Mastering ‘S’ Ending Verbs: A Comprehensive Guide 2025

Understanding verbs that end in ‘s’ is crucial for forming grammatically correct sentences in English, particularly in the present simple tense. This grammatical feature primarily applies to the third-person singular form—he, she, it—and its correct usage is essential for clear and effective communication.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to mastering ‘s’ ending verbs, covering definitions, structural rules, usage guidelines, common mistakes, and practice exercises. Whether you’re an ESL learner, a student honing your grammar skills, or simply looking to refine your writing, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice needed to confidently use ‘s’ ending verbs.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition of ‘S’ Ending Verbs
• Structural Breakdown
• Types and Categories of Verbs
• Examples of ‘S’ Ending Verbs
• Usage Rules for ‘S’ Ending Verbs
• Common Mistakes with ‘S’ Ending Verbs
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Definition of ‘S’ Ending Verbs

In English grammar, ‘s’ ending verbs refer to the form of a verb in the present simple tense that is used with third-person singular subjects: he, she, it, and singular nouns that can be replaced by these pronouns. The addition of ‘s’ or ‘es’ to the base form of the verb indicates that the action is being performed by a single entity that is not the speaker (first-person) or the person being spoken to (second-person). This grammatical feature is fundamental to maintaining subject-verb agreement, ensuring that the verb form correctly corresponds to the subject performing the action.

The primary function of the ‘s’ ending on verbs is to denote the present simple tense when used with singular third-person subjects. It signifies habitual actions, general truths, or facts. For instance, “He eats breakfast every morning” indicates a regular, repeated action. Without the ‘s’, the sentence would be grammatically incorrect. Therefore, the ‘s’ ending is not merely an optional addition but a crucial component of correct sentence structure in these instances.

Contextually, ‘s’ ending verbs are most commonly found in descriptive writing, explanations, and factual reports. They are used when describing routines, habits, and states of being. For example, “The sun rises in the east” expresses a universal truth, while “She works at a hospital” describes her current occupation. Understanding when and how to use ‘s’ ending verbs correctly is essential for both written and spoken English, contributing to clearer and more professional communication.

Structural Breakdown

The formation of ‘s’ ending verbs follows specific structural rules that depend on the base form of the verb. The most common rule is to simply add ‘s’ to the base form.

However, certain verbs require the addition of ‘es’ to maintain phonetic and grammatical correctness. Understanding these rules is vital for accurate verb conjugation.

Basic Rule: Adding ‘S’

The most straightforward rule is to add ‘s’ to the base form of the verb when the subject is a third-person singular pronoun (he, she, it) or a singular noun. This rule applies to the majority of verbs in the English language.

The following table provides examples of how this rule is applied.

Base Form of Verb	Third-Person Singular Form	Example Sentence
Work	Works	He works at a bank.
Play	Plays	She plays the piano beautifully.
Eat	Eats	It eats its food slowly.
Read	Reads	He reads a book every night.
Sing	Sings	She sings in the choir.
Dance	Dances	He dances at the club.
Sleep	Sleeps	She sleeps soundly.
Walk	Walks	He walks to school.
Write	Writes	She writes a letter.
Think	Thinks	He thinks about it.
Feel	Feels	She feels happy.
Dream	Dreams	He dreams of success.
Hope	Hopes	She hopes for the best.
Wish	Wishes	He wishes he could fly.
Learn	Learns	She learns quickly.
Grow	Grows	He grows tomatoes.
Help	Helps	She helps her friends.
Keep	Keeps	He keeps his promises.
Love	Loves	She loves to read.
Hate	Hates	He hates being late.
Smile	Smiles	She smiles often.
Laugh	Laughs	He laughs at the jokes.
Cry	Cries	She cries during sad movies.
Listen	Listens	He listens to music.
Watch	Watches	She watches TV.

Adding ‘ES’ to Verbs Ending in Specific Sounds

Verbs ending in -s, -ss, -sh, -ch, -x, -z, or -o require the addition of ‘es’ instead of just ‘s’. This is done to maintain proper pronunciation and avoid awkward sounds. The ‘es’ adds an extra syllable, making the verb easier to pronounce. Here are some examples:

Base Form of Verb	Third-Person Singular Form	Example Sentence
Kiss	Kisses	She kisses her baby goodnight.
Wash	Washes	He washes the car every weekend.
Watch	Watches	She watches her favorite show.
Box	Boxes	He boxes at the gym.
Buzz	Buzzes	The bee buzzes around the flower.
Go	Goes	He goes to the store.
Dress	Dresses	She dresses elegantly.
Brush	Brushes	He brushes his teeth.
Reach	Reaches	She reaches for the book.
Mix	Mixes	He mixes the ingredients.
Fiz	Fizzes	The soda fizzes in the glass.
Do	Does	He does his homework.
Pass	Passes	She passes the ball.
Wish	Wishes	He wishes he could travel.
Teach	Teaches	She teaches English.
Fix	Fixes	He fixes cars.
Guess	Guesses	She guesses the answer.
Push	Pushes	He pushes the door open.
Crunch	Crunches	She crunches on her chips.
Approach	Approaches	He approaches the building.
Examine	Examines	She examines the evidence.
Analyze	Analyzes	He analyzes the data.
Echo	Echoes	The sound echoes in the valley.
Hero	Heroes	He heroes the day.

Verbs Ending in ‘Y’

For verbs ending in ‘y’ preceded by a consonant, the ‘y’ is changed to ‘i’ and ‘es’ is added. This rule ensures that the pronunciation is consistent and follows established patterns.

If the ‘y’ is preceded by a vowel, simply add ‘s’ as with the basic rule.

Base Form of Verb	Third-Person Singular Form	Example Sentence
Study	Studies	She studies hard for her exams.
Cry	Cries	He cries when he’s sad.
Fly	Flies	It flies high in the sky.
Try	Tries	She tries her best.
Worry	Worries	He worries about everything.
Carry	Carries	She carries the groceries.
Hurry	Hurries	He hurries to catch the bus.
Apply	Applies	She applies for the job.
Reply	Replies	He replies to the email.
Satisfy	Satisfies	She satisfies her hunger.
Obey	Obeys	He obeys the rules.
Play	Plays	She plays the guitar.
Enjoy	Enjoys	He enjoys the party.
Stay	Stays	She stays at home.
Pray	Prays	He prays every night.
Betray	Betrays	She betrays his trust.
Delay	Delays	He delays the decision.
Survey	Surveys	She surveys the land.
Convey	Conveys	He conveys the message.
Display	Displays	She displays her artwork.

Types and Categories of Verbs

Verbs can be categorized in various ways, including action verbs, linking verbs, and auxiliary verbs. Understanding these categories is essential for recognizing how ‘s’ ending verbs function within different sentence structures.

Each type plays a unique role in conveying meaning and requires careful attention to subject-verb agreement.

Action Verbs

Action verbs describe physical or mental actions. These verbs are the most common and directly illustrate what the subject is doing.

When using action verbs with third-person singular subjects in the present simple tense, the ‘s’ or ‘es’ ending is applied according to the rules outlined above.

Linking Verbs

Linking verbs connect the subject to a noun or adjective that describes or identifies the subject. The most common linking verb is ‘to be’ (is, am, are, was, were).

In the present simple tense, ‘is’ is used for third-person singular subjects. Other linking verbs include ‘seem,’ ‘appear,’ ‘become,’ and ‘feel.’ While these other linking verbs follow the standard ‘s’ ending rules, ‘to be’ has its own unique conjugation.

Auxiliary Verbs

Auxiliary verbs, also known as helping verbs, assist the main verb in expressing tense, mood, or voice. Common auxiliary verbs include ‘have,’ ‘do,’ and ‘be.’ When used in the present simple tense with third-person singular subjects, ‘has’ is used instead of ‘have,’ and ‘does’ is used instead of ‘do.’ The verb ‘be’ becomes ‘is.’ These forms are crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences that involve auxiliary verbs.

Examples of ‘S’ Ending Verbs

To solidify your understanding, let’s explore a variety of examples of ‘s’ ending verbs in different contexts. These examples will illustrate how the rules are applied and how the verbs function in various sentence structures.

This section is broken down into further tables, providing a wide range of applications.

Everyday Activities

This table showcases how ‘s’ ending verbs are used to describe daily routines and activities. These examples demonstrate the practical application of the rules in common, everyday scenarios.

Sentence	Explanation
He wakes up early every morning.	Describes a regular, habitual action.
She eats breakfast at 7 AM.	Indicates a daily routine.
It drinks water from its bowl.	Describes an action of an animal.
He brushes his teeth after meals.	Indicates a habitual action.
She goes to work by bus.	Describes a daily activity.
It plays in the garden.	Describes an action of a pet.
He reads the newspaper daily.	Indicates a regular habit.
She listens to music in the evening.	Describes a leisure activity.
It sleeps on the couch.	Describes a pet’s habit.
He walks to the park.	Describes a routine activity.
She watches TV after dinner.	Indicates a regular habit.
It barks at strangers.	Describes a pet’s behavior.
He writes in his journal.	Indicates a daily activity.
She calls her friends.	Describes a regular action.
It purrs when petted.	Describes a pet’s reaction.
He cooks dinner for his family.	Indicates a daily responsibility.
She cleans the house on weekends.	Describes a weekend routine.
It scratches the furniture.	Describes a pet’s habit.
He shops for groceries.	Indicates a regular task.
She exercises at the gym.	Describes a fitness routine.
He studies every night.	Indicates a consistent study habit.
She works from home.	Describes a work arrangement.
He drives to work.	Describes a mode of transportation.
She attends meetings.	Indicates a work-related activity.
It needs attention.	Describes a requirement.

Describing Characteristics and States

This table illustrates how ‘s’ ending verbs are used to describe qualities, characteristics, or states of being. These examples show the versatility of ‘s’ ending verbs beyond just actions.

Sentence	Explanation
He is very intelligent.	Describes a characteristic.
She seems happy today.	Indicates a current state of being.
It appears to be broken.	Describes a condition.
He feels tired after work.	Indicates a feeling or sensation.
She looks beautiful in that dress.	Describes an appearance.
It smells good.	Describes a scent.
He sounds confident.	Describes a tone of voice.
She tastes the food.	Describes the act of tasting.
It weighs a lot.	Describes weight.
He believes in himself.	Indicates a belief.
She understands the problem.	Describes comprehension.
It requires attention.	Describes a need or requirement.
He knows the answer.	Indicates knowledge.
She remembers the past.	Describes memory.
It contains valuable information.	Describes content.
He agrees with the decision.	Indicates agreement.
She disagrees with the plan.	Indicates disagreement.
It consists of many parts.	Describes composition.
He depends on his family.	Indicates reliance.
She matters to him.	Describes importance.
He seems upset.	Indicates an emotional state.
She appears calm.	Describes an appearance.
He becomes a doctor.	Describes a transformation.
She remains hopeful.	Indicates a continuing state.
It stays warm.	Describes a persistent condition.

Expressing General Truths and Facts

This table provides examples of how ‘s’ ending verbs are used to express facts and general truths. These sentences illustrate the application of ‘s’ ending verbs in stating universally accepted concepts.

Sentence	Explanation
The sun rises in the east.	Expresses a universal truth.
Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.	States a scientific fact.
The earth revolves around the sun.	Describes a planetary motion.
A triangle has three sides.	States a geometric fact.
Birds fly in the sky.	Describes a natural behavior.
Fish swim in the water.	Describes a natural habitat.
Trees grow towards the light.	Describes a biological process.
Cats eat mice.	Describes a feeding habit.
Dogs bark at strangers.	Describes a typical behavior.
Sugar tastes sweet.	Describes a sensory experience.
Lemons taste sour.	Describes a sensory experience.
Fire burns.	Describes a property of fire.
Ice melts in heat.	Describes a physical change.
Gravity pulls objects down.	Describes a physical force.
Plants need sunlight to grow.	Describes a biological requirement.
Humans need oxygen to breathe.	Describes a biological necessity.
The heart pumps blood.	Describes a bodily function.
The brain controls the body.	Describes a bodily function.
The moon orbits the Earth.	Describes a celestial movement.
Stars shine at night.	Describes a celestial phenomenon.
Time flies when you’re having fun.	Expresses a common observation.
Money doesn’t grow on trees.	Expresses a common saying.
Honesty pays off in the end.	Expresses a moral principle.
Practice makes perfect.	Expresses a common saying.
Knowledge is power.	Expresses a philosophical idea.

Usage Rules for ‘S’ Ending Verbs

The proper use of ‘s’ ending verbs is governed by several key rules. These rules ensure subject-verb agreement and grammatical correctness.

Understanding these rules, including exceptions and special cases, is essential for mastering this aspect of English grammar.

Rule 1: Third-Person Singular Subjects

The primary rule is that ‘s’ ending verbs are used exclusively with third-person singular subjects (he, she, it, and singular nouns). This rule forms the foundation of subject-verb agreement in the present simple tense.

Correctly identifying the subject as singular and third-person is the first step in applying this rule.

Rule 2: Present Simple Tense

‘S’ ending verbs are specifically used in the present simple tense. This tense is used to describe habitual actions, general truths, and states of being.

Using ‘s’ ending verbs in other tenses is grammatically incorrect. Therefore, it’s crucial to recognize when the present simple tense is appropriate.

Rule 3: Irregular Verbs

Some verbs have irregular forms in the present simple tense. The most notable example is the verb ‘to be.’ In the third-person singular, ‘to be’ becomes ‘is.’ Other irregular verbs may have unique conjugations that need to be memorized.

Paying attention to these exceptions is vital for accurate verb usage.

Rule 4: Auxiliary Verbs and ‘S’ Endings

When using auxiliary verbs like ‘do’ and ‘have’ in the present simple tense with third-person singular subjects, they change to ‘does’ and ‘has,’ respectively. The main verb does not take an ‘s’ ending in these cases.

For example, “He does not eat meat” is correct, while “He does not eats meat” is incorrect.

Exceptions and Special Cases

There are a few exceptions and special cases to consider. For example, in subjunctive mood constructions, the ‘s’ ending is not used, even with third-person singular subjects.

Additionally, some collective nouns can be treated as either singular or plural, depending on the context, which can affect verb agreement.

Common Mistakes with ‘S’ Ending Verbs

Many learners make common mistakes when using ‘s’ ending verbs. Recognizing these errors and understanding how to correct them is an important part of mastering this grammatical concept.

This section highlights frequent errors and provides clear, corrected examples.

Mistake 1: Omitting the ‘S’ Ending

One of the most common mistakes is forgetting to add the ‘s’ ending to verbs when using a third-person singular subject. This error can make the sentence grammatically incorrect and confusing.

• Incorrect: He eat breakfast every morning.
• Correct: He eats breakfast every morning.

Mistake 2: Adding ‘S’ to All Verbs

Another common mistake is adding ‘s’ to verbs regardless of the subject. This error often occurs when learners overgeneralize the rule and apply it incorrectly to all present tense verbs.

• Incorrect: I eats breakfast every morning.
• Correct: I eat breakfast every morning.

Mistake 3: Incorrect Use of Auxiliary Verbs

Learners often misuse auxiliary verbs with ‘s’ endings. For instance, using ‘do’ instead of ‘does’ or adding ‘s’ to the main verb when an auxiliary verb is already present.

• Incorrect: He do not like coffee.
• Correct: He does not like coffee.
• Incorrect: He does likes coffee.
• Correct: He does like coffee.

Mistake 4: Misusing Irregular Verbs

Irregular verbs like ‘to be’ often cause confusion. For example, using ‘are’ instead of ‘is’ with a third-person singular subject is a common error.

• Incorrect: She are a doctor.
• Correct: She is a doctor.

Mistake 5: Confusing Singular and Plural Nouns

Sometimes, learners confuse singular and plural nouns, leading to incorrect verb agreement. It’s important to correctly identify whether the subject is singular or plural before choosing the verb form.

• Incorrect: The students studies hard.
• Correct: The student studies hard.
• Correct: The students study hard.

Practice Exercises

This section provides several practice exercises to reinforce your understanding of ‘s’ ending verbs. These exercises vary in difficulty and cover different aspects of the rules discussed.

Each exercise includes an answer key for self-assessment.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses.

Question	Answer
1. He ________ (work) at a bank.	works
2. She ________ (play) the piano.	plays
3. It ________ (eat) its food slowly.	eats
4. The sun ________ (rise) in the east.	rises
5. She ________ (study) every night.	studies
6. He ________ (watch) TV.	watches
7. The dog ________ (bark) loudly.	barks
8. She ________ (go) to school.	goes
9. He ________ (teach) English.	teaches
10. The cat ________ (sleep) all day.	sleeps

Exercise 2: Correct the Errors

Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.

Question	Answer
1. He eat breakfast.	He eats breakfast.
2. She play the guitar.	She plays the guitar.
3. It drink water.	It drinks water.
4. The bird fly in the sky.	The bird flies in the sky.
5. He do not like pizza.	He does not like pizza.
6. She are happy.	She is happy.
7. It appear broken.	It appears broken.
8. He study hard.	He studies hard.
9. She watch TV.	She watches TV.
10. The dog bark loudly.	The dog barks loudly.

Exercise 3: Sentence Completion

Complete the sentences using the correct form of the verb provided.

Question	Answer
1. She ________ (live) in New York.	lives
2. He ________ (drive) to work every day.	drives
3. It ________ (rain) a lot in Seattle.	rains
4. The store ________ (open) at 9 AM.	opens
5. She ________ (speak) English fluently.	speaks
6. He ________ (believe) in miracles.	believes
7. The computer ________ (need) an update.	needs
8. She ________ (write) a novel.	writes
9. He ________ (sing) in a band.	sings
10. The baby ________ (cry) at night.	cries

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, there are several more complex aspects of ‘s’ ending verbs to consider. These include the use of subjunctive mood, collective nouns, and nuances in formal writing.

Understanding these advanced topics can further refine your grammar skills and enhance your writing proficiency.

Subjunctive Mood

The subjunctive mood is used to express wishes, suggestions, or hypothetical situations. In the subjunctive mood, the ‘s’

ending is typically dropped, even with third-person singular subjects.

This is a departure from the standard rules and requires careful attention.

Collective Nouns

Collective nouns refer to a group of individuals or items. These nouns can be treated as either singular or plural, depending on the context.

If the group is acting as a single unit, the noun is considered singular, and the verb takes an ‘s’ ending. If the members of the group are acting individually, the noun is considered plural, and the verb does not take an ‘s’ ending.

Formal vs. Informal Writing

In formal writing, strict adherence to grammatical rules is crucial. The correct use of ‘s’ ending verbs is essential for maintaining a professional tone.

However, in informal writing or colloquial speech, some of these rules may be relaxed. It’s important to be aware of the context and audience when deciding how strictly to apply these rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Mastering ‘s’ ending verbs is essential for anyone looking to improve their English grammar skills. By understanding the rules, recognizing common mistakes, and practicing regularly, you can confidently and accurately use ‘s’ ending verbs in your writing and speech.

Remember to pay attention to the context, subject-verb agreement, and any exceptions to the rules. With consistent effort, you can achieve fluency and precision in your use of English verbs.