Lesson

Present simple - I don't

Present simple negative

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

What is the Present Simple negative with "I don't"?

The present simple negative uses the auxiliary verb "do" + "not" to make statements negative. With the pronoun "I", we usually use the contraction "I don't" followed by the base form of the main verb.

  • Structure: I + don't + base verb (I don't work).
  • Use: to describe habits, routines, facts and general truths in the negative.
  • Contractions: "do not" → "don't" (common in spoken and written informal English).

Table

Present Simple Negative: Forms and Examples

Structure Use Example
I + don't + base verb Negating habits or routines I don't work on weekends.
You/We/They + don't + base verb Negating actions for plural/you/we They don't attend the meeting.
He/She/It + doesn't + base verb Third-person singular requires "doesn't" She doesn't use the old system.
Short answer (negative) Responding briefly to yes/no questions No, I don't.

Tip

Key rule: use "don't" + base verb

For I/you/we/they, form negatives with the auxiliary "do" + "not" (usually contracted to "don't") and the base verb. Do not add -s to the main verb after "don't".

  • Correct: I don't attend that seminar.
  • Incorrect: I don't attends that seminar.
  • For third person singular use "doesn't": He doesn't attend.

Think: do-support for negatives; after don't/doesn't always use base verb

Example

Examples in context

I don't work on weekends.

I don't manage that client account anymore.

I don't drink coffee in the morning.

I don't attend the weekly meeting without an agenda.

Tip

Common mistakes with negatives

Learners often make predictable errors when forming present simple negatives. Watch for these universal mistakes:

  • Forgetting the auxiliary "do": writing *I not like → correct: I don't like.
  • Using "don't" with third-person singular subjects: *He don't → He doesn't.
  • Adding -s to the main verb after "don't": *I don't goes → I don't go.
  • Using double negatives that change meaning: *I don't have no time → I don't have any time.
  • Incorrect word order in negative questions: Do not you... → Don't you... or Do you not...?

Check both the auxiliary (do/does) and the verb form (base form) when you write negatives.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Check the auxiliary and the verb form (base form, no -s).

Quiz

Complete: I _____ coffee in the morning.

Hint: Think about how to form a present simple negative with 'I'.

Quiz

Choose the correct short answer: "Do you work late on Mondays?"

Hint: Remember short answers use the auxiliary verb from the question.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

don't

contraction CEFR A2 //doʊnt//

Contraction of 'do not', used to form negatives with I/you/we/they.

I don't agree with that decision.

GrammarPoint

do

auxiliary verb CEFR A2 //duː//

Auxiliary verb used to form questions and negatives in present simple.

Do you need a hand with the presentation?

GrammarPoint

doesn't

contraction CEFR A2 //ˈdʌzənt//

Contraction of 'does not', used for negative present simple with he/she/it.

She doesn't answer emails on weekends.

GrammarPoint

base verb

grammar_term CEFR A2 //beɪs vɜːrb//

The verb in its basic form, without endings like -s, -ed, or -ing; used after 'don't'.

I don't take work calls after 7 pm.

Expression

short answer

noun CEFR B1 //ʃɔːrt ˈænsər//

A brief response to yes/no questions using the auxiliary verb (e.g., 'Yes, I do.' / 'No, I don't.').

Do you approve this plan? — No, I don't.

Vocabulary

contraction

noun CEFR A2 //kənˈtrækʃən//

Combination of two words into a shorter form (e.g., 'do not' → 'don't').

In emails, it's common to use contractions like "don't" in casual messages.