Question

He does not _______ novels.

• A. write
• B. writes
• C. wrote
• D. writing

Answer 1

Answer:

A. write

• structure of simple present tense=subject+v1 form of the verb + object
• In English, when forming a negative sentence in the simple present tense, the auxiliary verb "does" is used (for third person singular subjects like he, she, it), and the main verb remains in its base form.
• The base form of the verb "write" is "write," without the added -s that is used in the third person singular in affirmative sentences.

Here's the breakdown:

• Affirmative: "He writes novels." (In this case, the -s is added to "write" for the third person singular subject "He.")

• Negative: "He does not write novels." (The auxiliary verb "does" is used, and the main verb "write" remains in its base form without the -s.)

This is a consistent rule in English grammar for forming negative statements in the present simple tense. The auxiliary verb "does" takes care of indicating the present tense, and the main verb stays in its base form.