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Common Errors Workbook |
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Grammar |
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10. Missing verb endings |
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Verb endings are required on certain types of verbs. Present tense verbs require –s or –es endings when these verbs are used with third person singular subjects (the pronoun he, she, or it, or any noun that can be replaced by one of these pronouns). Past tense and past participle forms of regular verbs require –d or –ed endings with any type of subject. Here are some pointers on checking for missing verb endings.
Locate the verb form(s) in the sentence.
Example 1: David always refuse to help his father shovel the driveway.
Example 2: David refuse to help his father shovel the driveway last winter.
Check the verb form to see if it has the appropriate verb ending.
Analysis of Example 1: The sentence has a third person singular subject (David), which requires an –s or –es ending on a present tense verb.
Analysis of Example 2: The verb is a past tense form of a regular verb, which requires a d or –ed ending.
Add the appropriate verb ending.
Revision of Example 1: David always refuses to help his father shovel the driveway.
Revision of Example 2: David refused to help his father shovel the driveway last winter.
Remember: Use –s or –es verb endings with third person singular subjects. Use –d or –ed endings with past tense or past participle forms of regular verbs.
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