The third person singular: pronunciation and spelling

9.7.1 Pronunciation of the 3rd person singular[compare > 2.21 ]

Is/ after /f/, /p/, /k/, /t/ - laughs puffs drops kicks lets

Verbs ending in /z /, /d3/, /s / , /j/, /tf/ and /ks/ take an extra syllable in the third person which is pronounced /iz/ loses manages passes pushes stitches mixes

Other verbs are pronounced with a Izl in the third person after / b / robs after/d/ adds after /g/ digs after /I/ fills after/m/ dreams after/n/ runs after/r)/ rings after vowel + w or r draws st rs after /v/ loves after vowels sees pays Says is normally pronounced /sez/ and does is pronounced /cIaz/

9.7.2 Spelling of the 3rd person singular[compare > 2.20]

Most verbs add s work/works drive/drives play/plays run/runs Verbs normally add es when they end in o do/does s miss/ misses x mix/mixes -ch catch/catches -sh push/pushes

The simple present tense

When there is a consonant before -y, change to les cry/cries but compare buy/buys say/says obey/obeys

9.8 Uses of the simple present tense

9.8.1 Permanent truths
We use the simple present for statements that are always true

Summer followsspring Gases expandwhen heated

9.8.2 'The present period' We use the simple present to refer to events actions or situations which are true in the present period of time and which for all we know may continue indefinitely What we are saying in effect, is 'this is the situation as it stands at present' My father worksin a bank My sister wearsglasses

9.8.3 Habitual actions The simple present can be used with or without an adverb of time to describe habitual actions, things that happen repeatedly / get up at 7 John smokesa lot

We can be more precise about habitual actions by using the simple present with adverbs of indefinite frequency (always never, etc [> 7.39]) or with adverbial phrases such as every day [> 7.38]

/ sometimes stay up till midnight

She visitsher parents every day

We commonly use the simple present to ask and answer questions

which begin with How often⁷

How often do you go to the dentist? - I go every six months

Questions relating to habit can be asked with ever and answered with e g never and sometimes not ever [> 7.40.5] Do you ever eat meat? - No I never eatmeat

9.8.4 Future reference
This use is often related to timetables and programmes or to events in
the calendar

The exhibition opens on January 1st and closes on January 31stThe concert begins at 7.30 and ends at 9.30 We leave tomorrow at 11.15and arrive at 17.50 Wednesday, May 24th marksour 25th wedding anniversary

For the use of the simple present after when etc [> 1.45.2]

9.8.5 Observations and declarations
We commonly use the simple present with stative and other verbs to
make observations and declarations in the course of conversation e g
/ hope/assume/suppose/promise everything will be all right

I betyou were nervous /ust before your driving test

It says here that the police expect more trouble in the city

I declare this exhibition open

I see/hear there are roadworks in the street again

I love you I hatehim

We live in difficult times - I agree