In the present simple, the third person singular, he, she, and it, adds -s or -es to the base verb, as in he plays or she watches. Verbs ending in a consonant plus y change to -ies, as in study becoming studies, and have and do become irregular forms, has and does.
Grammar Rule
This rule only applies to he, she, and it.
Present Simple Third Person: Spelling Rules
| Verb ending | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| most verbs | + -s | He plays. |
| -ch, -sh, -ss, -x, -o | + -es | She watches. |
| consonant + y | y → ies | study → studies |
| irregular | have → has, do → does | She has a red car. He does his homework. |
Remember: practice these rules every day.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using the correct third person present simple form. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Present Simple – Third Person Singular (He/She/It + -s/-es)
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Frequently Asked Questions
When do you add -s in the present simple?
Add -s to most verbs with he, she, or it, as in he plays.
When do you add -es instead of -s?
Add -es to verbs ending in -ch, -sh, -ss, -x, or -o, as in she watches.
What happens to verbs ending in a consonant plus y?
Change y to ies, as in study becoming studies.
What are the irregular third person forms of have and do?
Have becomes has and do becomes does, as in she has a red car or he does his homework.