Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which verb form is used with the third person singular subject 'he'?
Which verb form is used with the third person singular subject 'he'?
What is the verb form used with the pronoun 'you'?
What is the verb form used with the pronoun 'you'?
Which of the following subjects requires the verb form with -s?
Which of the following subjects requires the verb form with -s?
What should be the verb form used with the subject 'everybody'?
What should be the verb form used with the subject 'everybody'?
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For a plural subject, which is the correct verb form?
For a plural subject, which is the correct verb form?
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Which of the following is NOT a singular indefinite noun that needs -s form?
Which of the following is NOT a singular indefinite noun that needs -s form?
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What is the correct verb form for a singular noun such as 'parent'?
What is the correct verb form for a singular noun such as 'parent'?
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When should you use the base form of the verb instead of a modified form?
When should you use the base form of the verb instead of a modified form?
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Study Notes
Verb-Subject Agreement in Present Tense
- Native English speakers instinctively recognize correct verb-subject combinations (e.g., "he talks" vs. "he talk").
- Simple rules can help ensure correct sentence formation even without intuitive understanding.
Present Tense Verb Agreement Rules
- In present tense, verbs must agree with subjects in both NUMBER (singular/plural) and PERSON (first, second, third).
- The ending –s (or –es) is added to third-person singular subjects.
Verb Forms by Person
-
First Person:
- Singular: I love
- Plural: We love
-
Second Person:
- Singular: You love
- Plural: You love
-
Third Person:
- Singular: He/She/It loves
- Plural: They love
Determining When to Use –s ending
- Add –s form (e.g., loves, tries, has) if:
- The subject is "he," "she," "it," or "one."
- The subject is a singular noun (e.g., parent).
- The subject is a singular indefinite noun (e.g., anybody, each, everyone).
- Use the base form of the verb (e.g., love, try, have) when the above conditions are NOT met.
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Description
Test your understanding of verb-subject agreements in the present tense. This quiz covers essential rules that dictate how verbs must align with their subjects in terms of number and person. Brush up on your grammar skills and ensure accurate sentence formation.
