Present Simple: When to Add "S" to Verbs

In English, when you talk about he, she, or it doing something in the present, you add an "s" to the verb.

This is a small grammar rule, but it's one of the most common mistakes learners make, even at higher levels, simply because it's easy to forget in the middle of a sentence.

❌ "She work at a hospital."
✅ "She works at a hospital."

The Rule, Explained

Add "s" to the verb when the subject is he, she, it, or a single person or thing's name (this is called "third person singular").

❌ "He like coffee." → ✅ "He likes coffee."
Why: "He" is one person, so the verb needs the "s."

❌ "My sister live in Toronto." → ✅ "My sister lives in Toronto."
Why: "My sister" is one person (same as "she"), so the verb needs the "s."

❌ "It cost too much." → ✅ "It costs too much."
Why: "It" always takes the "s" form in the present tense.

When NOT to Add "S"

Don't add "s" for I, you, we, or they, since these subjects use the base form of the verb.

✅ "I like coffee."
✅ "They live in Toronto."
✅ "We work together."

Special Spelling Rules

Some verbs need a small spelling change instead of just adding "s":

• Verbs ending in -sh, -ch, -x, -s: add "es" instead of just "s." → "watch" becomes "watches," "fix" becomes "fixes."

• Verbs ending in a consonant + "y": change the "y" to "i" and add "es." → "study" becomes "studies," "try" becomes "tries."

• The verb "have" is irregular: it doesn't follow the normal rule at all. "Have" becomes "has," not "haves."

Try This

Write 3 sentences about someone you know (using he, she, or their name), talking about something they do regularly.

Make sure to add the correct "s" ending to each verb.

Example: "My brother works in an office. He drives to work every day. He likes his job."