3rd Person Singular - Present Tense
Learn how to use the 3rd person singular in the present tense in English.
Special Lesson Activities for This Grammar Point
Present Simple - Third Person Singular
Point 1:
The third person singular refers to a person or
thing you are talking about. Because it is
singular, it refers to just one person or thing.
- Bob is my boss. He helps me a lot.
- Suzy has a nice car, but she never drives it to work.
- My phone does not take pictures. It does not have a camera.
- This pizza tastes great. It has a lot of calories, though.
Point 2:
In the present tense, we add an /-s/ to verbs if
the subject is the third person singular.
- Larry loves videos games. He plays them every night.
- Sue walks to work. She listens to podcasts as she walks.
- My phone needs a new charger. It costs 40 dollars.
Point 3:
In negative statements, change do not to does not. In spoken
English, we often say 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 questions, change the auxiliary do to does in WH questions if the
question is about the object.
- 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:
Add /-s/ to the verb, and do not use does if the question is about the subject. The
question word will be either what or who.
- 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 the auxiliary do to does in both
the question and the short answer.
- Does he work here?
- Yes, he does. / No, he doesn't. (does not)
- 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.
Answer the following questions about the interview.
About the Teacher
My name is Todd Beuckens and I am an ESL teacher in Thailand. I created this site to provide teachers and students free audio lessons and learning materials not usually found in commercial textbooks.