Introduction
The simple present tense is one of the most common tenses in English. This page will explain the rules for forming the tense with regular verbs.
1. Forming the simple present tense
There are only two basic forms for the simple present tense; one ends with -s and the other doesn't. Here are the rules, using the example verb "sing":
| Subject | Verb Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | simple form | I sing |
| You | simple form | You sing |
| He | simple form + S | He sings |
| She | simple form + S | She sings |
| It | simple form + S | It sings |
| We | simple form | We sing |
| They | simple form | They sing |
In other words, only THIRD PERSON SINGULAR subjects (he, she and it) have to have a verb with -S.
2. -s or -es ?
With most verbs, the third person singular form is created simply by adding -S. However, with some verbs, you need to add -ES or change the ending a little. Here are the rules:
| Verb ending in... | How to make the 3rd person singular | Example |
|---|---|---|
| s | Add -ES | He passes |
| z | Add -ES | She waltzes |
| sh | Add -ES | She wishes |
| ch | Add -ES | He watches |
| x | Add -ES | She mixes |
| o | Add -ES | He goes |
| consonant + y | Change Y to I, then add -ES | It flies |
| [anything else] | Add -S | He sings |
When you are sure that you understand the lesson, you can continue with the exercises.