Spelling of verbs in the Simple Present
How to add -s to the infintive in the Simple Present
Be careful with some words when using the 3rd person singular.
1. verbs ending in a sibilant [s] [z] [ʃ] [ʒ] [ʧ] [ʤ] or verbs ending in -o preceded by a consonant
We add -es to the infinitive.
- I watch → he watches
- I pass → he passes
- I go → he goes
- I do → he does
2. verbs ending in -y
Mind the letter that stands before -y.
Vowel before -y: Add -s.
- I play → he plays
Consonant before -y: Change -y to -i. Then add -es.
- I hurry → he hurries