after "does". Japanese usually adds "か" to make a question, but English needs this extra helper verb.

Examples

  • Do you like tea? お茶は好きですか。
  • Does she work here? 彼女はここで働いていますか。
  • What time do they start work? 彼らは何時に仕事を始めますか。
  • Why does he go to the gym? 彼はなぜジムに行くのですか。
  • Don't you need a break? 休憩はいらないのですか。
  • How often do you call your parents? どのくらいの頻度で両親に電話しますか。

Common Mistakes

Japanese learners often ask, "You like coffee?" or write "Does she likes coffee?" The correct forms are "Do you like coffee?" and "Does she like coffee?" After "do" or "does," use the base verb, and do not add "-s" to the main verb.

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