Re: I run, he runs, they run. Why?


<me@xxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:u9o5v49iqg2u48ooglc2kk54ab2s66c4r0@xxxxxxxxxx
I run, he runs, they run. Why?

Why do we change from run to runs for the verb when we go from I and
they, to he or she? I'm sure it has been addressed before but I
couldn't find anything. By all means point me to a reference if there
is one.

This is standard _indicative mood, present tense_ usage in English.

Only the second person singular uses the "-s" ending. (he, she, it runs)
While:
First person singular and plural. and third person plural (I, we, they run);
second person singular and plural (you run) use the verb form _without_ the "-s" ending.

There may be a few exceptions beyond the "I am" "we, you, they are", "he, she, it is", but they don't come to mind.
Keep in mind. . .this is simple present tense, indicative.

It is probably the firmest and simplest "rule" in a language that seems to exist without rules. But there are people who will leap to correct me, and will have authorities to cite. I will be interested to see any corrections, but if they don't hurry to answer you or me, I will miss it, as I am soon leaving for the weekend.

.

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