Third Person Singular

Learn how to use the third person singular in English.
Sound Grammar

Third Person Singular for Present Simple

Watch four conversations using the grammar on elllo.org.

Answer the following grammar questions.

Present Simple
Third Person Singular

Point 1: The third person singular refers to one person or one thing you are talking about.

Example: he (one man), she (one woman), it (one thing).
  1. Bob is my boss. He helps me a lot.
  2. Suzy has a nice car, but she never drives it to work.
  3. My phone does not take pictures. It does not have a camera.
  4. This pizza tastes great. It has a lot of calories, though.
Point 2: In the present tense, we add -s to the verb when the subject is third person singular.

Example: He plays soccer. She walks to work.
  1. Larry loves video games. He plays them every night.
  2. Sue walks to work. She listens to podcasts as she walks.
  3. My phone needs a new charger. It costs 40 dollars.
Point 3: In negative sentences, change do not to does not for third person singular. In conversation, we usually use the contraction doesn't.
  • She does not work nights.
  • She doesn't work nights.
  • He does not travel much.
  • He doesn't travel much.
  • It does not snow much in my town.
  • It doesn't snow much in my town.
Point 4: In WH questions, change do to does if the question is about the object. The verb in the answer uses -s.
  • When does the train leave?
  • It leaves at six.
  • What does your mom want for her birthday?
  • She wants a cat.
  • How does your wife get to work?
  • She takes the bus.
  • Why does he always look angry?
  • He has a lot of stress.
Point 5: If the question is about the subject (starting with Who or What), add -s to the verb. Do not use does.
  • Who lives here?
  • My friend lives here.
  • What costs a lot of money?
  • College costs a lot of money.
  • Who talks to you every day?
  • My dad talks to me every day.
  • What takes up a lot of your time?
  • Driving to work does.
Point 6: In Yes/No questions, change do to does and use does or doesn't in the answer.
  • Does he work here?
  • Yes, he does. / No, he doesn't.
  • Does she have a nice house?
  • Yes, she does. / No, she does not.
  • Does it rain much in your town?
  • Yes, it does. / No, it does not.

About the Teacher

My name is Todd Beuckens and I am an ESL teacher in Japan.

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