Simple Present Tense: When To Use 'S' Or 'ES'?

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 47 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into one of the most fundamental aspects of English grammar: the simple present tense. Specifically, we're going to tackle that ever-so-slightly confusing question: when do you add an 's' or 'es' to a verb in the simple present? It’s a question that pops up for many English learners, and getting it right can really improve the clarity and correctness of your writing and speaking. So, let's break it down in a way that’s super easy to understand.

Understanding the Simple Present Tense

First off, it's important to grasp what the simple present tense actually means. The simple present tense is used to describe habits, general truths, repeated actions, or unchanging situations, emotions, and wishes. Think of it as the go-to tense for things that are generally true or happen regularly. For example:

I eat breakfast every morning.
The sun rises in the east.
She works at a bank.

These sentences describe actions or states that are habitual, factual, or regular. Now, let’s zoom in on the tricky part: that little 's' or 'es' that sometimes appears at the end of the verb.

The Third-Person Singular Rule

The secret to knowing when to add 's' or 'es' lies in what's called the third-person singular. This refers to the pronouns he, she, and it, as well as any singular noun that can be replaced by these pronouns (e.g., John, Mary, the dog). Basically, when your subject is he, she, it, or a singular noun, the verb usually gets an 's' or 'es' attached to it in the simple present tense. This is a fundamental rule in English grammar, and mastering it will significantly improve your fluency and accuracy.

Let's look at some examples:

He plays the guitar.
She writes novels.
It barks loudly.
John works at the store.
Mary reads books.
The dog chases squirrels.

Notice how each of these sentences has a singular subject (he, she, it, John, Mary, the dog) and the verb ends in 's'. This is the core of the rule. But, of course, there are always a few exceptions and specific cases we need to consider.

When to Add 'es' Instead of 's'

Okay, so we know that the third-person singular usually takes an 's' at the end of the verb. But why 'es' sometimes? The general rule is that you add 'es' instead of just 's' when the verb ends in certain letters. These letters are usually: s, ss, sh, ch, x, and o. This is to make the words easier to pronounce. Imagine trying to say "he fixs" – it just doesn't roll off the tongue as nicely as "he fixes," does it?

Here are some examples to illustrate this:

He kisses his wife.
She misses her family.
It washes the dishes.
He watches TV.
She fixes cars.
He goes to school.

In each of these cases, adding 'es' makes the pronunciation smoother and more natural. This is why the English language has evolved to include this rule – to make communication easier.

Exceptions and Special Cases

Now, like with most grammar rules, there are a few exceptions and special cases to keep in mind. These might seem a bit tricky at first, but with a little practice, they'll become second nature.

The Verb 'have'

The verb have is a bit of an oddball. Instead of adding 's' or 'es', it changes completely to has in the third-person singular. For example:

I have a car.
He has a car.
She has a book.
It has a bone.

This is just something you have to memorize. There's no real logic to it, but it's a very common verb, so you'll get plenty of practice using it.

Verbs Ending in 'y'

For verbs that end in a 'y' preceded by a consonant, you change the 'y' to 'i' and then add 'es'. For example:

I study English.
He studies English.
They cry often.
She cries often.

However, if the 'y' is preceded by a vowel (a, e, i, o, u), you simply add 's', like normal:

I play the guitar.
He plays the guitar.
They enjoy the party.
She enjoys the party.

Modal Verbs

Modal verbs like can, should, must, and will don't follow the third-person singular rule. They never take an 's' or 'es'. For example:

I can swim.
He can swim.
She should study.
It must be done.

This makes modal verbs a bit simpler to use, as you don't have to worry about adding anything to them.

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to master the simple present tense and the 's' or 'es' rule is to practice! Try writing your own sentences using different subjects and verbs. Pay close attention to whether the subject is third-person singular and whether the verb ends in a letter that requires 'es'. The more you practice, the more natural it will become.

Examples to Try

Here are a few sentences to get you started. Try filling in the correct form of the verb:

She _______ (watch) TV every evening.
He _______ (go) to the gym regularly.
The dog _______ (bark) at strangers.
Mary _______ (study) French.
It _______ (rain) a lot in the spring.

Answers

She watches TV every evening.
He goes to the gym regularly.
The dog barks at strangers.
Mary studies French.
It rains a lot in the spring.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a good understanding of the rules, it's easy to make mistakes. Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

Forgetting the 's' or 'es': This is the most common mistake. Always double-check your sentences to make sure you've added the 's' or 'es' when needed.
Adding 's' to all verbs: Remember, the 's' or 'es' only applies to the third-person singular.
Incorrectly changing verbs ending in 'y': Make sure you know when to change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es', and when to simply add 's'.

Why This Matters

You might be wondering why all this fuss about a little 's' or 'es'? Well, accuracy in grammar is crucial for clear communication. Using the simple present tense correctly, including the proper use of 's' and 'es', makes your writing and speaking more precise and easier to understand. It also makes you sound more professional and confident.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! The simple present tense and the 's' or 'es' rule explained in plain English. Remember the third-person singular rule, pay attention to the exceptions, and practice regularly. With a little effort, you'll master this important aspect of English grammar and improve your communication skills significantly. Keep practicing, and you'll be a pro in no time! Happy learning, guys!