Lesson 5: General Verbs and Third-Person Singular

Vocabulary and grammar rules focusing on general verbs, third-person singular conjugation, and adverbs of frequency based on Lesson 5.

General Verbs (一般動詞)

Verbs other than be-verbs, such as $play$, $study$, $like$, and $want$.

Word Order

The standard sequence for sentences with general verbs is $Subject + Verb$ (e.g., $I \text{ play soccer}$).

Third-Person Singular Rule

When the subject is not $I$ or $You$ and represents only one person or thing, the verb ending changes by adding $-s$ or $-es$.

Verb Change: $-s$

The standard change for verbs like $like \rightarrow likes$ and $play \rightarrow plays$ when the subject is third-person singular.

Verb Change: $-es$

The change used for verbs like $go \rightarrow goes$ and $watch \rightarrow watches$ when the subject is third-person singular.

Verb Change: $y \rightarrow i + es$

The change used for verbs like $study \rightarrow studies$, where the final $y$ is replaced before adding the suffix.

Have

A general verb meaning 'to possess' that irregularly changes to $has$ when used with a third-person singular subject.

Adverbs (副詞)

Words that describe how often an action occurs, such as $often$, $sometimes$, and $usually$.

Position of Adverbs

Adverbs of frequency are placed before the general verb in a sentence (e.g., $We \text{ often play soccer}$).

Together

A word meaning 'in a group' or 'with each other,' as in the phrase $watch TV together$.

Often

An adverb meaning 'frequently' where the letter $t$ is not pronounced.

Science (理科)

The subject that the speaker likes and studies every day.

Math (算数)

The subject that Sally likes and studies every day.

Play

A general verb used to describe doing sports (e.g., soccer) or performing on a musical instrument (e.g., the piano).

Want

A general verb used to express a desire for an object or thing, such as ice cream.