The first chart outlines the spelling rules for adding an -s to nouns (to make them plural) as well as to verbs (when used with he/she/it in the simple present). The second chart outlines the spelling rules for adding -ing to verbs (for the continuous tenses).
Adding -s
Types of Words
Rule
Examples
most words
just add -s
cat = cats
hit = hits
buy = buys
words ending in: ch, sh, s, ss, x, z, zz, o
add -es
watch = watches
dish = dishes
kiss = kisses
fix = fixes
buzz = buzzes
do = does
words ending in f or fe
drop the -f or -fe and add -ves
shelf = shelves
knife = knives
* some exceptions:
belief = beliefs
roof = roofs
words ending in: any consonant + y
drop the -y and add -ies
study = studies
have
change to has
have = has
Adding -ing
Types of Words
Rule
Examples
most words
just add -ing
do = doing
work = working
play = playing
words ending in e
drop the -e and add -ing
dance = dancing
make = making
words ending in ie
drop the -ie and add -ying
die = dying
lie = lying
words ending in a short vowel followed by a single consonant
double the consonant and add -ing
stop = stopping
begin = beginning
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