The form of the verb used in a sentence is almost always determined by the number and person of the subject. This can cause a great deal of confusion for beginner level students.
For example, in the simple present tense the verb takes the marker -s when the subject is a singular noun or pronoun.
Complete the following sentences using an appropriate simple present tense form.
1............... you know his name?
Wrong!
Use "Do" to form a present simple yes/no question with the subject "you".
2We ............... strangers.
Wrong!
Use "do not trust" for a present simple negative sentence with the plural subject "we".
3Arun ............... with his left hand.
Wrong!
Use "writes" because a third-person singular subject takes -s in the simple present.
4Salim ............... for the national hockey team.
Wrong!
Use "plays" because a third-person singular subject takes -s in the simple present.
5My parents ............... me to get good grades.
Wrong!
Use "want" because the plural subject "my parents" takes the base verb in the simple present.
6Where ............... you live?
Wrong!
Use "do" to form a present simple question with the subject "you".
7What ............... he do?
Wrong!
Use "does" to form a present simple question with the third-person singular subject "he".
8Rahul ............... not have a job.
Wrong!
Use "does" before "not have" with the third-person singular subject "Rahul".
9Shiva ............... an apartment in the city.
Wrong!
Use "owns" because a third-person singular subject takes -s in the simple present.
10Gauri ............... lovely long hair.
Wrong!
Use "has" to show possession with the third-person singular subject "Gauri".
Answers
- Do you know his name?
- We do not trust strangers.
- Arun writes with his left hand.
- Salim plays for the national hockey team.
- My parents want me to get good grades.
- Where do you live?
- What does he do?
- Rahul does not have a job.
- Shiva owns an apartment in the city.
- Gauri has lovely long hair.
