How to Form the Present Simple Negative
We use do not (don’t) or does not (doesn’t) + the base form of the verb.
Important Rule
After doesn’t, use the base form of the verb.
X She doesn’t likes coffee.
✅ She doesn’t like coffee.
X He doesn’t plays football.
✅ He doesn’t play football.
When Do We Use Present Simple Negatives?
1. Regular habits
We use negative sentences to talk about things someone does not regularly do.
- I don’t exercise every morning.
- Sarah doesn’t walk to school.
They don’t eat breakfast at home.
2. Facts and general situations
- Water doesn’t boil at room temperature.
- Cats don’t usually eat vegetables.
- The store doesn’t open on Sundays.
3. Likes and dislikes
- I don’t like horror movies.
- He doesn’t enjoy loud music.
- We don’t want dessert.
Short Forms
In everyday English, contractions are very common:
- do not → don’t
- does not → doesn’t
Examples:
I don’t understand the question.
She doesn’t speak French.
We don’t need any help.
Present Simple Negative with the Verb “Be”
The verb be is different. We do not use do/does with am, is, are.
- I am not tired.
- He isn’t at home.
- She isn’t ready.
- We aren’t late.
- They aren’t students.
Quick Comparison
Ordinary verbs:
She doesn’t work here.
Verb “be”:
She isn’t here.
Key Formula
I/You/We/They + don’t + base verb
They don’t study English.
He/She/It + doesn’t + base verb
She doesn’t study English.
Be + not
He isn’t busy.