The third person singular number is a fundamental concept in English grammar. It refers to how we use pronouns and verbs to talk about someone or something that isn’t the speaker or the listener. Understanding the third person singular is crucial because it affects how we construct sentences, especially when it comes to subject-verb agreement.
In simple terms, when we refer to a singular subject (someone or something), we use specific pronouns and verb forms. Let’s dive deeper into the topic and break down the key elements of the third person singular number.
What is the third person singular number?
In English, pronouns and verbs change depending on the person they refer to. The third person refers to someone or something that is not the speaker (first person) or the listener (second person). When it comes to singular forms, it focuses on one individual or object.
Here’s a quick breakdown of third-person singular forms:
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Pronouns: He, she, it (for people, animals, and objects)
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Verbs: The verb usually gets an “-s” or “-es” ending in the present tense (e.g., “he runs,” “she eats,” “it does”).
Basic Points:
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He: Refers to a male individual.
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She refers to a female individual.
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It refers to a non-living object, animal (when gender is unspecified), or concept.
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Possessive forms: his, hers, its (used for ownership).
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Verb conjugation: In the present tense, verbs change to reflect third-person singular subjects (e.g., runs, eats, does).
Let’s explore these forms in detail.
Third Person Singular Pronouns
Third-person singular pronouns refer to individuals or objects that are not the speaker or listener. These pronouns change depending on the gender or non-gender of the subject.
Masculine Singular Pronouns
These pronouns refer to male individuals.
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Subject: He
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Object: Him
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Possessive: His
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Reflexive: Himself
Example Sentences:
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Subject: He is going to the store.
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Object: I saw him at the store yesterday.
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Possessive: The book is his.
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Reflexive: He did it all by himself.
Feminine Singular Pronouns
These pronouns are used to refer to female individuals.
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Subject: She
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Object: Her
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Possessive: Hers
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Reflexive: Herself
Example Sentences:
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Subject: She loves to paint.
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Object: I gave her the gift.
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Possessive: This umbrella is hers.
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Reflexive: She took care of it herself.
Neuter Singular Pronouns
These pronouns are used for non-living objects, animals when the gender is unknown, or ideas/concepts.
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Subject: It
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Object: It
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Possessive: Its
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Reflexive: Itself
Example Sentences:
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Subject: It is raining outside.
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Object: I can’t find it.
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Possessive: The machine lost its power.
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Reflexive: The cat groomed itself.
Verb Forms in Third Person Singular
In English, verbs are often conjugated differently depending on the subject. When the subject is a third-person singular noun or pronoun, the verb changes form in the present tense.
Regular Verbs:
In the present tense, most verbs add -s or -es when the subject is third-person singular.
Examples:
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He runs every morning. (The verb “run” becomes “runs” for third-person singular.)
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She watches TV after work. (The verb “watch” becomes “watches.”)
Irregular Verbs:
Some verbs are irregular and do not follow the typical pattern of adding -s or -es. However, the rule still applies to the present tense third person singular form.
Examples:
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He has a meeting tomorrow. (“Have” becomes “has”)
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She goes to the gym every day. (“Go” becomes “goes.”)
Special Cases in Third Person Singular
There are a few rules and exceptions worth noting when it comes to third-person singular subjects and verb conjugations.
Verbs Ending in “-y”
For verbs that end in -y, the -y becomes -ies when conjugated in the third-person singular form.
Examples:
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Fly → He flies to New York every month.
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Carry → She carries the groceries into the house.
However, if the verb ends in a vowel before the -y, the -y does not change.
Example:
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Play → He plays soccer on weekends.
Modal Verbs:
Modal verbs like can, will, must, etc., do not change in the third-person singular form. They remain the same for all subjects, including the third person.
Examples:
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She can speak three languages.
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He must finish the report by tomorrow.
Common Mistakes with Third Person Singular Number
While the third-person singular number is simple to understand, many learners of English make common mistakes when using it. Below, we will discuss some of these common mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Forgetting to Add “-s” or “-es” to Verbs
One of the most common errors is failing to add -s or -es to the verb when the subject is in the third person singular. This mistake happens often with regular verbs.
Incorrect:
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She runs every morning.
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He plays the guitar.
Correct:
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She runs every morning.
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He plays the guitar.
Tip: If you’re unsure, simply ask yourself: Does the subject refer to one person or thing? If the answer is yes, then remember to add -s or -es to the verb.
2. Misusing “It’s” and “Its”
Another common confusion is between it’s (a contraction of “it is” or “it has”) and its (the possessive form of “it”).
Incorrect:
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The dog lost its collar.
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The cat chased its tail.
Correct:
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The dog lost its collar.
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The cat chased its tail.
Tip: If you can replace “it’s” with “it is” or “it has” in the sentence, use it’s. Otherwise, use it for possession.
3. Using “Was” Instead of “Were” in Hypothetical Situations
When using the past subjunctive mood in hypothetical situations (contrary to fact), were should be used instead of was.
Incorrect:
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If he were here, we could start the meeting.
Correct:
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If he were here, we could start the meeting.
Tip: For all subjects, especially in hypothetical or contrary-to-fact situations, always use were instead of was when referring to the third-person singular.
The Singular “They” in the Third Person Singular Number
The singular “they” has become widely accepted as a gender-neutral pronoun. It is used to refer to a person when their gender is unknown or when they prefer not to be identified as male or female.
The use of the singular “they” is grammatically correct and widely accepted by most style guides, including the APA, Chicago Manual of Style, and Merriam-Webster.
Why Use the Singular “They”?
The singular “they” provides a solution to the gender-specific language dilemma. It allows speakers and writers to refer to a person in a gender-neutral way without using “he” or “she.”
This usage is especially important for inclusivity, allowing individuals who do not identify strictly as male or female to feel seen and respected.
Examples:
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Someone left their book on the desk.
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If a person feels tired, they should rest.
Is It Wrong to Use “They” for One Person?
In the past, the use of “they” as a singular pronoun was sometimes considered incorrect. However, language has evolved, and it is now a standard and widely accepted practice. It’s important to respect people’s preferences and use they if that is how someone prefers to be identified.
How to Master Third Person Singular Number
Mastering the third person singular number is crucial for effective communication in English. Here are some tips to help you confidently use third-person singular pronouns and verb forms:
1. Practice with Pronouns and Verbs
Consistently practicing third-person singular pronouns (he, she, it) and making sure the verbs are correctly conjugated will help solidify your understanding. Start by writing simple sentences using these pronouns and verbs.
2. Be Aware of Subject-Verb Agreement
When constructing a sentence, always check for subject-verb agreement. If your subject is singular, make sure your verb reflects that. This applies to both regular and irregular verbs.
3. Read Examples Aloud
Reading aloud is a great way to reinforce your understanding of grammar rules. Hearing the sentences can help you spot mistakes in subject-verb agreement or pronoun use.
4. Use Language Apps and Grammar Tools
There are many language-learning apps and grammar checkers available that can help you practice and identify errors in your writing. These tools can be incredibly useful in detecting mistakes you might overlook.
Using Third-Person Singular in Different Sentence Types
Different sentence structures require careful attention to the third-person singular number. It’s important to use the right pronouns and verbs for various sentence types, such as questions, negative sentences, and imperative sentences.
1. Third-Person Singular in Questions
In questions, third-person singular pronouns still follow the same rules as declarative sentences. Just remember to invert the subject and verb in yes/no questions, and keep the verb conjugation in the singular form.
Examples:
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Does he like ice cream?
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Is she coming to the party?
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Has it been fixed yet?
2. Third-Person Singular in Negative Sentences
In negative sentences, the third-person singular verb is usually preceded by does not (doesn’t).
Examples:
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He doesn’t like to eat vegetables.
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She doesn’t know the answer.
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It doesn’t matter to him.
3. Third-Person Singular in Imperative Sentences
When giving commands in the third person, the subject is often implied, and the verb remains in its base form. However, in formal or polite instructions, using third-person singular pronouns can sometimes be more appropriate.
Example:
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She should complete her work by tomorrow.
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He must attend the meeting at 10 a.m.
20 Exercises Third-person singular number
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______ likes to swim in the morning. (He/She)
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The teacher says that ______ needs to finish the assignment by Friday. (he/she)
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______ is always prepared for class. (It/She)
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The car broke down, but ______ has been fixed now. (it/they)
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______ plays the guitar very well. (He/She)
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______ loves spending time with her friends. (He/She)
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The dog is sleeping; ______ looks very comfortable. (it/he)
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______ is studying hard for the exam. (She/He)
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I think ______ is a very talented musician. (she/he)
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______ has not yet completed the report. (he/she)
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______ enjoys reading historical novels. (He/She)
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______ needs to be more careful with his words. (He/She)
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The book was on the table; now ______ is gone. (it/they)
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______ was very pleased with the results. (He/She)
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______ doesn’t like eating spicy food. (She/He)
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______ loves helping others in need. (She/He)
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______ is making a lot of progress in school. (He/She)
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The computer is malfunctioning, but ______ should be fixed by tomorrow. (it/he)
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______ walks to work every day. (He/She)
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The dog ate its food, and now ______ is resting. (it/he)
Answer
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He/She
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He/She
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She
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It
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He/She
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She
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It
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She/He
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She/He
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He/She
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He/She
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He/She
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It
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She/He
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She/He
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She/He
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He/She
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It
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He/She
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It
Conculation
Getting the hang of the third-person singular number makes a huge difference in your ability to speak and write correctly in English. Whether you’re using he, she, or it, paying attention to subject-verb agreement and the right pronouns will help you avoid common mistakes. It’s also important to remember that the singular they has become an accepted and useful option for gender-neutral language.
With a little practice, these grammar rules will soon become second nature, allowing you to communicate more clearly and confidently. Keep an eye on verb conjugation, be mindful of possessive pronouns, and take your time to ensure accuracy. The more you practice, the easier it will get. Keep improving, and soon enough, you’ll feel more comfortable navigating the third-person singular in all your writing and conversations!