-#em#s#/em# verb endings

When the subject of a sentence is third-person singular, its verb takes an -s or -es ending in the present tense.

As the chart indicates, the pronouns he, she, and it are third-person singular; so are all singular nouns (such as child) and indefinite pronouns (such as everyone).

In casual speech or informal writing, the -s ending required by standard English is sometimes omitted.

The subjects, Shelby and instructor, are third-person singular, so the verbs must end in -s.

You may be tempted to use the -s ending on verbs with all singular subjects. But the -s ending is used only when the subject is third-person singular (he, she, it, singular nouns, indefinite pronouns).

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: I prepares program specifications and logic diagrams. Revised sentence: I prepare program specifications and logic diagrams. Explanation: The word 'prepares' has been replaced by 'prepare.'

Likewise, the -s ending is not used on a verb when the subject is plural. It is used only with third-person singular subjects.

Example sentence with editing. Original sentence: The dirt floors requires continual sweeping. Revised sentence: The dirt floors require continual sweeping. Explanation: The word 'requires' has been replaced by 'require.'

Subject-verb agreement at a glance

When to use the -s (or -es) form of a present-tense verb

Present-tense verb endings

Exercise: Standard English verb forms 1

Exercise: Standard English verb forms 2

Exercise: Standard English verb forms 3