Sell and Sells: Understanding the Difference and Proper Usage
When learning English, one of the common challenges many learners face is understanding the difference between similar words that are used in different contexts. A prime example of this is the verbs “sell” and “sells.” Though they appear almost identical, their usage depends on who or what is doing the action. In this article, we will break down the difference between “sell” and “sells,” providing clear examples, tips, and exercises to help you master these two forms.
What is “Sell”?
“Sell” is a verb, and it is used when you want to describe the act of giving or exchanging something for money. Think of “sell” as the base or root form of the verb. This form is used when the subject of the sentence is “I,” “we,” “they,” or any plural noun or pronoun.
For example:
- “I sell clothes online.”
- “We sell fresh produce at the farmer’s market.”
- “They sell homemade crafts.”
Here, “sell” works because the subject performing the action is either plural (“we,” “they”) or in the first-person (“I”). It’s important to remember that “sell” remains unchanged in this context, regardless of what is being sold.
Tense Application:
In addition to its use in the present tense, “sell” is also used with other tenses, such as:
- Past Tense: “sold”
- “They sold their old car last week.”
- Future Tense: “will sell”
- “I will sell my bicycle next month.”
What is “Sells”?
“Sells” is simply the third-person singular form of the verb “sell.” This means it is used when the subject is “he,” “she,” “it,” or any singular noun. The addition of the “s” at the end reflects that the subject is one person or one thing.
For example:
- “He sells computers at a tech store.”
- “She sells homemade cookies in the neighborhood.”
- “The shop sells vintage furniture.”
In these examples, the subject is singular, so we use “sells.” This tiny “s” makes a big difference in showing that the action is being performed by a singular entity in the present tense.
Tense Application:
“Sells” is used exclusively in the present simple tense for singular third-person subjects. Just like “sell,” it also changes to “sold” in the past tense or “will sell” in the future tense:
- Past Tense: “He sold his laptop last month.”
- Future Tense: “She will sell her artwork next year.”
Key Differences Between “Sell” and “Sells”
At first glance, “sell” and “sells” might seem almost interchangeable, but they serve different purposes based on the subject of the sentence. The key difference lies in subject-verb agreement—one of the essential grammar rules in English.
- Sell: Used when the subject is plural or refers to “I” or “we.”
- “They sell books online.” (plural subject)
- “I sell coffee at the local cafe.” (first-person singular)
- Sells: Used when the subject is singular (third-person singular).
- “He sells shoes at the market.” (singular subject)
- “The company sells luxury items.” (singular subject)
If you’re unsure which form to use, look at the subject of your sentence. If the subject is one person or thing, you need to use “sells.” If it’s more than one or if you’re speaking in the first person, use “sell.”
Common Mistakes with “Sell” and “Sells”
Mistakes with “sell” and “sells” are quite common among English learners, but they can easily be avoided by understanding subject-verb agreement. Below are some frequent errors and how to correct them:
- Mistake: Using “sells” with plural subjects.
- Incorrect: “They sells their products online.”
- Correct: “They sell their products online.”
- Mistake: Using “sell” with a singular subject.
- Incorrect: “She sell books at the local store.”
- Correct: “She sells books at the local store.”
These errors happen because learners sometimes mix up whether the subject is singular or plural. Keeping track of the subject can help ensure you choose the right verb form.
Practice Exercise: Sell vs. Sells
To reinforce your understanding of “sell” and “sells,” try filling in the blanks with the correct form of the verb. Answers are provided at the end.
- He ___ flowers every weekend.
- We ___ tickets for the event.
- The company ___ electronics all over the world.
- I ___ handmade jewelry online.
- They ___ fresh fruits at the market.
Answer Key:
- sells
- sell
- sells
- sell
- sell
Real-Life Usage: Conversations with “Sell” and “Sells”
To help you understand the practical applications of “sell” and “sells,” here are some real-life scenarios:
- Everyday Conversation: “I sell my old clothes on weekends.” (You talking about your own selling habits.)
- Business Context: “Our company sells products internationally.” (Referring to the company, which is singular, and using “sells.”)
- Casual Conversation: “He sells the best coffee in town!” (Talking about someone else’s business.)
Whether you’re discussing your own actions or someone else’s, it’s crucial to choose the correct form of “sell” or “sells” based on the subject.
Conclusion
In summary, understanding the difference between “sell” and “sells” comes down to knowing the subject of your sentence. If the subject is singular, use “sells.” If it’s plural or if you’re using “I” or “we,” use “sell.” By keeping this simple rule in mind and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to use these verbs confidently and correctly.
Remember, mastering these small but important grammar points can make a big difference in your fluency. For more tips on English grammar, be sure to explore other posts on our blog! And if you have any questions or examples of your own, feel free to share them in the comments below.
FAQs: Understanding the Difference Between “Sell” and “Sells”
Q1: What is the main difference between “sell” and “sells”?
A: The main difference lies in the subject-verb agreement. “Sell” is used with plural subjects (e.g., “they,” “we”) or in the first person (e.g., “I”), while “sells” is used with singular third-person subjects (e.g., “he,” “she,” “it”).
Q2: When should I use “sell” instead of “sells”?
A: Use “sell” when the subject is plural or refers to “I” or “we.” For example: “They sell products online,” or “I sell my car.”
Q3: When should I use “sells”?
A: Use “sells” when the subject is a singular third-person noun or pronoun (e.g., “he,” “she,” “it”). For example: “She sells handmade crafts,” or “The store sells electronics.”
Q4: Can “sell” and “sells” be used in different tenses?
A: Yes. In the present simple tense, “sell” is used for plural subjects, while “sells” is used for singular subjects. In the past tense, both forms become “sold” (e.g., “I sold,” “he sold”). In the future tense, both use “will sell” (e.g., “They will sell,” “He will sell”).
Q5: What are common mistakes learners make with “sell” and “sells”?
A: A common mistake is using “sells” with plural subjects or “sell” with singular subjects. For example: “They sells fruits” (incorrect) should be “They sell fruits” (correct).
Q6: How can I practice the difference between “sell” and “sells”?
A: You can practice by filling in sentences with the correct form and paying attention to the subject. Try exercises that focus on subject-verb agreement and use both singular and plural subjects to see how the verb changes.
Q7: Is there any easy way to remember when to use “sell” vs. “sells”?
A: Yes! If the subject is plural or includes “I” or “we,” use “sell.” If the subject is singular and in the third person (e.g., “he,” “she,” “it”), use “sells.”
Q8: Can “sell” or “sells” be used for both tangible and intangible items?
A: Absolutely! Both “sell” and “sells” can be used for tangible items (like products) and intangible items (like services or ideas). For example: “He sells software” (intangible) and “They sell clothes” (tangible).