Rules for Forming the Third Person Singular

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 7 views

As a learner of the English language, understanding the third person singular (3PS) form of verbs is crucial for effective communication. In this article, we will delve into the world of 3PS verbs, exploring their usage, rules, and examples.

What is the Third Person Singular?

The third person singular refers to a noun or pronoun that is not the speaker (first person) or the person being addressed (second person). It includes singular nouns and pronouns, such as he, she, it, and they. The 3PS form of a verb is used to describe an action or state that is attributed to this noun or pronoun.

Rules for Forming the Third Person Singular

There are two main rules for forming the 3PS form of verbs:

Regular Verbs: For regular verbs, the 3PS form is formed by adding -s or -es to the base form of the verb. For example:

Walk (base form) → walks (3PS)
Run (base form) → runs (3PS)
Study (base form) → studies (3PS)

Irregular Verbs: Irregular verbs do not follow the regular pattern of adding -s or -es to form the 3PS form. Instead, they have unique forms that must be memorized. For example:

Go (base form) → goes (3PS)
Take (base form) → takes (3PS)
Be (base form) → is (3PS)

Examples of Third Person Singular Verbs

Here are some examples of 3PS verbs in sentences:

He walks to school every day. (Regular verb)
She studies hard for her exams. (Regular verb)
It goes to the store to buy milk. (Irregular verb)
They take their dogs for a walk. (Regular verb)
He is a good teacher. (Irregular verb)

Common Irregular Verbs

Here are some common irregular verbs that do not follow the regular pattern of adding -s or -es to form the 3PS form:

Be: is, are, am
Have: has, have, had
Do: does, do, did
Go: goes, go, went
Take: takes, take, took
Make: makes, make, made
See: sees, see, saw
Eat: eats, eat, ate

Tips for Mastering the Third Person Singular

Here are some tips to help you master the 3PS form of verbs:

Practice, practice, practice! The more you practice using 3PS verbs in sentences, the more comfortable you will become with their usage.
Learn the irregular verbs! Irregular verbs can be tricky, but with practice and memorization, you can master them.
Use flashcards or online resources to help you memorize the 3PS forms of common verbs.
Read and listen to English texts and conversations to get a feel for how 3PS verbs are used in context.

Conclusion

As you continue to learn about the third person singular (3PS) form of verbs, you may have some questions. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you better understand the 3PS form.

Q: What is the difference between the third person singular and the third person plural?

A: The third person singular (3PS) refers to a singular noun or pronoun, such as he, she, it, or a singular name. The third person plural (3PP) refers to a plural noun or pronoun, such as they, them, or a plural name. The 3PS form of a verb is used to describe an action or state that is attributed to a singular noun or pronoun, while the 3PP form is used to describe an action or state that is attributed to a plural noun or pronoun.

Q: How do I know when to use the third person singular or the third person plural?

A: To determine whether to use the 3PS or 3PP form of a verb, look at the subject of the sentence. If the subject is a singular noun or pronoun, use the 3PS form. If the subject is a plural noun or pronoun, use the 3PP form.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using the third person singular?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when using the 3PS form include:

Using the 3PS form with plural subjects, such as "they walks" instead of "they walk".
Using the 3PP form with singular subjects, such as "he takes" instead of "he takes".
Forgetting to add the -s or -es ending to the base form of the verb, such as "goes" instead of "goes".

Q: How do I form the third person singular of irregular verbs?

A: Irregular verbs do not follow the regular pattern of adding -s or -es to form the 3PS form. Instead, they have unique forms that must be memorized. For example:

Be: is, are, am
Have: has, have, had
Do: does, do, did
Go: goes, go, went
Take: takes, take, took
Make: makes, make, made
See: sees, see, saw
Eat: eats, eat, ate

Q: Can I use the third person singular with collective nouns?

A: Collective nouns, such as team, family, or group, can be either singular or plural, depending on the context. If the collective noun is considered a single unit, use the 3PS form. If the collective noun is considered a group of individuals, use the 3PP form.

Q: How do I use the third person singular in sentences with multiple clauses?

A: When using the 3PS form in sentences with multiple clauses, make sure to use the correct form of the verb in each clause. For example:

He goes to the store, and she buys milk. (Each clause has a separate subject and verb.)
He goes to the store, and they buy milk. (The second clause has a plural subject and verb.)

Q: Can I use the third person singular with nouns that end in -s?

A: Nouns that end in -s, such as bus or address, can be either singular or plural, depending on the context. If the noun is considered a single unit, use the 3PS form. If the noun is considered a group of individuals, use the 3PP form.

Conclusion

Mastering the third person singular form of verbs takes practice and patience. By understanding the rules and examples of 3PS verbs, you can improve your communication skills and express yourself more effectively. Remember to practice regularly, learn the irregular verbs, and use online resources to help you master the 3PS form of verbs.