Simple Present Subject-Verb Agreement with Regular Verbs

Simple Present Subject-Verb Agreement with Regular Verbs

When constructing sentences in the simple present tense, it's essential to ensure proper subject-verb agreement with regular verbs. This article will guide you through common regular verbs and their conjugations with subject pronouns such as I, you, he/she/it, and we/they.

Is/Are and Simple Present Tense

Singular subjects like "I," "he," or "she" take the base form of the verb in the simple present tense when the verb is "to be" (i.e., "is" for third person singular or "am" for the first person singular). For example:

• I speak English.
• He reads books.
• She dances salsa.

Has/Have and Simple Present Tense

For singular subjects like "he" or "she" and plural subjects like "we" or "they," use the third person singular form of the verb "to have" (i.e., "has") or the third person plural form (i.e., "have") in the simple present tense. For example:

• He has a cat.
• We have a dog.
• They have a garden.

Other Simple Verbs

Many regular verbs follow the same pattern in the simple present tense as the examples above. Here are some common verbs:

• Work: I work at a coffee shop.
• Study: She studies for exams.
• Eat: We eat dinner together.
• Play: They play football with their friends.

Carry/Carries

The verb "carry" is an irregular verb that behaves differently in the simple present tense. The third person singular form of the verb is "carries," as in "She carries groceries to her car."

Watch/Watches

The verb "watch" is another irregular verb that follows a unique pattern in the simple present tense. The third person singular form of the verb is "watches," as in "He watches a documentary on his TV."

While many verbs in English follow regular patterns in their simple present tense conjugations, some verbs, like "carry" and "watch," are irregular. Understanding these exceptions is essential for mastering the simple present tense in English.

Remember, while the simple present tense is primarily used to describe habitual actions or current situations, it's always best to use a consistent and accurate subject-verb agreement when writing or speaking. With practice and attention to detail, you'll find that maintaining correct subject-verb agreement will come naturally.

Learn about subject-verb agreement in the simple present tense with regular verbs in English. Explore common regular verbs and their conjugations with different subject pronouns. Discover exceptions with irregular verbs like 'carry' and 'watch' and enhance your understanding of maintaining accurate subject-verb agreement.