Third-person singular endings in the present simple

The idea

With he, she, it or a singular noun, most verbs add -s. Add -es after -s, -sh, -ch, -x or -o. After a consonant and -y, change -y to -ies; after a vowel, add -s.

Examples

• The baker makes bread.
• She washes the cups.
• He studies in the evening.
• The baby plays on the floor.
• The bus goes to the museum.
• My sister fixes bicycles.

Watch out

Do not write studys: the consonant before -y calls for studies.

Try it yourself

1. Complete the verb in the sentence.

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   makes

   makes adds -s to the base make.

2. Complete the verb in the sentence.

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   washes

   washes adds -es after -sh.

3. Complete the verb in the sentence.

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   studies

   studies changes consonant plus -y to -ies.

Use it today

Write three sentences about someone’s habits, using three different verb endings.