Common English Verbs Ending in ‘S’: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding verbs that end in ‘s’ is crucial for mastering English grammar, particularly when constructing sentences in the present simple tense. These verbs play a key role in indicating actions performed by third-person singular subjects (he, she, it).

This guide will explore the intricacies of these verbs, providing a comprehensive overview of their usage, rules, common mistakes, and advanced topics. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this article will equip you with the knowledge and skills to use these verbs accurately and confidently.

This article is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners who are just starting to grasp the basics of verb conjugation to advanced learners who want to refine their understanding and avoid common errors. Native English speakers can also benefit from this comprehensive review of a fundamental aspect of English grammar.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition of Verbs Ending in ‘S’
3. Structural Breakdown
4. Types and Categories
5. Examples of Verbs Ending in ‘S’
6. Usage Rules
7. Common Mistakes
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics
10. FAQ
11. Conclusion

Definition of Verbs Ending in ‘S’

Verbs ending in ‘s’ are typically found in the present simple tense and are used to indicate actions or states of being performed by third-person singular subjects (he, she, it, or singular nouns that can be replaced by these pronouns). This grammatical form is crucial for conveying habitual actions, general truths, scheduled events, and states of being. Understanding when and how to use these verbs correctly is fundamental to accurate and effective communication in English.

In essence, the addition of ‘s’ to the base form of a verb signals that the subject is singular and not the speaker or listener. This conjugation rule helps to maintain subject-verb agreement, a cornerstone of English grammar.

The ‘s’ ending acts as a marker, ensuring that the verb form corresponds with the subject’s singularity and person.

Classification

Verbs ending in ‘s’ fall under the broader category of finite verbs, which are verbs that show tense, person, and number. They are specifically conjugated to agree with third-person singular subjects in the present tense. This classification helps distinguish these verbs from other verb forms, such as infinitives or participles, which do not exhibit such agreement.

Function

The primary function of verbs ending in ‘s’ is to express actions or states of being carried out by a singular subject that is neither the speaker nor the listener. This includes describing habits (He eats breakfast every morning), general truths (The sun rises in the east), scheduled events (The train leaves at 10 am), and states of being (She feels happy). Without this ‘s’ ending, the sentences would be grammatically incorrect when used with third person singular subjects.

Contexts

These verbs are commonly used in a variety of contexts, including:

• Descriptive writing: Describing the actions or characteristics of characters or objects.
• Narrative writing: Relating events that occur regularly or are generally true.
• Expository writing: Explaining facts, processes, or phenomena.
• Conversational English: Discussing daily routines, habits, and general knowledge.

Structural Breakdown

The structure of verbs ending in ‘s’ is relatively straightforward. The basic 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 that can be replaced by one of these pronouns.

However, there are some exceptions and variations to this rule, particularly with verbs ending in -y, -sh, -ch, -x, or -o.

Basic Rule: Adding ‘s’

For most verbs, adding ‘s’ is as simple as it sounds. For example:

• He works hard.
• She sings beautifully.
• It rains frequently.

Verbs Ending in ‘Y’

If a verb ends in a consonant followed by ‘y’, change the ‘y’ to ‘i’ and add ‘es’. For example:

• study becomes studies (He studies English.)
• cry becomes cries (She cries often.)
• try becomes tries (He tries his best.)

However, if a verb ends in a vowel followed by ‘y’, simply add ‘s’. For example:

• play becomes plays (He plays the guitar.)
• enjoy becomes enjoys (She enjoys reading.)
• say becomes says (He says hello.)

Verbs Ending in -sh, -ch, -x, -s, -o

For verbs ending in -sh, -ch, -x, -s, or -o, add ‘es’ to the base form. For example:

• wash becomes washes (He washes the dishes.)
• watch becomes watches (She watches TV.)
• fix becomes fixes (He fixes cars.)
• kiss becomes kisses (She kisses her baby.)
• go becomes goes (He goes to school.)
• do becomes does (She does her homework.)

Types and Categories

While the core concept remains the same, verbs ending in ‘s’ can be categorized based on their function and the type of action they describe. Understanding these categories can help in choosing the appropriate verb and constructing more nuanced sentences.

Action Verbs

Action verbs describe physical or mental actions. These are the most common types of verbs that take the ‘s’ ending.

Examples include:

• runs (He runs every day.)
• eats (She eats lunch at noon.)
• thinks (He thinks about the problem.)
• writes (She writes novels.)
• reads (He reads books.)

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,” which becomes “is” in the third-person singular present tense. Other linking verbs include seems, appears, and becomes.

• is (He is a doctor.)
• seems (She seems happy.)
• appears (It appears to be raining.)
• becomes (He becomes angry easily.)

Auxiliary Verbs

Auxiliary verbs, also known as helping verbs, assist the main verb in a sentence. In the present simple tense, the auxiliary verb “do” becomes “does” in the third-person singular.

However, “does” is usually used in questions or negative statements.

• does (He does not like coffee. Does she understand?)

Examples of Verbs Ending in ‘S’

To solidify understanding, let’s explore a comprehensive set of examples, categorized by verb type and usage. These examples will illustrate how verbs ending in ‘s’ are used in various contexts and sentence structures.

The following table provides examples of common action verbs ending in ‘s’. Each example demonstrates the verb in a sentence with a third-person singular subject.

Verb	Example Sentence
Acts	He acts in plays.
Adds	She adds sugar to her tea.
Admires	He admires her dedication.
Answers	She answers the phone.
Asks	He asks a question.
Bakes	She bakes delicious cakes.
Believes	He believes in ghosts.
Bends	She bends the wire.
Bites	The dog bites the bone.
Blows	The wind blows fiercely.
Boils	The water boils quickly.
Breaks	He breaks the glass.
Brings	She brings flowers.
Builds	He builds houses.
Burns	The fire burns brightly.
Buys	She buys groceries.
Calls	He calls his mother.
Catches	She catches the ball.
Changes	He changes his mind.
Cleans	She cleans the house.
Climbs	He climbs the mountain.
Closes	She closes the door.
Cooks	He cooks dinner.
Counts	She counts the money.
Cries	He cries when he’s sad.
Cuts	She cuts the paper.
Dances	He dances gracefully.
Decides	She decides quickly.
Delivers	He delivers packages.
Digs	She digs in the garden.

This table illustrates sentences using linking verbs ending in ‘s’. These verbs connect the subject to a descriptive word or phrase.

Verb	Example Sentence
Is	He is a teacher.
Seems	She seems tired.
Appears	It appears to be true.
Becomes	He becomes angry.
Feels	She feels happy.
Looks	He looks young.
Sounds	It sounds interesting.
Tastes	The soup tastes good.
Remains	He remains calm.
Stays	She stays at home.
Grows	He grows taller every year.
Turns	The leaf turns brown.
Smells	The flower smells sweet.
Prove	He proves his point.
Gets	She gets better.
Goes	It goes bad.
Keeps	He keeps the secret.
Falls	She falls asleep.
Runs	The business runs smoothly.
Comes	He comes prepared.
Starts	She starts a new life.
Ends	The movie ends well.
Lies	He lies still.
Stands	She stands firm.
Sits	He sits quietly.
Succeeds	She succeeds in her career.
Fails	He fails to understand.
Works	It works effectively.
Proves	He proves his theory.
Rests	She rests after work.

This table provides examples of auxiliary verbs ending in ‘s’, specifically “does,” used primarily in questions and negative statements.

Verb	Example Sentence
Does	He does not want to go.
Does	Does she like chocolate?
Does	It does seem strange.
Does	Does he know the answer?
Does	She does her best.
Does	Does it rain often here?
Does	He does exercise every day.
Does	Does she speak English?
Does	It does matter to me.
Does	Does he understand the problem?
Does	She does a good job.
Does	Does it make sense?
Does	He does the laundry.
Does	Does she need help?
Does	It does not work properly.
Does	Does he have a car?
Does	She does the dishes.
Does	Does it cost much?
Does	He does his homework.
Does	Does she live here?
Does	It does get cold at night.
Does	Does he play guitar?
Does	She does the shopping.
Does	Does it snow in winter?
Does	He does not agree.
Does	Does she like coffee?
Does	It does help a bit.
Does	Does he watch TV?
Does	She does not care.
Does	Does it matter?

Usage Rules

Using verbs ending in ‘s’ correctly requires understanding the rules of subject-verb agreement in the present simple tense. The fundamental rule is that the verb must agree with its subject in number (singular or plural) and person (first, second, or third).

For third-person singular subjects, the verb typically takes an ‘s’ ending.

Subject-Verb Agreement

The most important rule is ensuring that the verb agrees with the subject. Here’s a breakdown:

• Singular Subjects: Use the verb with ‘s’ (e.g., He sings, She dances, It rains).
• Plural Subjects: Use the base form of the verb (e.g., They sing, We dance, You rain – though the last is grammatically incorrect in most contexts, it illustrates the rule).

Exceptions and Special Cases

There are a few exceptions to the general rule:

• Modal Verbs: Modal verbs (can, could, will, would, shall, should, may, might, must) do not take an ‘s’ ending in the third-person singular. For example, He can sing, not He cans sing.
• “Have”: The verb “have” is irregular. In the third-person singular, it becomes “has” (e.g., He has a car).

Negative Sentences and Questions

In negative sentences and questions, the auxiliary verb “do” is used. In the third-person singular, “do” becomes “does.” The main verb remains in its base form.

For example:

• Negative: He does not sing. She does not dance. It does not rain.
• Question: Does he sing? Does she dance? Does it rain?

Common Mistakes

One of the most frequent errors made by English learners is the incorrect application of the ‘s’ ending to verbs. Recognizing and understanding these common mistakes is essential for improving accuracy.

Incorrect Subject-Verb Agreement

A common mistake is using the base form of the verb with a third-person singular subject, or vice versa.

• Incorrect: He sing. Correct: He sings.
• Incorrect: They sings. Correct: They sing.

Forgetting ‘S’ in Affirmative Sentences

Learners often forget to add the ‘s’ to the verb in affirmative sentences when using a third-person singular subject.

• Incorrect: She eat lunch. Correct: She eats lunch.
• Incorrect: He work hard. Correct: He works hard.

Incorrect Use of “Does”

Another mistake is using “does” incorrectly in negative sentences or questions.

• Incorrect: He doesn’t sings. Correct: He doesn’t sing.
• Incorrect: Does he sings? Correct: Does he sing?

The table below illustrates common mistakes and provides the correct versions.

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
She go to school.	She goes to school.	Missing ‘es’ for verbs ending in ‘o’.
He don’t like coffee.	He doesn’t like coffee.	Incorrect use of “don’t” with a third-person singular subject.
Does he speaks English?	Does he speak English?	Verb should be in the base form after “does”.
It rain every day.	It rains every day.	Missing ‘s’ for a third-person singular subject.
The dog bark.	The dog barks.	Missing ‘s’ for a third-person singular subject.
My brother play the guitar.	My brother plays the guitar.	Missing ‘s’ for a third-person singular subject.
She have a car.	She has a car.	Incorrect form of “have” for a third-person singular subject.
He can sings well.	He can sing well.	Modal verbs do not take an ‘s’ ending.
They watches TV.	They watch TV.	Incorrect use of ‘s’ with a plural subject.
We eats dinner late.	We eat dinner late.	Incorrect use of ‘s’ with a plural subject.

Practice Exercises

To reinforce your understanding of verbs ending in ‘s’, complete the following exercises. These exercises cover various aspects of the grammar rules discussed, from basic subject-verb agreement to more complex sentence structures.

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb.

Sentence	Verb (Base Form)	Answer
He ______ to school every day.	go	goes
She ______ English fluently.	speak	speaks
It ______ a lot in the winter.	snow	snows
The dog ______ at strangers.	bark	barks
My brother ______ the guitar.	play	plays
She ______ a car.	have	has
He ______ hard on his projects.	work	works
The sun ______ in the east.	rise	rises
She ______ happy most of the time.	seem	seems
The baby ______ when he is hungry.	cry	cries

Exercise 2: Correct the sentences that have errors in subject-verb agreement. If the sentence is correct, write “Correct”.

Sentence	Answer
He don’t like coffee.	He doesn’t like coffee.
Does she speaks Spanish?	Does she speak Spanish?
It rain every afternoon.	It rains every afternoon.
She eat lunch at noon.	She eats lunch at noon.
They watches TV every night.	They watch TV every night.
He can sings very well.	He can sing very well.
She have a beautiful garden.	She has a beautiful garden.
The bird fly high in the sky.	The bird flies high in the sky.
He study hard for his exams.	He studies hard for his exams.
The train leave at 6 AM.	The train leaves at 6 AM.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences in the negative form using “does not” or “doesn’t”.

Sentence	Answer
He likes pizza.	He does not like pizza / He doesn’t like pizza.
She speaks French.	She does not speak French / She doesn’t speak French.
It snows in July.	It does not snow in July / It doesn’t snow in July.
The cat eats fish.	The cat does not eat fish / The cat doesn’t eat fish.
He plays tennis.	He does not play tennis / He doesn’t play tennis.
She has a dog.	She does not have a dog / She doesn’t have a dog.
He works on weekends.	He does not work on weekends / He doesn’t work on weekends.
The sun rises in the west.	The sun does not rise in the west / The sun doesn’t rise in the west.
She seems tired.	She does not seem tired / She doesn’t seem tired.
The baby cries at night.	The baby does not cry at night / The baby doesn’t cry at night.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of verb usage and exploring more complex sentence structures can further enhance their proficiency. This section delves into less common but equally important aspects of verbs ending in ‘s’.

Subjunctive Mood

The subjunctive mood is used to express wishes, suggestions, or hypothetical situations. In certain constructions, the ‘s’ ending is omitted even with third-person singular subjects. This primarily occurs after verbs like suggest, recommend, insist, and demand when followed by a “that” clause.

• Example: I suggest that he be present at the meeting. (Not is)
• Example: The doctor recommended that she rest. (Not rests)

Formal Writing

In formal writing, maintaining strict subject-verb agreement is paramount. Pay close attention to compound subjects and collective nouns to ensure accuracy.

For example:

• The team works well together. (Collective noun “team” treated as singular.)
• John and Mary work at the same company. (Compound subject requires the base form of the verb.)

Literary Contexts

In some literary or poetic contexts, deviations from standard grammar rules may occur for stylistic effect. However, these instances are rare and should be approached with caution, as they can easily lead to grammatical errors if not used intentionally.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about verbs ending in ‘s’, along with detailed answers to clarify any lingering doubts.

1. Why do we add ‘s’ to verbs in the present simple tense?

   The ‘s’ is added to verbs in the present simple tense to indicate that the subject is third-person singular (he, she, it). This is a rule of subject-verb agreement in English grammar, ensuring that the verb form corresponds with the subject’s number and person. It helps distinguish actions performed by singular subjects from those performed by plural subjects.

2. What happens if I forget to add ‘s’ to a verb?

   Forgetting to add ‘s’ to a verb when it is required can lead to grammatical errors and confusion. The sentence may sound awkward or incorrect, and it can affect the clarity of your communication. Consistent use of the ‘s’ ending in the present simple tense is crucial for maintaining grammatical accuracy.

3. Are there any verbs that don’t follow the ‘s’ rule?

   Yes, there are a few exceptions. Modal verbs (can, could, will, would, shall, should, may, might, must) do not take an ‘s’ ending. Additionally, the verb “have” becomes “has” in the third-person singular. These exceptions should be memorized to avoid errors.

4. How do I know when to use “does” in a question?

   Use “does” in questions when the subject is third-person singular (he, she, it). The main verb in the question should be in its base form. Example: Does he like coffee? vs. Do they like coffee?

5. Is it ever correct to omit the ‘s’ ending in the third-person singular?

   Yes, in certain contexts, such as the subjunctive mood, the ‘s’ ending is omitted. This occurs primarily after verbs like suggest, recommend, insist, and demand when followed by a “that” clause. Also, in conditional sentences, you do not add an -s. For example: If he were here, he would know what to do. (Not was)

6. How can I improve my accuracy with verbs ending in ‘s’?

   Practice is key. Regularly review grammar rules, complete exercises, and pay attention to the verbs used in sentences you read and write. Focus on identifying the subject of each sentence and ensuring that the verb agrees with it in number and person. Additionally, seek feedback from native speakers or language teachers.

7. What is the difference between “He does” and “He is doing”?

   “He does” is in the present simple tense, used for habitual actions or general truths (e.g., He does his homework every day). “He is doing” is in the present continuous tense, used for actions happening now or around now (e.g., He is doing his homework right now).

8. Why does “have” change to “has” in the third person singular?

   The change from “have” to “has” is an irregular verb conjugation. It’s a historical remnant from Old English and simply needs to be memorized. It’s an exception to the general rule of adding ‘-s’ and is a unique feature of the verb “have.”

Conclusion

Mastering verbs that end in ‘s’ is a fundamental step towards achieving fluency in English. By understanding the rules of subject-verb agreement, recognizing common mistakes, and practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your accuracy and confidence in using these verbs.

Remember to pay attention to the context and subject of each sentence to ensure correct verb usage.

Continue practicing with various exercises and real-life examples to solidify your understanding. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they are a natural part of the learning process.

With consistent effort and attention to detail, you’ll become proficient in using verbs ending in ‘s’ and enhance your overall command of English grammar. Focus on the rules, but also immerse yourself in the language through reading and listening to gain a more intuitive understanding.