Introduction
Are you confused about how to correctly use the third person singular in English? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many learners find this aspect tricky, but with the right guidance, mastering it becomes straightforward and even fun.
The question is: How is the third person singular formed and used correctly in English? The answer is when we talk about he, she, or it, we usually add an “-s” or “-es” at the end of the verb. For example, “He walks,” “She watches,” or “It runs.” This simple rule is foundational for clear, correct communication.
In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the third person singular—rules, common mistakes, tips, and practice exercises—so you can confidently use it in your writing and speaking.
What is the Third Person Singular?
The third person singular refers to the grammatical person used when talking about one person or object that is neither the speaker nor the listener. It includes pronouns like he, she, and it, and the corresponding verb forms.
Definition List:
- Third Person Singular: The grammatical form used when the subject is he, she, or it.
- Verb Form: The base verb with an added -s or -es (or sometimes -ies).
- Singular: Refers to only one person or thing.
How to Form the Third Person Singular
Understanding the formation of third person singular verbs is key. Here is a detailed breakdown:
Rules for adding “-s” or “-es”:
| Rule | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Add -s to the base verb for most verbs. | play → plays, run → runs. | Standard rule. |
| Add -es when the verb ends in -ss, -sh, -ch, -x, or -o. | pass → passes, watch → watches, box → boxes, go → goes. | To maintain correct pronunciation. |
| Change -y to -ies if a consonant precedes it. | fly → flies, study → studies. | When verb ends with consonant + y, change y to ies. |
| Keep the base form if the verb ends with -u or -z. | guru → gurus, fuzz → fuzzes. | Less common; mostly in specific contexts. |
Important Note:
Irregular verbs do not follow these rules. For example, “have” becomes “has” in third person singular.
Usage of the Third Person Singular
Knowing the correct form of the verb is not enough; it's equally important to understand when and where to use it:
- Present Simple Tense: Foods, habits, general truths.
- Example: She drinks coffee every morning.
- Commands or Instructions: Sometimes, commands in formal writing use third person.
- Example: The teacher insists that he completes his homework.
- Narration and Descriptions: When describing attributes or ongoing actions.
Tips for Success with Third Person Singular
- Always identify the subject first—he, she, it.
- Remember the rules for adding -s or -es based on the ending of a verb.
- Watch for irregular verbs like has (not haves), does (not dozes).
- Use the correct form consistently in a sentence to avoid confusion.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Correct Approach | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Adding -s to irregular verbs like have or be. | Use has for have, and is/are for be. | Memorize irregular forms separately. |
| Forgetting -s or -es in the verb. | Always check the ending of the verb before adding suffixes. | Practice with regular verbs first. |
| Applying the rule in past or future tense. | Base these rules for present simple only. | Keep tense distinctions clear. |
| Confusing singular with plural forms. | Ensure the subject is singular before applying third person singular. | Verify the subject matches the verb form. |
Variations and Special Cases
- Negative sentences: Use does not + base verb.
Example: She does not play tennis. - Questions: Use Does + subject + base verb?
Example: Does he work here? - Emphasized statements: Use do/does + verb.
Proper Order When Using Multiple Verbs
When constructing sentences with multiple verbs, keep this order:
- Subject (he/she/it)
- Does/doesn't (in negative or question)
- Base verb (without -s/-es/-ies)
Example:
- Correct: He does like apples.
- Incorrect: He likes does apples.
Why Rich Vocabulary & Variations Matter
Using rich vocabulary and understanding different variations allows your writing to be more precise and engaging. For example, instead of repeatedly saying “He runs,” you might say “He sprints, jogs, or races”—adding variety and depth.
Deep Dive: Exploring Personality Traits, Descriptions, and Roles
-
Personality Traits:
Loving, caring, nurturing, patient, stubborn, energetic.- Correct: She is caring and has a nurturing personality.
-
Physical Descriptions:
Tall, petite, muscular, beautiful, aged.- Correct: It looks tall and slim.
-
Role-Based Descriptors:
Supportive, involved, single, parent.- Correct: He supports his team.
These descriptions often influence subject-verb agreement, especially when combined with third person singular forms.
Grammar Instruction & Practice Exercises
1. Fill-in-the-Blank Exercises:
- She ___ (study) hard every day.
- The dog ___ (chase) the ball.
2. Error Correction:
- He go to school every day.
- She does plays piano.
3. Identification:
- Identify the mistake in: “He walk to the park.”
- Correct: “He walks to the park.”
4. Sentence Construction:
- Create five sentences using third person singular in present tense.
5. Category Matching:
Match the pronoun with the correct verb form:
- He _______ (read, reads) a book.
- She _______ (work, works) late.
Why Proper Usage of Third Person Singular Is Crucial
Accurately using third person singular forms enhances clarity and professionalism in your writing. It shows grasp of fundamental grammar rules, making your communication clear and credible.
Summary & Action Points
- The third person singular is formed by adding -s or -es to the base verb, with some irregular verbs like has and does.
- Be mindful of rules regarding endings (-ss, -sh, -ch, -x, -o, -y).
- Practice consistently using targeted exercises.
- Watch out for common mistakes, especially with irregular verbs.
- Expand your vocabulary to add variety and depth to your descriptions.
- Mastering this form makes your conversation and writing more accurate and compelling.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to correctly form and use the third person singular is essential for fluent, correct English. I hope this comprehensive guide clears up any confusion and empowers you to use this grammatical element confidently. Keep practicing, and you'll see your writing and speaking improve dramatically!
Remember, mastering the third person singular is a cornerstone of good grammar. Armed with these tips and insights, you're now ready to elevate your English skills!
