Definition / Explanation
In the present simple, most verbs change form with he, she, and it. We usually add -s, but some verbs take -es or change -y to -ies. This is a small grammar change, but it is very important because it appears in many everyday sentences. Learners often forget it, so it needs extra practice.
Key Rules
- Add -s to most verbs: works, reads, eats.
- Add -es after verbs ending in -s, -sh, -ch, -x, -o: watches, goes, fixes.
- If a verb ends in consonant + y, change y to i and add -es: study -> studies.
- If a verb ends in vowel + y, just add -s: play -> plays.
- Only the verb changes. The rest of the sentence stays the same.
Examples
- He works in a shop.
- She watches TV at night.
- My dad goes to work early.
- Anna studies English after dinner.
- The baby cries a lot.
- It plays music when I open it.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ He work in a shop. -> ✅ He works in a shop.
- ❌ She study English every day. -> ✅ She studies English every day.
- ❌ My brother go to school by bike. -> ✅ My brother goes to school by bike.
Tips
- If you ask Who? and the answer is one person or one thing, check if you need -s.