Mastering the use of ‘s’ endings on verbs is a fundamental aspect of English grammar, particularly vital for forming grammatically correct sentences in the present simple tense. This article serves as a comprehensive guide for English teachers, breaking down the rules, exceptions, and common errors associated with ‘s’ ending verbs.
Understanding these nuances ensures clear and effective communication, a crucial skill for English language learners. This guide is suitable for teachers instructing elementary to intermediate level ESL/EFL students, providing them with the knowledge and tools to effectively teach this essential grammar point.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of ‘S’ Ending Verbs
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories
- Examples of ‘S’ Ending Verbs
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Introduction
The ‘s’ ending on verbs in the present simple tense is a cornerstone of English grammar, playing a critical role in conveying accurate and understandable statements. While seemingly simple, its application can be challenging for English language learners due to various exceptions and nuances.
A solid understanding of this grammatical concept is essential for both teachers and students aiming for fluency and accuracy in English. The correct use of ‘s’ endings signifies grammatical precision and ensures that the intended meaning is clearly communicated.
This article provides a comprehensive guide for teachers, offering a detailed exploration of ‘s’ ending verbs. It covers the definition, structural components, usage rules, common errors, and advanced topics, supplemented with numerous examples and practice exercises.
By mastering the content presented here, teachers can confidently address their students’ questions and challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of this crucial grammatical element.
Definition of ‘S’ Ending Verbs
‘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, or singular nouns). This grammatical feature indicates that the action is being performed by a single entity other than the speaker or the person being addressed.
The ‘s’ ending is added to the base form of the verb to agree with the subject in number and person.
For example, in the sentence “He walks to school,” the verb “walks” has an ‘s’ ending because the subject “he” is a third-person singular pronoun. Without the ‘s’ ending, the sentence would be grammatically incorrect. The ‘s’ ending acts as a marker of subject-verb agreement, ensuring that the verb form corresponds to the subject performing the action.
Classification
‘S’ ending verbs are classified as part of the present simple tense, which is used to describe habitual actions, general truths, and fixed arrangements. This tense is one of the most fundamental tenses in English, and mastering its use is crucial for effective communication.
The ‘s’ ending is specific to the third-person singular form within this tense.
Function
The primary function of the ‘s’ ending on verbs is to maintain subject-verb agreement in the present simple tense. This agreement is essential for conveying grammatical correctness and ensuring that the sentence structure is logical and understandable.
The ‘s’ ending also helps to distinguish between different subjects, clarifying who or what is performing the action.
Contexts
‘S’ ending verbs are used in a variety of contexts, including:
- Describing habitual actions: “She drinks coffee every morning.”
- Stating general truths: “The sun rises in the east.”
- Expressing fixed arrangements: “The train leaves at 9 a.m.”
- Giving instructions or directions: “He turns left at the corner.”
- Narrating stories in the present tense: “The hero fights the dragon.”
Structural Breakdown
The structure of sentences with ‘s’ ending verbs follows a basic subject-verb-object (SVO) pattern. The subject, which is always a third-person singular noun or pronoun, is followed by the verb with the ‘s’ ending.
The object, if present, comes after the verb.
Subject (Third-Person Singular) + Verb (with ‘s’ ending) + Object (optional)
Example: She reads books.
In this example, “She” is the subject, “reads” is the verb with the ‘s’ ending, and “books” is the object. The structure is straightforward, but ensuring correct subject-verb agreement is crucial.
Forming the ‘S’ Ending
The ‘s’ ending is generally formed by adding “s” to the base form of the verb. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, particularly with verbs that end in -s, -x, -ch, -sh, or -o.
In these cases, “es” is added to the base form.
- Base form + s: walk becomes walks, eat becomes eats
- Base form + es: kiss becomes kisses, watch becomes watches, go becomes goes
Additionally, verbs that end in a consonant followed by “y” require changing the “y” to “i” and adding “es.”
- Consonant + y → ies: cry becomes cries, fly becomes flies
Types and Categories
While the basic rule for adding ‘s’ endings appears simple, there are specific categories and exceptions that require careful attention. Understanding these nuances is essential for mastering the correct usage of ‘s’ ending verbs.
Regular Verbs
Regular verbs follow the standard rule of adding “s” to the base form. These verbs are the most common and generally straightforward to use.
Examples:
- walk – walks
- eat – eats
- play – plays
- read – reads
- sleep – sleeps
Verbs Ending in -s, -x, -ch, -sh, -o
Verbs ending in -s, -x, -ch, -sh, or -o require the addition of “es” to the base form. This rule helps maintain pronunciation and avoids awkward word endings.
Examples:
- kiss – kisses
- mix – mixes
- watch – watches
- wash – washes
- go – goes
Verbs Ending in Consonant + Y
For verbs ending in a consonant followed by “y,” the “y” is changed to “i” and “es” is added. This rule ensures proper spelling and pronunciation.
Examples:
- cry – cries
- fly – flies
- study – studies
- try – tries
- worry – worries
Irregular Verbs
Irregular verbs do not follow the standard rules for forming the ‘s’ ending. The most common irregular verb is “have,” which becomes “has” in the third-person singular.
Example:
- have – has
Examples of ‘S’ Ending Verbs
To solidify understanding, let’s explore various examples of ‘s’ ending verbs in different contexts. These examples will illustrate the correct usage and application of the rules discussed earlier.
Regular Verbs Examples
The following table provides examples of regular verbs with ‘s’ endings used in sentences.
| Verb | Sentence |
|---|---|
| Walk | He walks to the park every day. |
| Eat | She eats breakfast at 7 a.m. |
| Play | The child plays with his toys. |
| Read | He reads a book before bed. |
| Sleep | She sleeps for eight hours every night. |
| Work | He works at the bank. |
| Talk | She talks to her mother every day. |
| Listen | He listens to music while he works. |
| Watch | She watches TV in the evening. |
| Cook | He cooks dinner for his family. |
| Clean | She cleans the house on weekends. |
| Write | He writes in his journal every night. |
| Think | She thinks about her future. |
| Feel | He feels happy when he’s with his friends. |
| Need | She needs a new car. |
| See | He sees his friends at the cafe. |
| Want | She wants to travel the world. |
| Help | He helps his neighbor with her groceries. |
| Ask | She asks a lot of questions in class. |
| Call | He calls his sister every week. |
| Learn | She learns something new every day. |
| Live | He lives in a small town. |
| Believe | She believes in herself. |
| Remember | He remembers his childhood fondly. |
| Consider | She considers her options carefully. |
Verbs Ending in -s, -x, -ch, -sh, -o Examples
This table showcases verbs that end in -s, -x, -ch, -sh, or -o and require the addition of “es.”
| Verb | Sentence |
|---|---|
| Kiss | He kisses his wife goodbye. |
| Mix | She mixes the ingredients carefully. |
| Watch | He watches the news every evening. |
| Wash | She washes her hands before cooking. |
| Go | He goes to the gym every morning. |
| Pass | He passes the ball to his teammate. |
| Fix | She fixes the broken toy. |
| Teach | He teaches English to foreign students. |
| Brush | She brushes her hair every morning. |
| Do | He does his homework after school. |
| Buzz | The bee buzzes around the flower. |
| Box | He boxes at the local gym. |
| Reach | She reaches for the top shelf. |
| Push | He pushes the stroller through the park. |
| Echo | His voice echoes in the empty hall. |
| Guess | He guesses the answer correctly. |
| Wax | She waxes her car to keep it shiny. |
| Preach | He preaches about the importance of kindness. |
| Crush | She crushes the garlic for the sauce. |
| Approach | He approaches the building cautiously. |
| Wish | She wishes for a better future. |
| Rush | He rushes to catch the train. |
| Fetch | She fetches the newspaper every morning. |
| Sketch | He sketches in his notebook during his lunch break. |
| Coach | He coaches the basketball team. |
Verbs Ending in Consonant + Y Examples
This table illustrates verbs that end in a consonant followed by “y,” requiring the “y” to be changed to “i” and “es” added.
| Verb | Sentence |
|---|---|
| Cry | She cries when she watches sad movies. |
| Fly | The bird flies south for the winter. |
| Study | He studies hard for his exams. |
| Try | She tries her best in everything she does. |
| Worry | He worries about his family’s health. |
| Carry | He carries his groceries home. |
| Marry | She marries her longtime boyfriend next year. |
| Hurry | He hurries to get to the meeting on time. |
| Reply | She replies to emails promptly. |
| Supply | He supplies the office with necessary materials. |
| Empty | He empties the trash every day. |
| Occupy | She occupies her time with hobbies. |
| Satisfy | He satisfies his hunger with a quick snack. |
| Testify | She testifies in court about the incident. |
| Identify | He identifies the problem quickly. |
| Justify | She justifies her actions with a logical explanation. |
| Modify | He modifies the code to fix the bug. |
| Notify | She notifies the customers about the delay. |
| Verify | He verifies the information before publishing it. |
| Clarify | She clarifies the instructions for the students. |
| Defy | He defies authority by breaking the rules. |
| Magnify | She magnifies the image to see the details. |
| Petrify | He petrifies with fear at the sight of the snake. |
| Rectify | She rectifies the mistake by apologizing. |
| Specify | He specifies the requirements for the project. |
Irregular Verbs Examples
This table shows the irregular verb “have” and its third-person singular form “has.”
| Verb | Sentence |
|---|---|
| Have | He has a new car. |
| Have | She has a lot of experience. |
| Have | It has a long tail. |
| Have | The company has many employees. |
| Have | The building has a modern design. |
Usage Rules
The correct usage of ‘s’ ending verbs is governed by specific rules that ensure grammatical accuracy. These rules are essential for both speaking and writing in English.
Rule 1: Third-Person Singular
The ‘s’ ending is only used with third-person singular subjects (he, she, it, or singular nouns) in the present simple tense. It is not used with other subjects (I, you, we, they, or plural nouns).
Correct: He walks. They walk.
Incorrect: They walks.
Rule 2: Present Simple Tense
The ‘s’ ending is specific to the present simple tense. It is not used in other tenses, such as the past simple or future simple.
Correct: She eats breakfast every day. (Present Simple)
Incorrect: She eated breakfast yesterday. (Past Simple)
Rule 3: Exceptions
As mentioned earlier, verbs ending in -s, -x, -ch, -sh, or -o require the addition of “es,” and verbs ending in a consonant followed by “y” require changing the “y” to “i” and adding “es.” Irregular verbs like “have” have unique forms (has) in the third-person singular.
Rule 4: Modal Verbs
Modal verbs (can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would) do not take ‘s’ endings, regardless of the subject. The main verb following a modal verb remains in its base form.
Correct: He can swim.
Incorrect: He cans swim.
Rule 5: Auxiliary Verbs
When using auxiliary verbs like “do” or “does” in questions or negative statements, the main verb does not take an ‘s’ ending. The ‘s’ ending is incorporated into the auxiliary verb (“does”).
Correct: Does he eat meat? He does not eat meat.
Incorrect: Does he eats meat? He does not eats meat.
Common Mistakes
English language learners often make common mistakes when using ‘s’ ending verbs. Identifying and addressing these errors is crucial for effective teaching and learning.
Mistake 1: Forgetting the ‘S’ Ending
One of the most frequent errors is forgetting to add the ‘s’ ending to verbs with third-person singular subjects.
Incorrect: He walk to school.
Correct: He walks to school.
Mistake 2: Adding ‘S’ Ending to Wrong Subjects
Adding the ‘s’ ending to verbs with subjects other than third-person singular is also a common mistake.
Incorrect: They walks to school.
Correct: They walk to school.
Mistake 3: Incorrect Spelling
Errors in spelling the ‘s’ ending, particularly with verbs ending in -s, -x, -ch, -sh, -o, and consonant + y, are also common.
Incorrect: He gose to school.
Correct: He goes to school.
Incorrect: She crys.
Correct: She cries.
Mistake 4: Forgetting Irregular Verbs
Forgetting that irregular verbs like “have” have unique third-person singular forms is another frequent error.
Incorrect: He have a car.
Correct: He has a car.
Mistake 5: Using ‘S’ with Modal Verbs
Adding an ‘s’ to the main verb after a modal verb is grammatically incorrect.
Incorrect: He can swims.
Correct: He can swim.
Practice Exercises
To reinforce understanding and mastery of ‘s’ ending verbs, here are several practice exercises with varying levels of difficulty. These exercises will help students apply the rules and identify common errors.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. He _______ (walk) to school every day. | 1. walks |
| 2. She _______ (eat) breakfast at 7 a.m. | 2. eats |
| 3. The bird _______ (fly) south in the winter. | 3. flies |
| 4. He _______ (study) hard for his exams. | 4. studies |
| 5. She _______ (watch) TV in the evening. | 5. watches |
| 6. He _______ (go) to the gym every morning. | 6. goes |
| 7. She _______ (try) her best in everything. | 7. tries |
| 8. He _______ (have) a new car. | 8. has |
| 9. She _______ (cry) when she’s sad. | 9. cries |
| 10. It _______ (rain) a lot in the spring. | 10. rains |
Exercise 2: Correct the Errors
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences.
| Incorrect Sentence | Correct Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1. He walk to the store. | 1. He walks to the store. |
| 2. She eat breakfast. | 2. She eats breakfast. |
| 3. The bird flys in the sky. | 3. The bird flies in the sky. |
| 4. He have a book. | 4. He has a book. |
| 5. She can swims well. | 5. She can swim well. |
| 6. It rain often here. | 6. It rains often here. |
| 7. He watch TV every night. | 7. He watches TV every night. |
| 8. She study hard at school. | 8. She studies hard at school. |
| 9. The dog bark loud. | 9. The dog barks loud. |
| 10. My mother cook delicious meals. | 10. My mother cooks delicious meals. |
Exercise 3: Sentence Completion
Complete the following sentences using the correct form of the verb provided.
| Sentence | Correct Completion |
|---|---|
| 1. Every morning, he _______ (drink) coffee. | 1. drinks |
| 2. She always _______ (finish) her homework on time. | 2. finishes |
| 3. The sun _______ (rise) in the east. | 3. rises |
| 4. The train _______ (leave) at 10 a.m. | 4. leaves |
| 5. My cat _______ (sleep) on the sofa all day. | 5. sleeps |
| 6. She _______ (teach) English at the local school. | 6. teaches |
| 7. He _______ (carry) his books in a backpack. | 7. carries |
| 8. She _______ (worry) about her exams. | 8. worries |
| 9. The computer _______ (work) efficiently. | 9. works |
| 10. He _______ (plan) his vacation carefully. | 10. plans |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, exploring more complex aspects of ‘s’ ending verbs can deepen their understanding and refine their grammatical skills.
Advanced Topic 1: Collective Nouns
Collective nouns (e.g., team, family, committee) can be singular or plural depending on whether they are acting as a single unit or as individual members. If the collective noun is acting as a single unit, the verb takes the ‘s’ ending.
If the collective noun is acting as individual members, the verb does not take the ‘s’ ending.
Example: The team plays well together. (Single unit)
Example: The team are arguing about the strategy. (Individual members)
Advanced Topic 2: Relative Clauses
In relative clauses, the verb form depends on the noun or pronoun the clause refers to. If the relative pronoun (who, which, that) refers to a third-person singular noun, the verb in the relative clause takes the ‘s’ ending.
Example: He is the man who lives next door.
Advanced Topic 3: Subjunctive Mood
In the subjunctive mood, which is used to express wishes, suggestions, or hypothetical situations, the ‘s’ ending is not used, even with third-person singular subjects.
Example: I suggest that he be on time. (Not is)
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about ‘s’ ending verbs to address common learner concerns.
- Why do we need ‘s’ endings on verbs?
The ‘s’ ending on verbs is necessary for subject-verb agreement in the present simple tense. It indicates that the subject performing the action is a third-person singular noun or pronoun (he, she, it). Without the ‘s’ ending, the sentence would be grammatically incorrect and potentially confusing.
- When should I NOT use the ‘s’ ending?
You should not use the ‘s’ ending with subjects other than third-person singular (I, you, we, they, plural nouns). You also should not use it in tenses other than the present simple, or with modal verbs.
- What if the subject is a plural noun?
If the subject is a plural noun, you do not use the ‘s’ ending on the verb. For example, “The students study” is correct, while “The students studies” is incorrect.
- How do I know if a verb needs “es” instead of “s”?
If the verb ends in -s, -x, -ch, -sh, or -o, you add “es” instead of “s.” This rule helps maintain pronunciation and avoids awkward word endings (e.g., “He watches,” “She goes”).
- What about verbs that end in “y”?
If a verb ends in a consonant followed by “y,” you change the “y” to “i” and add “es” (e.g., “cry” becomes “cries,” “study” becomes “studies”). If the verb ends in a vowel followed by “y,” you simply add “s” (e.g., “play” becomes “plays”).
- Is “have” the only irregular verb?
While “have” is the most common irregular verb in this context, other verbs can have irregular forms in different tenses. However, regarding the ‘s’ ending in the present simple, “have” (becoming “has”) is the primary irregular verb to remember.
- What if I’m using a question with ‘do’?
When forming questions using the auxiliary verb “do,” the main verb does not take an ‘s’ ending. Instead, the ‘s’ is incorporated into “do,” making it “does.” For example, “Does he eat meat?” not “Does he eats meat?”.
- How can I help my students remember these rules?
Use a variety of teaching methods, including visual aids, flashcards, and interactive exercises. Encourage students to practice speaking and writing using ‘s’ ending verbs, and provide regular feedback to correct errors. Focus on repetition and reinforcement to solidify their understanding.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of ‘s’ ending verbs is crucial for building a strong foundation in English grammar. This article has provided a comprehensive guide for English teachers, covering the definition, structural breakdown, usage rules, common mistakes, and advanced topics related to this essential grammatical concept.
By understanding and applying the information presented here, teachers can effectively instruct their students and help them achieve fluency and accuracy in English.
Remember to emphasize the importance of subject-verb agreement, provide ample practice opportunities, and address common errors proactively. Encourage students to pay close attention to the context and subject of each sentence to ensure correct usage.
With consistent effort and effective teaching, students can confidently master the use of ‘s’ ending verbs and improve their overall English language skills. The key is to make the learning process engaging and interactive, using real-life examples and practical exercises to reinforce understanding and retention.