16.3. Simple Present Tense: Using Simple Present with Third Person Singular

The Simple Present tense is one of the most fundamental tenses in the English language, especially for beginners. It is used to describe habits, general truths, and repeated actions. When it comes to using the Simple Present tense with third person singular subjects (he, she, it), there are specific grammatical rules that learners must follow. Understanding these rules is crucial for forming correct sentences and communicating effectively in English.

Understanding the Third Person Singular

In English, the third person singular refers to the pronouns he, she, and it, as well as any singular noun that can be replaced by these pronouns. For example:

• He is used for males: "John" becomes "he".
• She is used for females: "Anna" becomes "she".
• It is used for objects, animals, or ideas: "The cat" becomes "it".

When using the Simple Present tense with these subjects, the verb form changes slightly compared to other subjects like I, you, we, and they.

Forming the Simple Present Tense with Third Person Singular

For most verbs, the Simple Present tense is formed by adding an -s or -es to the base form of the verb when the subject is third person singular. Here are the general rules:

1. Add -s to the Base Form

For most verbs, simply add -s:

• He runs every morning.
• She reads a book every week.
• It rains frequently in April.

2. Add -es to Verbs Ending in -sh, -ch, -ss, -x, -o

For verbs ending in these letters, add -es:

• He washes the car on Sundays.
• She teaches English at the school.
• It fixes itself automatically.
• He goes to the gym after work.

3. Change -y to -ies for Verbs Ending in a Consonant + y

If a verb ends in a consonant followed by -y, change the -y to -ies:

• He cries during sad movies.
• She tries new recipes every weekend.
• It flies south in winter.

4. Irregular Verbs

Some verbs are irregular and do not follow the standard rules. The most common example is the verb to be:

• He is a doctor.
• She is very happy.
• It is a sunny day.

Another example is the verb to have:

• He has a new car.
• She has a lot of friends.
• It has a beautiful color.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When learning to use the Simple Present tense with third person singular, beginners often make several common mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:

1. Forgetting to Add -s or -es

One of the most frequent errors is forgetting to add -s or -es to the verb:

• Incorrect: He run every day.
• Correct: He runs every day.

2. Misplacing -es with Verbs Ending in -o, -ch, -sh, -ss, -x

Ensure you add -es to verbs that require it:

• Incorrect: She go to school.
• Correct: She goes to school.

3. Incorrectly Changing -y to -ies

Only change -y to -ies if the verb ends in a consonant + y:

• Incorrect: He playes the guitar.
• Correct: He plays the guitar.

Practice Exercises

To master the use of the Simple Present tense with third person singular, practice is essential. Try these exercises to improve your skills:

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verb in parentheses:

1. She (watch) TV every evening.
2. It (snow) in winter.
3. He (study) hard for exams.
4. The dog (bark) loudly.
5. Anna (go) to the gym regularly.

Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes

Identify and correct the errors in these sentences:

1. He play football on weekends.
2. She do her homework in the evening.
3. It rain a lot in April.
4. The cat chase mice.
5. John try to learn Spanish.

Conclusion

Understanding and using the Simple Present tense with third person singular is a foundational skill for English learners. By following the rules for adding -s, -es, and changing -y to -ies, learners can form correct sentences. Regular practice and attention to common mistakes will help beginners become more confident in their English communication skills.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Keep practicing these forms, and soon, using the Simple Present tense with third person singular will become second nature.