Verbs play a crucial role in language, helping us describe actions, states, and occurrences. While we often focus on verbs in their base form, many verbs undergo modifications based on the subject or tense of a sentence. One common variation is when verbs end with -s, particularly in the present tense. These verbs are typically associated with the third-person singular subjects (he, she, it), making them essential for effective communication in everyday conversations and formal writing.
In this article, we’ll explore verbs that end with “s,” their usage, and why understanding them is important for mastering English grammar. Whether you’re a student, a professional writer, or just someone looking to improve their language skills, this guide will provide you with all the necessary information in a simple and engaging way.
What are Verbs that End with S?
Before diving into the specifics, let’s clarify what verbs that end with s actually are. When we add -s to a verb, it’s usually because we’re referring to the third-person singular subject in the present tense.
For example:
- She runs every morning.
- He writes long letters.
Key Points to Remember:
- Verbs ending in -s are primarily used with the third-person singular subject (he, she, it).
- These verbs show actions that are happening regularly or continuously.
- This grammatical structure is typically used in the present tense.
Why is it Important to Know About Verbs that End with S?
Understanding verbs that end with -s is vital because they form an essential part of sentence structure, especially in formal writing. Incorrect use of -s forms can make your sentences sound awkward and grammatically incorrect. As English learners or writers, knowing when and where to use this form ensures clarity and proper communication.
Common Verbs That End with S
Here’s a list of some common verbs that end with -s in their third-person singular present tense forms. These verbs are among the most frequently used in the English language and will help you gain confidence in using this grammatical form.
Action Verbs
These verbs describe actions that can be performed.
- Runs – She runs fast.
- Jumps – The cat jumps high.
- Reads – He reads books every night.
- Writes – She writes in her journal every day.
- Plays – The dog plays in the yard.
State-of-being Verbs
These verbs describe conditions or states of being.
- Is – She is happy.
- Has – He has a new car.
- Does – He does his homework every evening.
Irregular Verbs
Some irregular verbs form their third-person singular with -s as well.
- Goes – She goes to the gym regularly.
- Knows – He knows how to cook.
Verbs with Special Uses
Some verbs that end with -s serve specific grammatical functions or appear in unique contexts.
- Says – He says he’s tired.
- Sees – She sees the doctor every week.
- Does – He does not like coffee.
- Believes – She believes in fairies.
60 verbs that end with s
| Verb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| accepts | She accepts the invitation. |
| adds | He adds salt to the soup. |
| admits | She admits her mistake. |
| agrees | He agrees with the proposal. |
| appears | The sun appears in the morning. |
| arrives | The train arrives at 8 AM. |
| attacks | The army attacks at dawn. |
| believes | She believes in miracles. |
| bends | He bends down to tie his shoes. |
| blows | He blows the whistle. |
| borrows | She borrows my book every week. |
| brings | He brings lunch to work. |
| buys | She buys fresh flowers every Sunday. |
| catches | He catches the ball with one hand. |
| chooses | She chooses the red dress. |
| closes | He closes the door quietly. |
| compares | He compares prices before buying. |
| considers | She considers the options carefully. |
| corrects | He corrects his students’ papers. |
| creates | The chef creates beautiful dishes. |
| decides | She decides to take a day off. |
| delivers | He delivers packages every morning. |
| distracts | She distracts her brother with games. |
| enables | The new software enables faster work. |
| enjoys | She enjoys playing tennis. |
| finishes | He finishes his work before lunch. |
| forgets | She forgets to bring her lunch sometimes. |
| gives | He gives a speech at the conference. |
| goes | She goes to the gym every morning. |
| guesses | He guesses the answer quickly. |
| happens | It happens every year. |
| helps | He helps his parents with chores. |
| holds | She holds the record for most goals. |
| hopes | He hopes for good weather. |
| hurts | The injury hurts badly. |
| informs | She informs me of the meeting schedule. |
| inspects | He inspects the machinery for defects. |
| knows | She knows everyone at the party. |
| lends | He lends her money when needed. |
| likes | She likes to read in her free time. |
| lives | He lives in a small town. |
| listens | She listens to music while working. |
| looks | He looks for his keys everywhere. |
| makes | She makes delicious cupcakes. |
| needs | He needs a vacation soon. |
| opens | She opens the window to get fresh air. |
| plans | He plans his trips carefully. |
| plays | She plays the piano beautifully. |
| prepares | He prepares the meeting agenda. |
| presents | She presents her findings at the meeting. |
| reaches | He reaches the finish line first. |
| remembers | She remembers to call her parents. |
| runs | He runs every morning for exercise. |
| sees | She sees the potential in every idea. |
| shines | The sun shines brightly today. |
| sings | He sings in the choir. |
| speaks | She speaks five languages. |
| takes | He takes the bus to work every day. |
| teaches | She teaches English at the school. |
| thinks | He thinks deeply about every problem. |
| transforms | The city transforms during the festival. |
| understands | He understands the importance of the task. |
| waits | She waits for the train every day. |
| watches | He watches the game on TV. |
| works | She works in a law firm. |
| worries | He worries too much about small things. |
How to Use Verbs that End with S Correctly
When using verbs that end with s it’s important to apply them in the right context. Let’s break down some simple rules to follow when working with these verbs.
Rule 1: Third-Person Singular Subjects
Verbs that end with s are used when the subject of the sentence is a third-person singular pronoun: he, she, it, or any singular noun (e.g., John, the cat).
Example Sentences:
- She works hard every day.
- The dog barks loudly at strangers.
- It rains a lot in the spring.
Rule 2: Present Tense
These verbs are most commonly used in the present tense to describe actions that are habitual, ongoing, or true in the present time.
Example Sentences:
- He runs every morning to stay fit.
- The teacher teaches English at the local school.
- She watches movies in the evening.
Rule 3: Exceptions and Irregular Forms
Some verbs may appear irregularly or have unique forms in the third-person singular present tense, but they still follow the general rule of adding -s.
Example Sentences:
- He goes to the office every day. (Irregular verb “go” becomes “goes”)
- She has two children. (Irregular verb “have” becomes “has”)
Expanding Your Vocabulary: More Verbs That End with S
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore a wider range of verbs that end with s. These verbs will help you diversify your language use, making your communication more engaging and varied.
Here’s a more extensive list, categorized by different types of actions:
Verbs Related to Mental Actions
These verbs describe actions involving thinking, understanding, and perceiving.
- Thinks – She thinks about the problem all day.
- Knows – He knows the answer to the question.
- Believes – She believes in the power of education.
- Remembers – He remembers every detail of the conversation.
- Sees – She sees the potential in every situation.
Verbs Describing Physical Actions
Verbs in this category describe physical movements, gestures, or actions that are directly observable.
- Bends – He bends down to pick up the book.
- Runs – She runs every morning before work.
- Takes – He takes a break every afternoon.
- Catches – She catches the bus at 8 AM.
- Holds – He holds the door open for her.
Verbs Relating to Communication
These verbs involve speaking, writing, and other forms of communication.
- Says – He says he will help us with the project.
- Asks – She asks a lot of questions in class.
- Answers – He answers all the calls at the office.
- Tells – She tells her friends about her travels.
- Suggests – He suggests we meet at the park.
Verbs Involving Social Interactions
These verbs describe interactions with other people, including cooperation, conflict, and social behavior.
- Helps – She helps the children with their homework.
- Supports – He supports his team during the competition.
- Respects – They respect their parents’ opinions.
- Insults – He insults his colleague during the meeting.
- Gives – She gives a gift to her friend on her birthday.
Verbs Related to Change or Transformation
These verbs describe changes in states, positions, or conditions.
- Changes – She changes her mind every time.
- Adapts – He adapts to new situations quickly.
- Improves – She improves her skills every day.
- Fixes – He fixes his broken bike.
- Increases – The company increases its sales every quarter.
Understanding Verb Tenses and Their Role in Communication
While focusing on verbs that end with s, it’s important to understand how they fit within the broader context of verb tenses. English verbs can take various forms depending on whether they are in the present, past, or future tense.
Present Tense and Third-Person Singular
The third-person singular present tense is what we use when referring to someone or something other than ourselves or the person we’re talking to. This is the form that involves verbs ending in -s. For example:
- She writes reports every week.
- The dog barks loudly at night.
- He runs every morning to stay fit.
Simple Present Tense
The simple present tense is used to express habitual actions, general truths, or situations that are happening right now. For the third-person singular, this tense uses verbs that end with s.
Example Sentences:
- She loves reading mystery novels.
- It rains often during the summer.
- He eats breakfast at 7 AM every day.
Exceptions with Irregular Verbs
As mentioned before, some irregular verbs don’t follow the usual -s rule. Instead, they have unique forms that you must memorize. Common examples include:
- Has – She has a meeting this afternoon.
- Does – He does not agree with the proposal.
- Goes – She goes to yoga class every Wednesday.
These irregular forms can be tricky, but they are crucial for mastering the language.
Practice and Real-World Application
The key to mastering verbs that end with s is consistent practice. To improve your skills, apply these verbs in real-world scenarios. Let’s look at a few simple exercises and tips to boost your understanding:
Exercise: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences using the correct form of the verb.
- He ________ (play) the piano every evening.
- She ________ (write) a letter to her friend.
- The teacher ________ (explain) the lesson clearly.
- It ________ (rain) heavily today.
- They ________ (study) together at the library.
- She ________ (sing) in the choir every Sunday.
- He ________ (like) to watch movies on weekends.
- My brother ________ (read) a book right now.
- The dog ________ (bark) loudly every morning.
- He ________ (eat) breakfast at 7 AM every day.
- She ________ (work) at a law firm in the city.
- The manager ________ (organize) the meeting for tomorrow.
- She ________ (enjoy) reading books in her free time.
- It ________ (snow) outside, so we can’t go out.
- She ________ (talk) to her friend on the phone.
- The cat ________ (chase) the mouse around the house.
- The child ________ (ask) a lot of questions about the world.
- She ________ (help) her father with gardening every weekend.
- The chef ________ (prepare) a delicious dinner for the guests.
- He ________ (travel) to new places every year.
Common Mistakes with Verbs that End with S
Although the rule seems straightforward, many learners of English make mistakes with verbs that end with s. Let’s take a look at some common errors and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Forgetting the -S
A common mistake is forgetting to add the -s when using third-person singular subjects. This is particularly common with verbs like run or play.
Incorrect:
- She run every morning.
- He play the guitar.
Correct:
- She runs every morning.
- He plays the guitar.
Mistake 2: Adding -S with First and Second-Person Subjects
You should only add -s when the subject is third-person singular. Don’t add -s if the subject is I, you, we, or they.
Incorrect:
- I runs to the store.
- They plays football on weekends.
Correct:
- I run to the store.
- They play football on weekends.
Mistake 3: Misusing Irregular Verbs
Some irregular verbs, like have, go, and do, have unique forms in the third-person singular. It’s important to learn and remember these irregular forms to avoid mistakes.
Incorrect:
- She have a car.
- He goes to the park.
Correct:
- She has a car.
- He goes to the park.
Conclusion On Verbs that end with S
In conclusion, verbs that end with s play a crucial role in sentence construction, particularly in the present tense when used with third-person singular subjects. Understanding and mastering these verbs is essential for improving your grammatical accuracy and fluency in English. By practicing regularly and applying these verbs in various real-world scenarios, you can confidently incorporate them into your daily conversations and writing.
Whether you’re writing essays, speaking with colleagues, or simply engaging in casual conversation, knowing how to use verbs like runs, plays, and speaks will elevate your communication skills. Consistent practice through exercises and application in real-world contexts will ensure that you not only remember these verbs but also use them naturally.
So, keep practicing, stay consistent, and don’t hesitate to challenge yourself with new exercises as you continue to improve your English grammar.