Correcting Grammar in Present Tense: 'He Pays Little Attention to Details' vs 'Does He Pays a Little Attention'

When it comes to grammatical correctness in English, particularly in the realm of present tense sentences, it's crucial to distinguish between the correct form and the common errors that can occur. This article aims to address one such distinction by explaining the proper use of the present tense for the subject 'he' when expressing attention to detail.

He Pays Little Attention to Details

The sentence 'He pays little attention to details' is the correct form. Here, 'he' refers to a singular third-person subject, and 'pays' is the correct verb form. The present tense of the verb 'to pay' in the third-person singular form is 'pays.' This sentence is a straightforward declaration about someone's level of attention to detail.

Incorrect: Does He Pays a Little Attention?

On the other hand, the sentence 'Does he pays a little attention' is incorrect. Here, the error occurs in the use of 'pays' with the auxiliary verb 'does.' The auxiliary verb 'does' is used to form questions and negatives in the present tense of the third-person singular subject. In such constructions, the infinitive form of the main verb is used after 'does.' Therefore, the correct form should be 'Does he pay a little attention?'

Understanding the Correct Usage

The rule is simple but important. When using 'does' in a question or negative construction, the infinitive form of the verb is needed, not the -s form used in the affirmative sentence. Here are some examples for better clarity:

He loves his wife. (Affirmative sentence) He does love his wife. (Using 'does' as an auxiliary verb, with 'love' in its base form) Does he love his wife? (Question form)

Additional Examples

To further illustrate the correct usage, here are some additional examples:

1. He Pays Little Attention to Details

This sentence is a statement indicating that the subject ('he') pays little attention to details.

2. Incorrect: Does He Pays a Little Attention?

The use of 'pays' with 'does' is incorrect in this context. The correct form is 'Does he pay a little attention?'

Conclusion

Maintaining grammatical correctness is essential for clear and effective communication. Understanding how to properly use 'does' with the base form of verbs in questions and negatives ensures that your writing or speech is precise and understandable. So, the correct sentence is 'He pays little attention to details.' If you're forming a question, the correct form is 'Does he pay little attention?' Staying informed on these rules will help you communicate effectively and efficiently in the English language.

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