2015-08-21
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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 follows spring Gases expand when 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 works in a bank My sister wears glasses
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 smokes a 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 visits her 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 eat meat
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 31st The concert begins at 7.30 and ends at 9.30 We leave tomorrow at 11.15 and arrive at 17.50 Wednesday, May 24th marks our 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 bet you 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 hate him
We live in difficult times - I agree
