Understanding verb endings in Present Simple tense

-s – The Most Common Ending

For cases where the verb does not fall under any specific rule described below, just add the ending -s:

Here are some examples where the verb takes the -s ending:

• Sleep → sleeps
• Eat → eats
• Play → plays
• Read → reads
• Run → runs
• Work → works

-es – Added to Verbs with Specific Endings

If the verb you are dealing with has one of the endings listed below, you should add the ending -es:

• -s / -ss
• -sh
• -ch
• -x
• -o

Here are a few examples of verbs that take the -es ending:

• Kiss → kisses
• Wash → washes
• Watch → watches
• Fix → fixes
• Go → goes

-ies – Added to Verbs Ending with Consonant + y

If you see a consonant + y at the end of a verb, the ending for the Present Simple tense in the form of he/she/it changes to -ies.

For example, these words:

• Cry → cries
• Fly → flies
• Study → studies
• Try → tries

The presence of a consonant before the -y is crucial for adding the -ies ending. If a vowel comes before the “y” at the end of the word, simply add the ending -s:

• Play → plays
• Enjoy → enjoys

Important to Remember

These rules are essential for grammatical correctness, but in everyday conversation, differences in endings often go unnoticed.