Few writers would write “Bob love tuna sandwiches.” They would write “loves.”

In the present tense, if the subject of a verb can be replaced by he, she, or it, the verb probably needs that final “s.” Because the name “Bob” can be replaced by he, the verb needs that “s.”

When you write in the present tense, find your verbs. Then find the subject of those verbs. If you can replace them with one of these three pronouns, the verb probably needs that “s.”

Free E-book to Improve Your Writing Skills

Top writing strategies and expert instruction from each of Precise Edit’s writing guides 1 critical article from Precise Edit Training Manual 8 days of instruction from 300 Days of Better Writing 5 top strategies from Bang! Writing with Impact 2 essential word choices from Which Word Do I Use? 1 major comma use from Zen Comma 1 section on main verbs from Concise Guide to Technical and Academic Writing Essential Writing Skills series features two short guides: “Perfect Paragraphs and Super Sentences” and “Strategies for Concise Writing.” Get the free e-book (PDF) OR Purchase the Kindle version ($0.99).