6.2: Should You Use –s (or –es) for a Present-Tense Verb?

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Page ID: 5819

Contributed by Robing Jeffrey
Learning Resource Center (LRC) Director at Klamath Community College

Is the verb’s subject he, she, it, or one? If yes, Time to use –s! If no, Is the subject a singular noun? If yes, Time to use –s! If no, Is the subject a singular indefinite pronoun? If yes, Time to use –s! If no, Stick with the base form of the verb.

Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\)

Example \(\PageIndex{1}\):

Verb’s subject is he, she, it, or one: He loves going to watch musical theater.

Verb’s subject is a singular noun: A parent wants the best for their child.

Verb’s subject a singular indefinite pronoun: Everybody swims in the lake during the summer.