Definition / Explanation
In the present simple, we make negative sentences with do not or does not. The short forms don't and doesn't are very common in everyday English. After don't / doesn't, we use the base form of the verb, not the -s form. This is different from affirmative sentences, so it is a frequent learner mistake.
Key Rules
- Use don't with I, you, we, they.
- Use doesn't with he, she, it.
- After don't/doesn't, use the base verb: don't like, doesn't work.
- Do not add -s to the main verb after doesn't.
- Use be differently: isn't, aren't, not doesn't be.
Examples
- I don't drink coffee.
- You don't need this book.
- We don't live here.
- He doesn't drive.
- She doesn't like cold weather.
- It doesn't work now.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ He doesn't likes tea. -> ✅ He doesn't like tea.
- ❌ I doesn't know. -> ✅ I don't know.
- ❌ She doesn't at home. -> ✅ She isn't at home.
Tips
- One -s is enough: doesn't already carries the 3rd person form.