He goes, not “he go”: the -s in the present simple

The rule

In the present simple, add -s or -es to the verb after he, she, it (or one person or thing): she works, he goes, it costs.

Arabic and French change the verb for every person. English changes it only once, for he, she and it, so the -s is easy to forget, and listeners notice when it's missing.

Examples

In a conversation

A: What does your brother do?

B: He works in a hotel. He starts at 7 every morning.

A: Does he like it?

B: Yes, he loves it.

Practice

Choose the best answer. The answers are at the end of the lesson.

1. My sister ___ English every day.
   • a) study
   • b) studies
   • c) studys
2. He ___ to work by train.
   • a) goes
   • b) go
   • c) gos
3. The shop ___ at 9 a.m.
   • a) open
   • b) opening
   • c) opens

Tip

Spelling: go → goes, watch → watches (add -es after o, ch, sh, s, x); study → studies; have → has.

Answers

1. b) studies. Consonant + y becomes -ies: studies.
2. a) goes. After he, go becomes goes.
3. c) opens. The shop = it, so opens.

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