This is an explanation for my students of Basic 2 on how to use the Present simple, frequency adverbs and question words

1. Present simple
Basic

2. Form
There are specials verbs, like to be, there is/are and have got which do not auxiliaries
- She is blond
Are you crazy?
They are not our friends
- There are many people on the street
there isn’t anyone at home
is there any food in the fridge?
- I have got a beautiful cat
Have you got my keys?
she hasn’t got any money
Normal verbs need an auxiliar, which are do and does
- I eat pasta once a month
Do you play tennis everyday?
she doesn’t always go the gym

3. Uses
-We use the Present simple to talk about routines and things we do regularly.
That’s why we often use frequency adverbs such as once a wek, everyday, usually,
on Mondays, …
I hardly ever play my guitar
-We can talk also about things that are always true:
the sun rises every morning and sets in the evening
-There are some verbs, called non-action verbs, which can’t be used in the Present
continuous, such as be, have (when it means possession), like, hate, dislike, prefer,
want, … So I say
I’m having a shower but I have a car/ I have got a car
I don’t like Mondays
I want my salad now

4. Expressing frequency
We use frequency adverbs both to express frequency with the Present simple and
Past simple.
Most common adverbs and expressions are:
Everyday, normally, usually, sometimes, never, seldom, hardly ever, often, always,
everyday, on Mondays, on weekdays, at the weekend, once a month, twice a year,
three times a week
See if you can get them in order:
+ -

5. Question words
We always place the question word before the auxiliary in questions
How far is the station?
How long have you lived here?
What time do you go to work?
How How often When Why How much
How many Where Who what What for