Why 'She Sings Well' is Correct and Not 'She Sing Well'

Grammar plays a crucial role in ensuring clear and effective communication. One common confusion among English learners and even native speakers is the appropriate use of verb tenses and adverbs. In this article, we will explore why it is correct to say 'she sings well' and not 'she sing well,' and we will dive into the grammar rules that govern this.

Rule of Third Person Singular Present Active Indicative

Verbs in the third person singular present active indicative form end with the letter 's.' This rule applies to all verbs in the present tense when the subject is a singular third-person pronoun such as 'he,' 'she,' or 'it.' Here are some examples:

She takes He eats It says

Let's apply this to the verb 'sing’: She sings and not she sing. The inclusion of the 's' at the end is not just optional; it is necessary for grammatical correctness.

Adverb Use in Verb Modification

When describing the action of a verb, it is important to use the correct form of adverb, which modifies a verb, rather than the adjective form, which modifies a noun. In the sentence 'she sings well,' the adverb 'well' tells us how she sings, not what she is like as a person.

The Oxford Dictionary supports this rule. Here, 'well' as an adverb is used to describe the verb 'sings.' Adding 'good' would not be correct because 'good' is an adjective and describes a noun. For example, 'her singing is good' describes the quality of her singing, not how she sings.

Examples and Clarifications

Below are a few more examples to illustrate the correct use of 'well' as an adverb in describing a verb:

She sings well. (indicates how she sings)

She sings beautifully. (beautifully is an adverb modifying how she sings)

Her singing is good. (good is an adjective describing the noun 'singing')

Verb Tense and Adverb Placement

It is also important to note that certain adverbs, such as 'well,' typically precede the verbs they modify. For example, the phrase 'sings well' is grammatically correct, but 'well sings' is not. Similarly, 'beautifully sings' is correct while 'sings beautifully' might sound more natural but is structured with the adverb coming after the verb.

Here are a few examples to demonstrate the placement of 'well' and 'beautifully':

She sings well Sarah sings well She sings beautifully Sarah sings beautifully

Conclusion

Understanding the correct usage of adverbs like 'well' and 'beautifully' is crucial for clear communication in English. Remember that adverbs are used to modify verbs, and in the case of 'well,' it should follow the verb it describes. By applying these rules, you can ensure that your sentences are both grammatically correct and easily understood.

Mastering these nuances will not only improve your writing and speech but also help you avoid common grammatical errors in English. If you are further advancing your knowledge, consider exploring other aspects of English grammar, such as sentence structure, article usage, and complex verb tenses.