Present Simple

For the third person singular (he, she, it), you typically add -s to the base form of the verb (infinitive), but there are spelling changes for certain types of verbs.

Verbs ending in -y preceded by a consonant:

• Change the -y to -ies.

• Examples:

  • Study → studies

  • Carry → carries

Verbs ending in -s, -ss, -sh, -ch, -x, or -z:

• Add -es.

• Examples:

  • Pass → passes

  • Watch → watches

  • Fix → fixes

Verbs ending in -o:

• Add -es.

• Examples:

  • Go → goes

  • Do → does

Present Continuous

In the Present Continuous, the verb is used in the -ing form. Here are the spelling changes:

Verbs ending in -e:

• Drop the -e and add -ing.

• Examples:

  • Make → making

  • Take → taking

Short verbs ending in a single consonant after a single vowel:

• Double the consonant and add -ing.

• Examples:

  • Run → running

  • Sit → sitting

Verbs ending in -ie:

• Change the -ie to -ying.

• Examples:

  • Lie → lying

  • Die → dying

Verbs ending in -c:

• Add -k before -ing.

• Example:

  • Panic → panicking

Add -s and find the right category for each verb:

make, study, carry, fly, try, watch, take, mix, go, do, fix and catch

-ies:
-s, -ss, -sh, -ch, -x, -z:
-o:
- no change:

Add -ing and find the right category for each verb:

make, take, study, sit, run, lie, die, swim, get, write, plan, picnic, panic

-e:
short, consonant + vowel:
-ie:
-c: